Things To Do in Seattle, Washington

Seattle is a good city to live if you have a tech job or other very high paying job. If you’re introverted and indoorsy, you’ll love it year-long, especially if you’re somewhat alt and fit in one of the many subcultures present here. If you like hiking, you’ll love the PNW, but it’s rainy and dark for most of the year, so don’t forget your vitamin D pills.

Nestled in the beautiful and picturesque Pacific Northwest, living in Seattle means you are only 20 minutes in any direction from extravagant forests, mountains, coastlines, and other scenic outdoor activities. First inhabited over 15,000 years ago by indigenous tribes of Native Americans, Seattle is an iconic center of culture, enjoying lovely waterways, ocean views, and endless activities. However, be aware that this is one of the most expensive places to live in the entire United States. Housing, education, childcare, among others, are generally higher than the national average. Corporate behemoths like Amazon essentially control the city, to the extent that many of the hip areas formerly dominated by young people and bohemians are slowly (read quickly) being taken over and transformed. Despite the rising costs, the city is absolutely breathtaking, boasting many popular entertainment activities including theaters, festivals, world-class shopping, restaurants, as well as a bustling nightlife. The downside is the exponential growth of income inequality that has become quite visible, especially in the downtown areas. The city is very diverse and has some of the best Indian food on the West Coast of the U.S. The University of Washington is also headquartered here (considered the Ivy League of the West Coast), so there is an abundance of youth as it is a preeminent college town.

It rains 9 months out of the year, has a mass transit system, friendly welcoming city, has plenty of tourists attractions, malls, shopping centers, hiking, ski resorts, casinos, museums. The ethnic diversity of the city’s population is comprised of many nationalities from all over the world. Seattle is surrounded by many lakes and streams providing fishing, water sports, boating, diving and swimming. It is the perfect location to start and raise a family. Seattle is home of professional sports… Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders, Hockey. There are more than five universities and junior colleges, vocational colleges.

While Seattle is certainly one of the most beautiful places to live in the United States, anyone considering moving here should be aware of the high price of living. However, the vibrant city life, excellent coffee, and stunning wildlife just outside the city make it well worth the cost. It’s an excellent place to raise a family, as well, with a strong public school system as well as a network of green areas and parks. Politically, Seattle is fairly far to the left, which anyone with fierce political opinions should take into consideration.

Seattle is a city full of amazing views and creative and quirky people. There is an abundance of activities available year-round from kayaking and hiking to skiing and sailing. Seattle is a bike friendly and walkable city so there is no need to own a car. Last but not least we have an exciting coffee and beer scene! Wherever you decide to live in the city you are always a short walk to a local coffee shop!

Someone moving to Seattle should be prepared for windy and rainy weather, plenty of weekend hikes to nearby State and National Parks and one of the country’s best public transportation systems. Seattle has an abundance of lakes, water bodies, trails and is one of the most dog-friendly US cities. There are coffee shops all over the city, and one will almost always have a Starbucks location within walking distance.

Seattle is a very busy city, similar to Los Angeles but with obvious differences. There are many lakes and several famous landmarks to be visited. The weather is quite bipolar.

CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks and Sounders, gets transformed into ‘Enchant Christmas Seattle’ (ECS). ECS is a large light maze, ice skating rink, holiday shopping center, and eatery. Families go to ECS for holiday photos and family fun. Once the holidays have come to an end, there is a lull until summer starts again. Most people are nice and friendly.

Seattle is known for its rain and cloudy skies, but it’s actually an ideal place for about four months of the year. Between June and September, the temperature stays around 75 degrees, and Seattle residents regularly flock to parks and beaches to enjoy the pleasant weather. I’ve noticed that Seattleites never let a sunny day go unappreciated. You could say that we live for summer!

It’s beautiful. Seriously, it really is. It’s clean (due to ocean air and rain). It’s lush. You’re surrounded by mountains (including volcanoes that you can see form the city). The sunsets are gorgeous. It’s very hilly, so you have good viewpoints from all over the city.

Great food (There is a serious ‘foodie’ scene here, though not a ton of variety. Most of our food is fancy comfort food or locally sourced fish/veggies. We do have a little Asian food scene, but, I’ve been told my multiple sources that it’s not the best Asian food. Good news though, you’re 2. five hours from Vancouver BC! They know how to do sushi/pho/ramen very well.)

Lots of outdoor activities and close to the city (you can work up a sweat hiking around Discovery Park 10 min from Downtown, kayak in the city, swim in Lake Washington 10 min outside the downtown core (clean water too!), bike the Lake Washington loop (100 miles or so) or the Burke Gilman trail (40 miles from Fremont to wineries RT) etc) or outside the city (too many options to list! Ski, backpack, hike, hang-glide, you name it basically).

Seattle is a cultural and technological hub. Companies such as Boeing, Starbucks, and Amazon are centered in the city, giving Seattleites a unique advantage when searching for jobs. Additionally, the northwestern environment is perfect for outdoor exploring. Many locals enjoy hiking, paddle-boarding, rock-climbing, and camping. All are welcome in Seattle. Capital Hill is a cultural hub for members of the LGBTQ+ community, seeking solace or a sense of celebration surrounding their identity. The Pride Parade is an annual event in downtown Seattle, in addition to Black Lives Matter and the Women’s March.