Hi Rachel! I love your video! I moved here from Virginia and have been here a little over a year. Your information on the pros and cons is on point! Thank you for sharing.
what i love about the pacific northwest is that we get all four seasons weather-wise. and each bringing its own unique atmosphere which really sets the tone and gets you into the spirit for respective holidays in the fall and winter months. so there’s always the next season to look forward to! 😊
Great insight, currently debating a move to the area. Would love to see a video of you talking about the pros & cons of living in the different neighborhoods.
The "Freeze" can be said for any large city. How to break it? Join groups that do activities, join volunteer groups. Like any place, if you don't engage you won't meet people. And as we get older our friend groups naturally shrink. The Sound Transit is expanding to the east and will be open soon. Large cities have had increased homelessness recently including San Diego, LA, SF, Austin, and NY, but I believe Seattle is spending resources to slowly help the legitimate homeless. Its nice to see a new video Rachel - followed you since your car trip to Seattle with Gus.
I’m a new caterer in seattle and I started introducing myself to the seatttle foodies and they are RUDE COMPETITIVE AND COOOLLLDDDD!! …what a freeze 😢 lol it’s all good I’m just saying . Trying to “join groups” they aren’t too happy about new ppl …. And don’t be talented. They passive aggression is crazy! 😢 whoooooo lol
Actually people used to be really friendly in Phoenix until so many L.A. people moved there. Many people still are. In Honolulu people are really friendly. San Antonio too
I've been watching since you first moved to Seattle and I'm still dying to visit 😭 NYC keeps pulling me back, but one day I'll make the move! It sounds beautiful
Good video! I’ve got a couple job opportunities and one would potentially have me moving to Seattle. I’m also from the MN/WI area so really cool to hear your perspective. Definitely interesting to know that it’s more of a sleepy city. With a lot of my friends being sconnies, I can’t imagine places closing at midnight or 1am
I moved here in November 2020 and up until then, I RELIGIOUSLY watched you and Rachel Whitehurt’s videos on Seattle on repeat because I found it so interesting. I cannot tell you enough how much I thank BOTH of you for all the information you both spoke on about the city. That being said, when my lease is up I’m moving out of the city. 😂 I live in Queen Anne and it’s just not “it” anymore for me. Moving out of the city to Kent and then next here I’ll be moving in with my boyfriend who owns his house in Puyallup. I’ll still be working in the city and making a commute for a while but all your other reasons like food and overall city vibes are really good. Thank you for all your content! We all missed you!
What made you want to move out of the city? I’m trying to convince my husband to move there now, I actually grew up in Covington and I’ve always wanted to live in the city!!
This is soooooo helpful! Tryna figure out where to go for my phd (#adulting) and this helped clarify how one would expect to adjust to life since I'm also comming from the midwest! APPRECIATE!!!
Hey hey girl! I just want to introduce myself even though I’ve commented on so many of your videos! 😂 I’m from the New England region- Maine to be exact; I’ve always loved the SEA/WA area since I was little. And I love hearing the point of view from a woman my age living there (I’m jelly); so I love love your videos! And I feel like we’re friends 🥺❤️ You have such an awesome personality for blogging and RU-vid! Don’t be down on yourself! Btw, everyone knows that Maine has the best sea food. 😏 If you like the sea food in Seattle, you would love coming here!
Hey Rachel, thanks for the updated info. I’m still considering a move to the area. I have a friend in Shoreline just north of the city. He loves it out there 🙂 I’m on the east coast but I need a change 😜 Love your hair 💜
Thanks for this... I've been in the Midwest for nearly 6 months after losing family and friends (and I don't understand the concept of friendship anymore, or maybe I always did, but I am used to going it alone and am fine with that) and have been looking at Seattle for a while now. Among the lights on RU-vid which I would find, you were among them, and I always wanted to chime in but was never able to. Anyway, this was the first one I watched, and I have to thank you, as I hope to be living in Seattle long-term before the next winter hits here. I'm outside Omaha, across the border, knew only one person out there, and then found out I didn't really. Thanks for all of this, and maybe I will chime in on some of the others here when I am able.
