What Are the Pros and Cons of Living in Seattle in 2024?
Seattle Washington State
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Seattle would make a great place to live for any walk of life, but recently most of the new residents are younger, unmarried working professionals. That doesn’t mean that families or retired folks won’t find a fantastic Seattle neighborhood that’s right for them! But if you’re looking for a good job in a bustling city, making the move to Seattle is a no-brainer.
Fun Facts You Should Know About Seattle
- The population of Seattle is around 750,000
- Seattle is one of the most educated U.S. cities.
- It's a very bike-friendly city.
- The iconic Pike Place Market is the oldest continuously operating farmer's market in the country
- Seattle has the largest number of houseboats than any other city,
- Seattle has the longest permanent floating bridge
- The term "flying saucer," in reference to UFOs, was coined in Seattle.
Pros and Cons of Living in Seattle
So what’s it like living in Seattle? To figure this out, you should start with some of its major pros and cons. So grab your favorite coffee (after all, coffee’s a way of life in Seattle) and settle in as we dive into some of the top pros and cons of living in Seattle.
The city is home to a variety of industries that offer well-paying jobs, but a lot of the focus is in tech, information, and communication.
(Source: August de Richelieu via Pexels)
Pro: There Are Great Career Opportunities
Whether you’re a young professional looking to start a new job or just advance in your current career, you might want to consider living in Seattle. The city is home to a variety of industries that offer well-paying jobs, but a lot of the focus is in tech, information, and communication. Companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia all call Seattle home, in addition to thousands of other IT companies. And did you know that lots of jobs are also available in the aerospace industry? Boeing, along with other commercial airline manufacturers, call Seattle home and offer residents a variety of jobs in the area.
You’ll also find plenty of job opportunities in healthcare, science/research, agriculture, and maritime jobs, since Seattle has prime waterfront real estate — both fresh and saltwater.
Con: The Seattle Job Market Is Very Competitive
Remember how we said that Seattle is one of the most educated cities in the country? With a workforce like that, you can naturally expect competition for jobs to be tough. For every job posting, there are plenty of well-qualified candidates to choose from. That being said, it’s best to make sure you’re prepared with a job already secured before your move, or that you’re moving with enough savings to dedicate plenty of time for full-time job searching.
Pro: There’s No State Income Tax
Washington has no state income tax, which means you get to keep more of your paycheck. However, living in Seattle means you’ll have a pretty high sales tax (10.25 percent) to deal with, as well as some of the highest property taxes in the country.
Seattle’s cost of living score is 158.1, significantly higher than the national index of 100.
(Source: Ishaan Kansal via Unsplash)
Con: The Cost of Living in Seattle Is High
While you may take home more of your paycheck to enjoy on dining out at amazing restaurants, recreational activities, or exploring new interests in the city, the cost of living in Seattle is pretty high. Seattle’s cost of living score is 158.1, which is significantly higher than the national index of 100. This means that necessary items like groceries, utilities, housing, and transportation are expensive in Seattle. However, compared to other major West Coast cities, like San Francisco (cost of living score of 245.5) or Los Angeles (161.7), Seattle is much more affordable. And keep in mind that it’s not impossible to live in Seattle on a budget!
The average value of a home in Seattle is $879,400, while the average home value in San Francisco is around $1.3 million. Los Angeles home prices are also more expensive than Seattle, coming in at an average of around $974,100, so when taking that into perspective, perhaps the housing market isn’t as bad as it seems.
If you’d rather rent, the average monthly rent in Seattle is around $2,225 for a one-bedroom apartment, which is lower than both San Francisco ($3,275) and Los Angeles ($2,700).
Pro: Seattle Is Great for Young Professionals and Families
Since the pandemic, Seattle has experienced an influx of young professionals looking to start their careers in a fun, vibrant city full of jobs and culture. This is why you’ll find a lot of professionals and families in Seattle neighborhoods. While residents love the good jobs and easy access to lots of outdoor activities, families also love that Seattle public schools are highly rated. And there are all kinds of cultural activities like museums, parks, and trails perfect for all ages available throughout the city.Another demographic that feels right at home there? Students. Seattle is home to lots of colleges and universities, and you’ll find students living in neighborhoods like Ballard, Fremont, Capitol Hill, and the U District. Popular schools right in the metro area include:
- The University of Washington
- Seattle University
- Seattle Pacific University
Con: If You’re a Retiree, Make Sure You’re Really Ready To Live Here
While professionals, students, and families call Seattle home, that’s not to say there aren’t any older retirees in the area. Seattle has lots of healthcare facilities and green spaces throughout its many neighborhoods that older residents enjoy, but only 12.9 percent of the population is 65 and over. Those with limited mobility may find it harder to get around the city’s hills, and the weather can keep lots of retirees indoors most of the time. Not to mention the high cost of living in Seattle can be difficult for those who are retired and on a limited budget.
