Moving to Seattle: 10 Things to Know Before Moving

Seattle is unlike any other city in the states. The city is nestled between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges on the coasts of Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The city’s unique character has been drawing the attention of many. Especially in the past couple of years. People usually describe moving to Seattle as a fantastic experience. But even so, you should be aware of a few things before making the big move. We at Best Long Distance Movers are here to tell you all about them.

10 Things to Know Before Moving to Seattle

There are a lot of people who have trouble adjusting to Seattle’s gray winters and “cold” way of relating to their neighbors. If you have decided that relocating to Seattle is something you want to do, read the following information before making your decision. Seattle has much to offer, but it also has a couple of downsides. Which may be a deal-breaker to you. But if you decide to make Seattle your home, best long distance movers in Washington are at your service.

1. It isn’t as rainy as they say

People often joke about Seattle by calling it “the rain city“. There are indeed times when it seems like you’re living in a noir movie when the rain pours in a constant, hazy drizzle. But we believe that Seattle didn’t deserve this nickname at all. When compared to New York City, NY, and Atlanta, GA, Seattle receives just 38.6 inches of rain each year, while these two cities get an average of 44.1 and 47, respectively. For some reason, people assume it rains a lot more than it really does. In reality, there are more sunny days here.

Summertime, for the vast majority of Americans, implies vacation time. When it’s warm and bright from late June through mid-September, Seattle transforms into a city where everyone is happy – because of the elevated levels of Vitamin D. You’d think they’re British when you see how locals in Seattle act when they see sunshine outside. It’s hard to leave the city during the summer because of all the outdoor activities, free public concerts, and Mariners games.

Stay put and take advantage of the warm weather. Vacation time may be saved for the winter. Seattle is in its best form during the summertime. The winters here in Seattle are mild: temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and there aren’t often mountains of snow to be seen. Despite this, though, they can be depressing and dismal.

2. What does it cost to live in The Emerald City?

Even though there are no emeralds, it might seem like you’re being charged for them. Seattle is one of the most popular West Coast cities. A lot of people are flocking to Seattle nowadays. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment downtown is a little on the expensive side. You may be able to get assistance in finding low-cost housing if your company is moving you for work. Magnolia, Madrona, North Admiral, and Bryant are among the more inexpensive areas. Ballard, Capitol Hill, and the Queen Anne District are excellent choices if money is not a problem.

Due to Seattle’s higher-than-average incomes, rent costs have risen significantly (and a lot of other factors). For now, you’ll have to look for older buildings or rent directly from the owners to get the greatest deal on a rental. Although it may take some effort and patience, you may still get better-than-average discounts. Make a budget and stick to it, and you’ll be OK.

Don’t dream much about buying a waterfront home

In the minds of many citizens of the United States, the idea of living on a houseboat is nothing out of the ordinary. People planning on moving to Seattle often imagine living in a waterfront house. And that’s all Tom Hanks’ fault and his movies. Even though Seattle is one of the best oceanview places in the US, Emerald City actually has very few houseboats. And the few boathouses that do exist are so small and pricey that we don’t advocate purchasing one. Even Tom Hanks was able to make a profit on his. Meaning, he sold it after a while.

3. The job market in Seattle is very competitive

Seattle is home to numerous major corporations, including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and a slew of others. As the unemployment rate is only 3%, you have a high chance of obtaining an excellent job after moving to Seattle and settling in. Especially if you work in the IT industry. Seattle is one of the most tech-savvy US cities today and you’re bound to find a good-paying job here.

But beware, there is always rush hour in Seattle, at least on the I-5. The city’s traffic is horrendous, but public transit is becoming better and better every year. Consider adding 30 minutes to your travel time if you reside on Capitol Hill and want to go to Ballard for supper. A drink is always an option if you arrive early… The pubs in Seattle have some of the greatest local brews and drinks in the world. There are usually unanticipated difficulties when moving to a new city. Especially if you’re moving from a smaller place. Although Seattle isn’t for everyone, it’s an excellent location to live for those who can handle its flaws.

While you’re traveling to work in Seattle, remember to be patient. Locals in Seattle are so shocked when someone honks their horn in public that police even issue citations for it. If you’re coming from a place like New York City, for example, this might be weird for you. Since everyone is always in a rush in NYC. You won’t see many people jaywalking in Seattle either. In fact, you can actually get a fine for that as well. Anyone caught crossing the street outside of a crosswalk or in violation of a “obey the signs” sign will be issued a ticket by the authorities. Because of a $56 fine, Seattle residents tend to wait at the light. Even when there are no cars on the road. If you’re coming from NYC, our best long distance movers in New York will gladly help you move to Seattle stress-free.