The light rail is expanding across I90 through Bellevue and out to Redmond! So much more diversity here than anywhere in the Midwest and also more accepting of diverse cultures. Everything is relative. I grew up in KS and have been here 33 years now. Love the PNW so much.
Hello Rachel from kara in FLAT boring Saint Paul Minnesota. Im moving out there in September! and Im enthralled listening to you! im getting pump psyched to be out therre! Kara
I live in Kansas City, and I'm looking to move to Seattle next year, so its super nice to hear the opinion of another midwesterner. A lot of the cons you listed are also cons we have here, but maybe worse there? I'm hoping the dating/making friends scene is at least a bit better though. Around here, you can make a lot of friends if you drink every night, but its incredibly hard if you dont.
Hi Rachel! I’m from St. Louis, MO. I agree about the color! It’s so brown in the Midwest and luscious green in Seattle and the pnw. I was wondering if you could do a video about the best ways to find a roomate in Seattle? If you’ve already done one, or you have watched a good one, could you point it out to me? Thanks so much!
I remember watching a researcher talk about the evolution of English as a language as how a new evolution to the language is the addition of the ‘a’ sound to the ends of words, especially for emphasis. This video is such as tricking example.
Thanks for this! We're considering moving from San Francisco, CA. and just wanted to share some thoughts from my SF lens. 1. The drug abuse and homelessness SEEMS more controlled when comparing to the bay area. So, this would be a Pro in my view. 2. For housing, the bay area, for some time, was more expensive than NYC and still is very expensive for a small space. I think there are a lot of factors to that play into this, but I think relative to the San Francisco, Seattle has a lot more options and gives more bang for you buck :) this would also be a pro for me. 3. The food, this one would be a con for me. The Bay Area is has, arguably, some of the best food in the country and being a foodie, I was really disappointed with Seattle's food culture and options :( This would move to the Cons in my perspective. Great video, thank you!!!
Yeah, no shit. We all know how CHEAP Seattle is for you rich San Franciscans, meanwhile us regular folks are just trying to get by. Please don't move here. We've had enough entitled Californians move here and ruin things esp driving up the housing costs. I hear Santa Fe is nice.
@@nathanielleeson7263 Hey bud, there's no need for the hostility. I'm simply engaging with the video. If Seattle isn't working out for you and you hear Santa Fe is nice then you should strongly consider a one way flight.
@@letsTACOboutGoals Lol oh man, if you think I'M hostile just wait until you tell people you're from CA here 😂good luck. I give you a year. As someone who's been here 7 years and seen the city change drastically I think I'm allowed to give my two cents. Happy moving though boo. 😘
I was born and raised in WA and lived in Seattle for about 6 years before moving out of state. I'd say from my own experience living there, this list is pretty spot on. Seattle is a beautiful city and is still one of my many favorite places to visit. The food scene is great, with a lot of hidden gem restaurants and coffee shops. Great authentic Thai and Indian food and more. Capital Hill is a fun place to bar-hop, go dancing, or have a night out with friends. You can find walking trails everywhere, especially in Bellevue and Issaquah. Fresh air because of all the trees and rain (except during the fire season). Artsy/hip/alternative fashion and culture. Big tech scene. Seattle makes a lot of effort to be environmentally friendly. Many options for thrifting and antiquing. A variety of ferry routes or you can take the train up to Victoria B.C for the weekend. There is a lot to love about Seattle. I moved away because Seattle's cons outweighed the pros for me. The Seattle freeze is very real. WA state as a whole has the freeze but it is most concentrated in the Seattle area. People are friendly to outsiders but very closed off to letting them into their circle of friends which makes the dating scene non-existent. Traffic is bad when commuting on the I-405 or I-5 north in the morning and south after 3 pm. Best to live north and commute south for work to go against traffic. I lived south and commuted north for work. It took me 1-2 hours to get to work and then another 1-2 hours to get home each day even when using the carpool lane. I only lived a little over 15 miles away from work. A lot of people lived south in Renton, Kent, etc because the rent is cheaper. The weather for the majority of the year is overcast and rainy so it does not feel like there is four seasons. It’s gloomy Fall, Winter, and some of Spring. Beautiful summers but they don't last very long before fading quickly into Fall which is cold and damp to the bone. I found that living in Seattle sucked a lot of my money, time, and energy away. It was a never-ending cycle of existing to work and survive. Despite having a degree there is a lot of competition to find housing and work. Thermals, a waterproof jacket, thick socks, and rain boots or some sort of water resistant shoes is a must. Overall, Seattle is a great place to visit but not to live in my experience but each person has to decide that for themselves. If you are thinking of moving to Seattle I'd suggest visiting first and doing a lot of research before moving there so you're not surprised if it's not what you expected.
