Thinking About Moving To Seattle, WA?
Living In Seattle
Moving To Seattle
Are you thinking of moving to Seattle, Washington? Let’s dive into some important information about the biggest city in Washington State. This urban area is home to slightly more than 733,919 people and is located in King County, south of Snohomish County and north of Pierce County. Seattle is 141 miles south of Vancouver, BC. People who live in Seattle love it for its busy vibe and numerous attractions. It’s often called the “Emerald City” and boasts over 200 miles of shoreline. The city also has a vibrant food and entertainment scene, with various restaurants, retail shops, bars, and other attractions. Broadmoor is the place to be if you’re in the market for a luxury property. The town is known for its opulent homes, condos, and waterfront properties. Additionally, there are several notable neighborhoods to choose from if you’re considering moving to the area. Keep reading to discover what makes Seattle so unique.
Chapters
- History
- Things to do
- Things to see
- Sports Teams
- Employers
- Real Estate Market
- Pros and Cons
- Moving to Seattle
Seattle History
Seattle is situated on the eastern shore of Puget Sound, approximately 90 miles east of the Pacific coast and 113 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border (49th Parallel). It is located in King County and has a population of 730,400 as of recent city estimates. Seattle is the principal city of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Seattle and Tacoma, and nearly 20 other incorporated places. The MSA contains parts of Kitsap County and Pierce County, as well as King County, which encompasses the City of Seattle. Since the 17th century, Puget Sound has been a well-known hub for trade with Native Americans.
In 1897, Seattle gained worldwide recognition during the Klondike Gold Rush, which attracted people hoping to strike it rich in Alaska. This gold rush gained momentum in 1898 after local miners discovered gold in the Klondike. As a result, Seattle served as a staging area for these hopeful miners, leading to a significant boost in the town’s economy. Several prominent Seattle businesses originated from supplying and outfitting these miners.
Seattle played a major role in World War II as a training and support center for U.S. naval forces. The Seattle-Tacoma Shipbuilding Corporation built many ships for the Navy and was the West Coast’s largest producer of destroyers and escort carriers.
Things to see in Seattle
Pioneer Square
Make sure you spend time people-watching in Pioneer Square, Seattle’s oldest neighborhood. This charming area has something for everyone, including cafes, bookstores, and beautiful architecture. While you’re there, visit the Klondike Gold Rush Museum and take in the stunning views from the Smith Tower, which was once the tallest building on the West Coast. For a unique experience, check out Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour and learn about the city’s hidden passageways and tunnels. A visit to Pioneer Square is the perfect way to spend an afternoon in Seattle.
Space Needle
The Space Needle is an iconic structure in Seattle, built for the 1962 World’s Fair. It offers breathtaking city views, including the Cascades and the Olympic Mountains. The tower has undergone several renovations over the years, including the addition of Skyrisers – tilting glass walls that create a floating sensation – and a revolving glass floor that can make visitors feel dizzy. Of course, a cafe is also available for those who want to enjoy the views while sipping on their favorite beverage.
Chihuly
The Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum offers an unforgettable visual journey featuring the magnificent creations of the renowned Northwest glass artist Dale Chihuly. The museum boasts a breathtaking collection of indoor and outdoor installations that will leave visitors in awe. From elegant to extravagant, the sculptures blend glass and nature, with colorful plant and glass combinations in the garden. The experience varies depending on weather conditions, making it a unique and permanent opportunity for Instagram-worthy photos.
Ferris Wheel
Great Wheel It’s located on Pier 57 and stands as one of the largest Ferris wheels in North America. The gondolas are completely enclosed so that you can enjoy the ride, rain or shine. If you’re fortunate at the peak of the 175-foot-high Wheel, you can be awed by breathtaking views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and even the Olympic Mountains. The Seattle Great Wheel opened in 2012 and is an absolute must-see attraction. In addition to the stunning views, the Wheel illuminates, adding elegance to the Seattle skyline.
Fremont
Fremont is Seattle’s indie enclave, known for its “freedom to be quirky” motto. It has great vintage stores and independent boutiques like PIPE + ROW, Show Pony, and Jive Time (for vinyl collectors). Take advantage of the famous Fremont Troll.
Locks
The Ballard Locks in Seattle connect Puget Sound with Lake Washington and the Ship Canal. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden nearby. It’s a great spot to relax by the dock or stroll on the swinging walkways.
Science Center
The Pacific Science Center is a non-profit scientific institution situated in Seattle. Its mission is to ignite curiosity and cultivate a passion for exploration, experimentation, and analytical thinking. I highly recommend checking out the dinosaur and butterfly exhibits, which happen to be two of my personal favorites.
