{"id":15392,"date":"2013-07-31T06:45:55","date_gmt":"2013-07-31T13:45:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/?p=15392"},"modified":"2022-04-27T11:28:56","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T18:28:56","slug":"move-to-seattle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.movoto.com\/blog\/move-to-seattle\/","title":{"rendered":"30 Reasons You Need To Move To Seattle"},"content":{"rendered":"

1.You Can\u2019t Miss The Pike Place Market<\/h2>\n

The Market is home to more than 200 vendors, farmers, and specialty shops. It\u2019s Seattle<\/a>\u2019s No. 1 tourist destination. And as a resident you learn to navigate the crowds, because it is the place for produce and cheap bouquets of farm fresh flowers.<\/p>\n

2. Just Jump On a Ferry<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Wikipedia<\/p><\/div>
\nThe Northwest has the largest passenger and automobile ferry system in the country, servicing the Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands. More than 75,000 Puget Sound residents start their day by boarding a boat. That\u2019s more than a packed game at CenturyLink Field.<\/p>\n

3. We Like Sports<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Jay Sawyer<\/p><\/div>
\nIn Seattle, you can\u2019t be a fair weather fan; you ride out the ups and downs with the Mariners, Sounders, and the Seahawks and enjoy the state-of-the-art stadiums. If the games getting you down, delight in the retractable roof and tons of craft beers on tap at Safeco Field. After a failed attempt to bring back the SuperSonics though, we\u2019re still lacking in the b-ball arena, for now.<\/p>\n

4. You\u2019ll Never Get Over The Stunning Mountain Views<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Madison Beau Sytle<\/p><\/div>
\nSeriously, I\u2019ve grown up here and I still point out Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and the Cascades if it\u2019s a clear day. It\u2019s a sight hard to ignore.<\/p>\n

5. If You Aren\u2019t Caffeinated Here, Good Luck<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Ben Sandall<\/p><\/div>
\nWith the most coffee shops per capita in the U.S., you won\u2019t be deficient in the buzz department. Of course there are Starbucks aplenty, but Capitol Hill\u2019s Analog Coffee, Pioneer Square\u2019s Zeitgeist Coffee, or the Fremont Coffee Company (home to the Darth Vader latte art) are great for a pull.<\/p>\n

6. The Waterways Affect Traffic<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Wikipedia<\/p><\/div>
\nYou\u2019re surrounded by water: The Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, and many smaller passageways. You will love it and learn to curse it at the same time. Yes, it adds to the beauty of the landscape, but it\u2019s pain to get across town quickly.<\/p>\n

7. That\u2019s One Big Boat<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Wikipedia<\/p><\/div>
\nAvoid the waterfront if a cruise ship is in port on Alaskan Way, at all costs\u2014unless you like wading through a sea of Hawaiian shirts and fanny packs. The season runs May through September, so residents prefer the shores of the lakes for a water view in the summer.<\/p>\n

8. Chef Tom Douglas Becomes a Household Name<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Tom Douglas Restaurants<\/p><\/div>
\nThe master chef behind the Dahlia Lounge, Palace Kitchen, Serious Pie, and many more, Tom Douglas is a celebrity around these parts. He experiments with different cuisines, but always strives to use seasonal Northwest ingredients.<\/p>\n

9. Hipsters Are Everywhere<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nYou\u2019ll see twentysomethings doing things like blowing bubbles or hula hooping for fun. But you\u2019ll usually find them chilling at hip coffee shops and bars, rocking flannel, skinny jeans, neon, scarves, and anything from a thrift shop.<\/p>\n

10. It\u2019s Definitely Not Just About Grunge Anymore<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user Matthewjs007<\/p><\/div>
\nSeattle has a diverse music scene, many indie, pop, and rock bands call this city home. And speaking of \u201cThrift Shop,\u201d Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, the hip-hop duo, is from here.<\/p>\n

11. We Like Rain and Miss It When It\u2019s Gone<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Madison Beau Sylte<\/p><\/div>
\nYou really just get used to it. And we Seattleites tend to reach for a hooded jacket or sweatshirt before an umbrella. The city averages about 37 inches of rain per year, which is less than quite a few other US cities, but it tends to be a constant drizzle over heavy downpours.<\/p>\n

12. All That Rain Leads to Amazing Summers<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nWhen the warm months finally arrive in Seattle, it\u2019s amazing. It\u2019s hot and sunny, but rarely humid or muggy. The people hum with happiness fighting off the months of S.A.D. running through their blood. Temperatures tend to stay around an average of 75 degrees.<\/p>\n

13. Seattle Art Museum<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user dherrera_96<\/p><\/div>
\nWe just call it SAM. Right downtown is a major art museum with big name shows. Recent past shows included Rembrandt and Gauguin. Also, there aren\u2019t too many museums that have a working Hammerman standing guard.<\/p>\n

14. We Are Full of Pride<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Seattle PrideFest<\/p><\/div>
\nThis past November the state of Washington<\/a> legalized gay marriage, which made for a particularly crazy Pride Parade and celebration this year. But it also shows that the majority of people here are accepting and support equal rights.<\/p>\n

15. It\u2019s Totally Normal to Have a City Chicken Coop<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nTurning your backyard into a farm is no big deal. Urban chicken coops with up to eight birds are allowed in residential neighborhoods, as long as they are 10 feet away from the house. But there is something nice about picking your own fresh eggs for breakfast.<\/p>\n