Thank you for sharing this, and I 100% agree. I haven’t lived here for a year yet and feel all these things. Don’t even get me started on the awkwardness here being a POC. Very much a culture shock.
The thing about the "Seattle Freeze" .. I'm from So Cal so what she's describing is something I'm used to. But where I'm from in SoCal is actually known to be a very open and friendly place (if you travel there you'll likely experience very outgoing and welcoming people) in comparison to where I later moved to: Phoenix AZ. When my husband and I had to relocate there for his work, we were told about the "Phoenix Freeze" - yet we made life-long friendships there that we will always cherish. And these friends became like family to us. So don't let the "Seattle Freeze" scare you off if you're considering moving to Seattle. You'll find your people eventually, no matter where you end up.
We visited Seattle twice in the last two years, the first time was magical, the second time was depressing. The first time was post lock down, the sun was shining the city was lush, people were great, streets were clean, we walked a lot, visited the islands, and had a great time. The second time was after visiting Vancouver BC. Coming back across the border after 4 days in BC was a shock. The city seemed so dirty, run-down, and…poor. Maybe it’s just the USA in general, but the wealth gap was so in-your-face compared to Vancouver it was shocking. There are great neighborhoods in Seattle, and just as many lousy ones.
As a Bay Area Native, I'm here just kind of laughing at you listing traffic as a con. Seattle traffic is 100x better than Bay Area. Also public transportation is so much cheaper in Seattle vs. Bay Area. I mean Bay Area BART is a complete joke. Here's to new perspectives though! Interesting how you think that way from your experiences in Midwest > Seattle.
Well said, I too, am a Bay Area native, and I couldn’t imagine anywhere other than New York being worse than the Bay Area as far as ‘cons” ……expenses, traffic, taxes, homeless camps,protesters, retail theft, car jacking, and yes, the biggest issue…..CRIME. But of course, this video is your experience and your knowledge so we are all appreciative for that, I am just commenting on the comment. 😫 get me out of California!
Only been living here 7 months but I 100% agree with all of this. I definitely love the city and do plan on staying but I will say I'm a very social person and the people here definitely get me down. It's the biggest con IMO.