No matter what you’re interested in, you can always find ways to explore new cultural experiences in Seattle.
(Source: Adrian Celaya via Unsplash)
Pro: Seattle Is a Very Cultured City
Seattle is known throughout the country as a highly educated cultural hub. Municipal support of the arts is high, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to hear music, view theater productions, and tour museums. No matter what you’re interested in, you can always find ways to explore new cultural experiences in Seattle. Here are a few local favorites to check out:
- Visit the highly acclaimed Seattle Art Museum or the Seattle Asian Art Museum.
- Enjoy educational programs at the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of History and Industry.
- Support the Seattle Philharmonic Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, or the Seattle Opera.
- Enjoy festivals like the yearly Earshot Jazz Festival or the Northwest Folklife Festival.
- Explore the indoor gardens at The Spheres on 7th Avenue.
Con: The Homeless Population Is High
A lot of major cities have experienced a surge in their homeless population — especially since the pandemic — and Seattle is no different. The unhoused population sits at around 11,750 people, often occupying shelters or encampments throughout the city. Seattle is trying to help alleviate this issue and is working to get everyone housed with a mix of programs that address:
- Preventing homelessness by helping people stay in their houses.
- Providing safe shelters for those who are unhoused.
- Finding permanent housing for this population.
Head southeast of the city and you have the expanse of Mt. Rainier National Park to explore either as a day trip or a camping adventure.
(KaLisa Veer via Unsplash)
Pro: Seattle Is Close to Other Popular Destinations
If you’re looking for a city on the West Coast that has lots to offer its residents, including access to plenty of unique natural places and other cities, Seattle could be a great home base for you. Its location in the Pacific Northwest means you’re right along the Pacific Ocean, and you can easily be on the coast of the Olympic National Forest in just over two hours. Head southeast of the city and you have the expanse of Mt. Rainier National Park (which is visible from the city!) to explore either as a day trip or a camping adventure.
Head over to Portland, OR, which is just a 2 hour and 45-minute drive south, or go north and visit our Canadian neighbors in Vancouver in just under 3 hours. Seattle has ferry access to lots of islands in the Puget Sound, as well, and you can easily ferry to the port city of Victoria, BC.
Con: Public Transportation Is Lacking and Traffic Is Tough
Although there are a variety of buses, trains, and ferries set up to serve the residents of Seattle, it seems that they don’t quite connect enough areas. The public transportation was set up to serve certain corridors of the city, and if you don’t live in one of those hubs, it can render public transit pretty useless. The downtown business district is connected, as are tourist spots, but connection is lacking throughout other areas of the city. This could be due to the fact that Seattle is surrounded by water, making it difficult and expensive to connect busways and railways.
The lack of consistent public transit contributes to the intense traffic you’ll encounter as a resident, as well. Locals find that the waterways and the required bridges create natural choke points for busy times of the day.
Most neighborhoods have access to parks, perfect for playing with the kids, walking the dog, or getting in a nice jog.
(Source: alex° via Unsplash)
Pro: There’s Easy Access to Outdoor Activities
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love a city like Seattle. Residents can enjoy an active lifestyle, and it seems like there’s always something to do or a place you can explore. Most neighborhoods have access to parks, perfect for playing with the kids, walking the dog, or getting in a nice jog. And just hours outside of the city is Mt. Rainier National Park, which allows you to explore acres of forest on trails and provides opportunities for biking, horseback riding, and camping. You can also easily visit Tiger Mountain State Forest, Capital State Forest, and Olympic National Forest.
During the warmer summer months, you can even spend time swimming or sunbathing on the best beaches in Seattle, including Golden Gardens Park, Discovery Park, or Pocket Beach.
Con: The Weather Can Be Gloomy
Seattle gets a bad rap for having a lot of rain, but cities like Louisville, Tampa, and Nashville all get more rain than Seattle. While it only rains around 150 days out of the year, it is cloudy about 226 days out of the year. As a resident, this is just something you’ll need to get used to. But just because it’s cloudy doesn’t mean you can’t go outside or that it’s always cold. The summers in Seattle are very nice, and even when it’s cloudy, you’ll find locals out enjoying themselves at state and national parks, the beach, or just taking in a Mariners game at T-Mobile Park.
Fun fact: The colder, gloomy weather in the winter is considered one of the reasons why coffee culture is so big in Seattle, which boasts of a variety of local, indie shops beyond just Starbucks. Because what’s better than sipping on a warm drink in a cozy cafe while it’s damp and chilly outside?
Whether you want fresh smoked salmon, sushi, pho, or teriyaki, you can find authentic and fresh meals throughout the city.