Woodland Park Zoo
Woodland Park Zoo is a fun place to visit, with exhibits featuring animals worldwide. Notable exhibits include the gorilla habitat and the Tropical Asia section. Other sections include African Savanna, Australasia, and the Living Northwest Trail. The zoo also features a butterfly garden, a raptor center, and an indoor play area for children called Zoomazium. With solar-powered attractions like an old-fashioned carousel, a visit to Woodland Park Zoo.
Sports Teams
Seattle is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of activities like biking and boating available. Vacationers will find many hotels, restaurants, and must-see attractions like Pike Place Market. But what really sets Seattle apart is its competitive sports teams.
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The Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks belong to the NFC West division of American football. They have won 10 division titles and participated in three Super Bowls while being supported by a devoted fan base called the “12s.” The team has produced several players and coaches who have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor. Witnessing a Seahawks game is an extraordinary event as the “12s” are truly one-of-a-kind.
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Seattle Kraken
Seattle Kraken is a professional ice hockey team in the NHL’s Pacific Division. They began playing in the 2021-22 season at Climate Pledge Arena. The team was proposed by Seattle Hockey Partners and approved by the NHL in 2018. The Kraken raised a banner commemorating the 1917 Stanley Cup-winning Seattle Metropolitans team in 2021. The team’s name comes from the Kraken of Scandinavian folklore and the Pacific octopus. They paid the $650 million expansion fee in 2021, making them the 32nd team in the NHL.
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Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners had a successful 2022 season, making it to the postseason for the first time since 2001. Despite a lockout of players, they finished with a record of 90-72 and won the Wild Card Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. However, they were ultimately swept by the Houston Astros in the Division Series.
In 1995, the Seattle Mariners achieved a historic win by clinching their first American League West title. This was an amazing feat, as they had been 13 games behind in August. They tied with the California Angels and went on to win a tiebreaker game, allowing them to make it to the postseason for the first time. I had the privilege of witnessing this memorable game firsthand.
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Seattle Sounders FC
The Seattle Sounders are a professional men’s soccer team in MLS. They were founded in 2007 and replaced a second-division franchise. The team shares the same name as the original Sounders franchise.
Seattle Employers:
Starbucks Corporation, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, is actually the world’s largest coffeehouse chain with an impressive 33,833 stores in 80 countries! In fact, the United States alone has 15,444 Starbucks locations, and over 8,900 of them are company-operated. The remaining U.S. stores are licensed.
Boeing is a corporation based in America that designs, manufactures, and sells airplanes, rockets, satellites, and more. It’s one of the world’s largest global aerospace manufacturers and the third-largest defense contractor. Founded in 1916, it merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. Its stock is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
The University of Washington is a top public institution in Washington State, known for its medical, engineering, and scientific research. It’s a member of the Association of American Universities and ranked 5th in the US for research and development spending in 2018. The Huskies have 22 varsity sports teams that compete in the Pac-12 Conference.
Microsoft is a technology company known for its Windows operating systems, Microsoft 365 productivity suite, Xbox video game consoles, and Microsoft Surface touchscreen personal computers. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, it became a leader in the personal computer operating system market with MS-DOS and Windows. Since then, it has diversified from the operating system market and made several corporate acquisitions.
Costco is a popular American retail chain with 855 warehouses worldwide, with headquarters in Issaquah, Washington. Their “Kirkland Signature” products are named after their former location in Kirkland. Costco opened its first warehouse in Seattle in 1983 and is now the fifth-largest retailer in the world.
Amazon is a US-based technology company that offers e-commerce, cloud computing, AI, and digital streaming services. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and has since expanded into various product categories, including autonomous vehicles and satellite Internet.
Real Estate Market
Seattle, Washington, is currently a seller’s market in the real estate market. This means that homes are selling faster and at higher prices. However, this trend is not unique to Seattle, as many cities in the nation are also experiencing a seller’s market. The median sold price for a home in Seattle is approximately $825,500, which is a 15 percent decrease compared to the previous year. Despite this decrease, there are still over 1,389 homes available for sale, providing you with a range of options to consider when searching for a home. Despite the current seller’s market, finding a home that fits your requirements and budget is still possible. It’s worth noting that more than 35% of homes are sold above their listed price, while just over 30% are selling below their listed price.
Pros and Cons of Living in Seattle, Washington
Pros:
- Tons of culture
- Waterfront location
- Lots of things to do
Cons:
- High Cost of Living
- Grey Days
- High Property Crime Rate
Moving to Seattle, Washington- Conclusion
We hope you found our guide on essential things about Seattle, Washington, helpful as you consider relocating. It’s important to research before moving to a new area to ensure it meets your lifestyle and needs. Remember that what’s necessary for one person may not be for another. While we have discussed some cons of Seattle, it’s still a wonderful place to live or visit. Like any area, there are pros and cons, and it’s up to you to decide if Seattle’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. If you’re considering relocating to Seattle, Washington, don’t hesitate to contact us to connect with a local real estate professional who can offer further guidance on buying and selling.