The gloom is the best part; learn to ski / snowboard 🤷♂️ Also not expensive compared to NY. Arrived here Q3 2018 from Miami and I don’t miss it one bit. Hit me up, we’ll do coffee. I’m not white btw 🤣😂
Idk how you've lasted 15 like this. I'm on year 5 and somehow I keep getting lured back in by the stunning summers and nature but after this summer I'm out. Every time I interview people that live here about them finding friends it always is a wakeup call. One guy took 12 years to find friends another lady i met said it took her 9 and she finally just gave up because still didn't feel she had a solid circle, she moved away. My new saying is a riff off of George Carlin's line but I like to say; Seattle is a big ol club and you ain't in it! And this is the truth unless you are born and raised here went to high school went to college with these people they don't want you in their Club. They will be friendly on the surface but you will not be going on any annual group ski trips or holiday gatherings or even just invited over for a movie night. Nothing deeper than the surface friendliness with them lol. And if they do agree to plans, 90 percent will flake! I even had one girl who was born and raised here explain the Seattle freeze to me without even realizing that she was explaining it, she had mentioned how she mey her husband through people in her friend Circle and had he been a transplant she would have never dated him🤦🤦🤦. True Story. I mean these people genuinely don't want you to be a part of their Community if you weren't already part of their community. They are pretentious elitist snobs towards transplants, it's literally giving "you can't sit with us!" energy🤣🤣🤣. I do so much alone here, I hike in the woods alone, I paddle board alone, I kayak alone, I skate alone, I eat out alone, and while it's been great and beautiful and the most stunning experience I've had in my life, I'm kind of over being alone now and I'm ready to go back to where humans Still human you know😢😢😢. Anyway. Sorry for the vent. Glad to know it isn't just me though. Great place to visit and have experienced but anyone else who is considering making it your home, think long and hard.....some people think that they are built different and they like being alone but Seattle is a whole nother level of lonliness and isolation, especially when that depressing 9 months of overcast comes rolling in and it's just you and sheer mental fortitude keeping you going. If your mental ain't that strong, don't even consider it.
Haha I don't even know how I lasted 15 yrs. Anniversary is coming up in may - 16 years.The first two years I didn't have friends but what helped me is yahoo groups in 2006. I was going to groups and meeting people with similar interests. In my case, I met transplants in a french group that introduced me to their friends. So, like you said, have to be in their circle :/. After that, about 2006 to 2009 I had good amount of friends. Things changed again when the pandemic hit. I lost touch with friends. Tried to reconnect but they already moved with different set of friends. Other friends moved to other states like CA. Oh and between the friends I had were not from Seattle. I did meet friends from work as well. They are still friends till now. Like you, I enjoy the outdoors and doing things in the city. Though you can do as much alone. So, I'm trying to meet new friends again. I was just watching this video about how there is a decline in friendship all over. Not just Seattle: m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-VpOan0hqdNA.html Haha this needs to be fixed in Seattle for sure. 15 cigarettes and I don't even smoke. Wanna grab coffee ☕. I live in Shoreline hahah
But you didn't say whether the pros outweigh the cons for you personally or not. If I had to guess I'd say they do not for someone like you. I know you already mentioned you won't be there forever. What are some other places you've considered living you think you would like better?
It’s interesting to see how the opinions really depend on perspective. Seattle is far more diverse than most places in the US. To me alcohol playing a much smaller role in the western US than in the midwest) and not being open super late) is a healthy thing and I for one am glad. Authentic ethnic food? Are you kidding me? You must not be looking. People in Tukwila, kent & all that are super friendly. Not so much in Issaquah but some folks will chat if you get them going.
I’m from Seattle I moved out for a While But I might move back to Washington…. In general Washington is beautiful….i love my homestate but people there are antisocial I’m an engineer so I can afford any city now I haven’t lived in Washington all my life though
Hello fellow Midwesterner 👋🏻nice to see you've made it here this long too! I've been here 7 years and totally agree with your pros about accessibility and location to other states and Canada...Alaska, Cali, OR, BC, Alberta, etc. I STILL have not been to Vancouver lol. What I love about Seattle, but more specifically WA is that you can spend a whole lifetime here and barely scratch the surface when it comes to outdoor adventures, travel, things to do, etc. I mean we have our own wine country for crying out loud lol. There's SOOO much to do here.
Seattle food scene is definitely > Midwest, but we moved from Seattle to Las Vegas a few years ago and holy cow I'm blown away at how much better the food is here in Vegas. Seafood / meat is not my jam (vegetarian mostly), so maybe that explains it, but the 100% vegan joints here are both plentiful and to die for. It's a culinary experience / art form here. 🥰 Seattle (and Kirkland/Bothell) def has Vegas beat on poke spots though. We also really miss Lupo (formerly in boca al Lupo) in Fremont. Used to grab a pie and hit up gas works for picnics in the summer. 😌 Still loving your content even though we aren't there anymore! Happy to see you're still enjoying the area!