(Source: Gary via Unsplash)
Pro: The Food and Beverage Scene Is Lively
While Seattle is known for its love of coffee, it isn't the only beverage locals are into. The beer brewing scene has existed in Seattle since the 19th century, and its craft brewing scene is very much part of the city’s culture. The Pacific Northwest is famous for the variety of hops that are grown in the region, and these fresh local hops contribute to some amazing brews each and every year. You’ll find breweries, tap rooms, and beer-forward bars all over the city, including:
And while the beer scene is top notch in Seattle, so is the dining scene. There are a variety of cultures that call Seattle home, including Dutch, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Italian — just to name a few. This is why the food scene in Seattle is so diverse and delicious! Whether you want fresh smoked salmon, sushi, pho, or teriyaki, you can find authentic and fresh meals wherever you are at places like:
Con: It’s Not a Very Diverse City
If you’re moving to Seattle from another large, diverse city like New York City or Los Angeles, you should know that Seattle isn’t as diverse. Over 60 percent of residents identify as white, while 16.8 percent identify as Asian. There are smaller percentages of both African American and Hispanic populations, at 6.7 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively.
Pro: You Won’t Need Air Conditioning Often
Did you know that Seattle is the least air-conditioned city in the U.S.? That’s right. Apart from maybe two weeks out of the year, residents do not need to use their AC units. This is thanks to Seattle’s cooler climate, proximity to the ocean, and mild, dry summers. You can save hundreds on your electricity bill by just opening the windows and letting the cooler breezes in from spring until the middle of autumn. This means you don’t have to worry about soaring temperatures in the summer or high humidity levels — the weather in the warmer months is actually quite comfortable!
Con: Seattle’s Crime Rate Is High
While it’s a large city with over 700,000 residents, Seattle has a less-than-stellar crime rating. According to NeighborhoodScout, its crime index rating is a 1, meaning it’s safer than just one percent of other U.S. neighborhoods. That being said, there are plenty of safe neighborhoods in Seattle, including Hawthorne Hills, Blue Ridge, and North Beach, according to AreaVibes.
There are a lot of amazing neighborhoods in Seattle to choose from.
Pro: Seattle Has Lots of Wonderful Neighborhoods
Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, there are a lot of amazing neighborhoods that each offer a little something unique to residents. Here are some examples:
- Belltown is affordable, walkable, and offers lots of restaurants and music venues.
- Fremont has plenty of local shops, coffee houses, yoga studios, and farmer’s markets.
- Columbia City is diverse, welcoming to families, and offers cafes and live music.
- South Lake Union is full of neighborhood markets and restaurants and is an easy commute to the city.
Con: There’s a Potential for Wildfires and Earthquakes
While not as high as the potential for fire in some other parts of the West, the parks and preserves in the Seattle area are at a risk for wildfires. The forests of state and national parks experience earlier snow melt and are dryer for longer amounts of time, which increases the risk of fires. These dangerous fires can create a lot of smoke, which can blow into the city itself and create respiratory issues and smog problems.
Additionally, there is a risk of damaging earthquakes, since Seattle is built along the Seattle Fault Zone. While not common, magnitude 6 earthquakes occur around every 30-50 years, but larger ones can occur — the latest was the 2001 Nisqually earthquake.
FAQs About Living in Seattle
Q: Is it worth it to live in Seattle?
A: Yes! Although the cost of living is higher than average, lots of people love living in Seattle because of its thriving arts and cultural scenes.
Q: What is the quality of life in Seattle?
A: The quality of life is high in Seattle, as there are all kinds of entertainment options, lots of outdoor opportunities, and a good job market.
Q: What are pros and cons of living in Seattle?
A: Some of the pros of living in Seattle include its cultural scene, dining options, and easy outdoor access, while the cons include a high cost of living, lots of cloudy days, and lack of public transportation.
Q: What salary do you need to survive in Seattle?
A: According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single adult with no children will need around $60,000 before taxes.
Is Seattle a Good Place To Live?
Now that you know the pros and cons of living in Seattle, do you think Seattle is a good place to live? We certainly do! Seattle has a lot going for it, including the vibrant arts and culture scene; the thriving coffee, beer, and dining options; all kinds of wonderful natural parks and preserves to explore; and lots of good jobs. These advantages definitely outweigh the cons like gloomy weather, a higher cost of living, and limited public transportation.
Moving with PODS gives you the freedom of a flexible move.
Let PODS Help You Move to Seattle
When you’re ready to make the move to Seattle, PODS can help you get there with ease. Choose the size of portable storage container you need, and load it up on your schedule. Call PODS when you’re ready to go, and they’ll pick up the container and drive it to your new Seattle home. PODS City Service is also available in Seattle, so if you need to unload on a busy city street, you won’t have to worry because a PODS pro will keep an eye on your items until you’re all done. Need storage? That’s not a problem either. You can store your container at a secure PODS Storage Center as long as you need to.
(Source for image featured at top: Robert Ritchie via Unsplash)
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