16. The Viaduct is Soon to Be History, and In Rolls Bertha<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user Dougtone<\/p><\/div>
\nBertha is the nickname for the largest tunnel boring machine in the world, and it\u2019s currently burrowing under Alaskan Way. The viaduct has been an eyesore and earthquake hazard for years, causing many a debate with city leaders and residents.<\/p>\n

17. Marijuana is Legal, Sort of<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user Cannabis Culture<\/p><\/div>
\nWashington State, along with Colorado<\/a>, voted to legalize pot this past November. The rules are still in the finalization period, and as far as Seattleites know you can\u2019t sell it or smoke it in public, but that doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t partake. Seattle is also home to the largest political rally and marijuana festival, Hempfest, which takes place each August.<\/p>\n

18. We Are High On Tech<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user bfishadow<\/p><\/div>
\nSeattle is home to major corporations like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing. This defines us as a highly technological town and it shows in our addiction to our iPhones, laptops, and gadgets. Often times coffee shops have more of a computer lab vibe than that of a cafe.<\/p>\n

19. The Radio Station 90.3 KEXP<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: 90.3 KEXP Seattle<\/p><\/div>
\nThis is the alternative station in Seattle. It covers a wide variety of genres\u2014hip-hop, indie, global, and reggae\u2014and it\u2019s a huge supporter of local music and the arts. Every time you tune in you\u2019ll hear something new.<\/p>\n

20. Nerds and Geeks Are Cool<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Arlen Pringle<\/p><\/div>
\nIn Seattle, it seems that the bigger nerd you are, the better. And we make it possible here from the Penny Arcade Expo, Sakura-Con, gamer bars and lounges, and the Science Fiction Museum at EMP. Seattle didn’t get ranked as the Number Three Nerdiest City in America<\/a> for nothin’.<\/p>\n

21. Sneaky, Hidden Parks That You Think Only You Know About<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nJust like this green space under the I-5 Bridge, Seattle has so many little pocket parks and gardens. It\u2019s a nice feeling to be in a city but still be able to find a secluded spot.<\/p>\n

22. The Seattle Dog<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Shelby Evans<\/p><\/div>
\nWe do hot dogs a certain way here: all-beef dog or brat, cream cheese, grilled onions, and usually after last call. Hot dog cart vendors know just the right corners for the best 2 a.m. rush.<\/p>\n

23. Dick\u2019s Drive-In Burgers<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Dick’s Cheeseburgers<\/p><\/div>
\nThe classic spot for a retro late night burger, Dick\u2019s started in 1954 and it hasn\u2019t changed one iota. The Deluxe is the way to go: two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, mayo, and pickle relish. Pro tip: There are no modifications made, so what\u2019s on the menu is what you get.<\/p>\n

24. Great Seafood<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Andy McClellan<\/p><\/div>
\nPacific oysters, salmon, geoduck, clams, and mussels… we can\u2019t get enough of it. The place to get \u2018em: Taylor Shellfish Farms in Melrose Market. It\u2019s a perfect spot to pop in for a dozen fresh-shucked oysters and glass of sparkling wine.<\/p>\n

25. Dogs and Cats Are People<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Christy Grant<\/p><\/div>
\nSeattle is big on being animal friendly. There are dozens of dog parks, dog-friendly caf\u00e9s, and of course, the Icanhascheezburger company is based here, where the cat meme was practically invented.<\/p>\n

26. The City Shuts Down at the Sight of a Snowflake<\/h2>\n

\"Wikipedia:<\/a>

Wikipedia: Spencer Hurd<\/p><\/div>
\nTake note, Seattle is not made for snow. The hills and inexperienced cold weather drivers make it a dangerous place out there in the winter. But it\u2019s the perfect season to bundle up and stay in for a Netflix marathon.<\/p>\n

27. Hardcore Cyclists<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nThis city teems with cyclists. I lack the coordination to be one of them, but I\u2019m enamored at their dedication, even on the rainiest of days they are out there pedaling away.<\/p>\n

28. You Hear This A LOT: Order Another Round!<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nMaybe it\u2019s the gray, wet weather, but this city likes to imbibe. We love our craft beer, our big, juicy Washington wines, and locally distilled spirits. Also, the Woodinville area is a 30 minute drive from downtown Seattle, and it\u2019s home to over 100 wineries.<\/p>\n

29. Cupcakes and Milkshakes<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: William Baker<\/p><\/div>
\nIn Seattle, we prefer desserts that you can hold or drink from a straw. Check out Cupcake Royal and Trophy for cupcakes. And Molly Moon\u2019s or Hot Cakes for an amazing array of milkshakes, the latter has the boozy varietals as well, like a \u201cDrunken Sailor\u201d with peanut butter, caramel, and whiskey.<\/p>\n

30. You Can Drive About 30-Minutes and Be Somewhere Like This<\/h2>\n

\"Source:<\/a>

Source: Flickr user Jenna Howard<\/p><\/div>
\nThere are beautiful hikes, waterfalls, and rivers all relatively close to the city. Day trips to the Snoqualmie Falls or swimming at the Green River take you away from the urban scenery and the vicinity makes getting away an awfully easy feat.
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