Call it for what it is, "Seattle Freeze" is a marketable remark, instead of saying there is bigotry ingrained in the local 'culture, and as long as you are passive-aggressive then bigotry is acceptable.
Excellent video, accurate observations and perfect assessment of the people. The ghosting is off the charts. I lived there for 11 years and only made one close friend, ever. Dating also sucks. The people are not passive, they are passive-aggressive. They will get mad at you and give you the silent treatment and 8 years later blow up at you and tell you why they are mad at you, finally. Yes, that is a real example. I finally got out of there, it's a terrible place for newcomers.
Good overall video. I'd just say that I think the public transportation is good (a "pro"). I've lived in several major and minor cities in the U.S., and Seattle's is amongst the best, at least in my opinion.
Being in Bothell after moving from AZ, I agree with most of the pros and cons (I love the weather 😏). My biggest con is just how much crime has increased. Other than that I love it here. Also Rachel you’re looking 🔥🔥🔥
Ok I’m going to be really 😂 I’m from California to Bellevue in 2018 moved in 2020 back to Long Beach. And honestly something about seattle that I’m thinking about moving back 😂 to seattle. Just something about that place.
Thanks 🙏🏽 for this video Rachel! Just wanna say you’re smoking hot ❤lol. No seriously. I am considering moving here from from Chicago. Things closing early could be a problem 🙄. The weather doesn’t bother me so much. Used to crappy weather in Chicago. However, the cost of living is a tad bit higher in Seattle than Chicago. I find that weird. I’m actually here in Seattle now visiting and it’s an amazing city no doubt. Your pros and cons seem to be on point after being here almost a week. My lease in South Loop Chicago is up in May 2023. Who knows what can happen then 😎? Keep up the great work. You earned a subscriber.
I think, as a whole, you did a great job with this video and I agreed with most of your points. I have to say, though, that I passionately disagree with your statement that Seattle is not diverse. The Seattle metro area is one of the most, if not the most diverse area in the PNW (not including Canada). To say it isn't diverse at all feels like overlooking the amount of culture we have here (including the clear Native/indigenous culture and influence here), which I don't think was your intention.
Thank you for being so honest! Especially when it comes to diversity or the lack thereof. A lot people still feel uneasy talking about stuff like that. ❤
To me=The Weather= is a PRO and not a con. Yes it can rain and be gloomy but that is so nice- its cozy, its soup time, its rest time. And most importantly it is natures gift to our earth! Because of the rain it can prevent the Wildfires that you list as a con. The rain totals have decreased in recent years likely from climate change which fuels dry soil and it is not raining as much at all as it used to. Every time it rains I am so happy that we get that gift (the opposite can be devastating). Another point is, this summer was BRUTAAAL for a lot of the Country expect Seattle! We stayed in the 70's while the rest of the Country was hitting over 100 degrees for weeks on end in places and hitting new records. Anyways the rain is nice, its calming, and its a gift.
Dating in Seattle. Chicks only want to date rich tech bros. A few games of Settlers of Catan and IPAs later they conclude that "all guys are the same." Then they get a cat and never go outside again.
In reading both these responses? Here’s the down side of dating from a women’s perspective: douchey whiney dude bros like these. Guys, it’s not the women… your problem with why no one wants you? It’s you.
@@redcurrantart Watch the video. This is a description of the type of dude she doesn't date anymore. I keep my home base in Seattle but only date chicks in other countries.
Number one red flag for a man is a girl that sits around and makes tic tok videos !! Soon as i hear that i just turn off. If you're complaining about men, dating or anything on line to strangers. I wouldn't want to have anything to do with you. Hard pass !
@@igorrosales1799 💯 percent...some of the most isolated and closed off people I've ever not met...if you speak in a elevator like " great weather, like your shoes !" Smiles....they don't even look at you and are absolutely silent...its often awkward. Least friendly city I've ever been to.
@@ianpageproduction omg well at least now I know what to expect, maybe if you look for groups to do activities, like sports or meetings for language exchanges idk