4. There’s no income tax in Seattle

Yes, you read that correctly: the state of Washington levies absolutely no income tax of any kind. While this is good news, this does not imply that you will not be required to pay any local taxes. The city of Seattle has a sales tax rate that is rather high. But your paycheck will be able to cover it, we’re sure. If you like to drink a lot, maybe you should consider working on your habit before moving to Seattle. Residents of Washington State pay the highest overall price per liter of alcohol of any state. This is mostly due to the high taxes levied on alcoholic beverages.

5. Seattle Freeze is a hoax

The Scandinavian influence is credited for causing the “Seattle freeze.” People in Seattle’s Scandinavian community were recognized for politeness and for being wary of strangers. Today, many Seattleites are seen as aloof, cautious, and prone to changing their minds. Many of us have a lot on our plates, both professionally and personally. People here usually make plans by putting a date and time on the calendar. Seattle is a great city to meet new people, but building a network of friends takes time. Most people here are very friendly and hospitable actually. And we’re sure that you will find your niche after a while. Recently there have been a lot of people moving from Chicago to Seattle, from artists to young professionals to senior citizens even.

6. The street names are not hard to remember

The simplest method to remember the street names downtown is to utilize this mnemonic: Jefferson and James, Cherry and Columbia, Marion and Madison, Spring and Seneca, University and Union, and Pike and Pine. Outside of downtown, though, the roads are a mess. The street names are a bit funny.  People tell all kinds of jokes regarding street names in Seattle, especially tourists. But the residents don’t mind it. You will get used to the streets in a couple of months. Our local movers know them very well. It’s best to choose a Seattle-based moving company the first time you come. They also offer the best rates so you’ll be reducing house moving costs and they’ll show you around.

7. You won’t have problems finding your kind of people in Seattle

For every interest, there’s at least one organization or club that caters to it in Seattle. Are you a fan of science fiction written by women? There’s a book club out there for just this purpose. Want to meet a fellow dog-lover for a doggy date? It’ll be available on Meetup.com. The greatest type of weirdos may be found in Seattle, and they’re ready to share their eccentricities with others. Seattle is a very diverse community. There are all kinds of people from many many different demographics and backgrounds.

8. Coffee is keeping the Emerald City in tip-top shape

Coffee is a beverage people take quite seriously in this area. Even though this is the home of Starbucks and they have a store on every corner, the locals prefer their own local coffee shops like Espresso Vivace, All City Coffee, Ballard Coffee Works, and other similar smaller cafes. Even though this is the home of Starbucks, the locals prefer their own local coffee shops. Do not restrict yourself to Starbucks if you are passionate about coffee since the baristas there are trained to produce high-quality coffee and hold the beverage with very high respect.

9. A city within a city!

West Seattle is the only one of the communities in Seattle that can really be considered independent. Due to its location on the other side of the Duwamish River from the rest of the city, it sometimes gives the impression of being an altogether another metropolis. The beach is one of the greatest in the city (Alki). The downside is that it may take a very long time to go someplace that isn’t in West Seattle. If you manage to land a house in West Seattle, consider yourself lucky.

10. We love our Mount Rainer!

Mount Rainier, which locals in Seattle simply refer to as “the mountain,” inspires awe in the hearts of many strangers due to its grandiosity. Its elevation of 14,417 feet makes it the peak that dominates the landscape in terms of height. You will see it in all of the cover photos for Seattle.  You will get used to catching views of the snow-capped volcano yourself when you least expect it. But one thing about the mountain that you will never become accustomed to is its stunning beauty. One might make the same argument regarding the city of Seattle. If you’d like to settle in Seattle and wake up to beautiful views each morning, best long distance movers in Seattle will be happy to help you out with the move.

Seattle is overjoyed to have you here!

When it’s pouring outside, what does it feel like to have a cup of coffee in a warm and inviting cafe? If you’re planning on moving to Seattle, you can make this idyllic situation a reality for yourself. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of your future city, which is a wonderful area to live in and has something for everyone to enjoy. Now is the time to begin packing your belongings or enlist the help of a professional moving company so that you can focus on finding the greatest cup of coffee the second you step foot in Seattle.