15 Things You Need To Know Before You Move to Seattle

40 CommentsFriday • January 11, 2013 • by Imei

[This post, originally published in 2010, has been updated on July 19, 2013. Enjoy!]

Whether you are relocating for the first time to Seattle, or you are moving into the more urban parts of Seattle from a suburb of the Seattle metro area, I am about to give you a Seattle single girl’s guide* of fifteen things you need know before you move to Seattle.

Although I was born and raised primarily in Seattle, I have travelled and lived in its suburbs, in other countries, and in other states. I have a pretty good idea of the considerations the typical person needs to know to make the adjustments to become a happy urban Seattle dweller. It is no secret that I am partial to creature comforts that women like. If you are a man reading this, but there’s a special woman in your life, this short list can be still be helpful.

Fifteen Things You Need To Know Before You Move To Seattle

Parking is expensive in Seattle. Consider living near a bus line or light rail, and purchase covered parking to store a car during the week. You will save more money by taking public transit after purchasing a bus pass than parking your car downtown. [Yes, this is still true even after the price increase of a transit fare. I can now commute from one end of Seattle to Redmond on the same fare as going down the street from the originating bus stop].

When you use GPS and online maps, make sure you enter the correct directions, such as NE, S, SW, N, W. One time, the police came to my home and insisted there was a domestic violence call they received for my address. When I asked them to repeat the address, it was for the exact same number and street name, but not the correct neighborhood because of the directional designations. [BTW, I just inadvertently conducted a test on both Google maps and Apple Maps turn-for-turn GPS, and for a little while, both were entirely wrong in getting me to a destination. Argh. Never drive on a low tank of gas].

There is no really good Chinese food in Seattle. Plan on using your passport and going to Vancouver, BC to get your Chinese food fixe. Still, brush up on using chopsticks, because sushi rules this city even more than pho cafes. [And there are plenty of "bad" sushi places, so do a little research before you head out. One of my current favs is Japonessa Sushi Cocina on 1st and Union].

Purchase three mini umbrellas to prepare for the weather. Place one in your car, your messenger bag, and your office from Fall to Spring (October through July. Really). The rainy season ends typically after the first week of July. Don’t freak out. From mid-July until the first weeks of October, you will likely experience the most beautiful weather without major humidity or the skin-searing factor. Everyone and their grandmother will eat outside in little sidewalk cafes, walk their dogs on the Waterfront, and purchase one bajillion pairs of sunglasses that were lost the previous season.

Count on walking. A lot. If you like wearing boots, consider one with low heels, or a pair of Uggs in the winter. While stilettos are still hot in NYC and LA, it won’t make it up or down one of Seattle’s many brick-and-mortar streets. Someone in an REI jacket will likely laugh at you if you trip. [I was just gifted with a fine pair of durable Keane snow and rain boots. While I sacrifice a bit of fashion chic, I can stomp away through snow, ice, and rain puddles and keep my feet dry on the way to the office, where a nice pair of dress shoes await].

Find out where all the the green spots are within walking distance of your concrete jungle. Looking at green makes people feel more relaxed. If you have the room for it, purchase flowering plants and greenery for your home. [My neighbor just installed a mini greenhouse in his home. It is cooler than cool. If I had one, there would be catnip in it for the kittehs.] Seattle’s Pike Place Market has introduced neighborhood “express” farmer’s markets in Pioneer Square this summer, which includes a stall of fresh cut flowers. Love!

Live near a grocery store and a farmer’s market, if at all possible. If you don’t, you’ll either spend ginormous amounts of money on parking, or you’ll pollute the environment to get your organic greens. [You might want to scope out where the nearest Whole Foods, PCC Market, and Trader Joe's are to get your fruits and veggies during the winter months when some farmer's markets are closed].
If you go to the Eastside, you will run into people who do not know where the major neighborhoods of Ballard, Fremont, Queen Anne, Maple Leaf, or Wallingford are in relationship to each other or downtown Seattle. You might as well tell them these are in France. Some people will never get to know Seattle like you do. [This is still true. If you plan a party and invite co-workers, be aware that some of them will not attend simply because you live across one of Seattle's bridges, even if the distance is less than 30 minutes by car].

There can be traffic at all times of the day, for no reason, or for a sporting event in SODO. The two bridges linking Seattle to the Eastside can become floating parking lots. Carry a copy of the Mariner’s and Seahawks season games, and plan accordingly. Do your best not to whine publicly about the fan mania, because people defend these sports teams like they love their dogs.[Go Sounders! Woot!]

There are more registered dogs per Seattle household than there are children. For some reason, there doesn’t seem to be enough pet services to express the glands of those dogs when you need one. Book ahead.[We're also the home of the ICanHasCheezburger lol cats people, and the Oatmeal, with a book on cats that will leave you crying with laughter. So start liking cats, ok?]

I have spent more time standing on my feet on a bus ride than in any other city in America. On only a couple of occasions have men offered me their seat. More likely, they will look up from their mobile phone after checking in on Foursquare for “Metro bus”, and then ignore you. [I recently wore a spandex unitard under my clothing for New Year's Eve. Turned out this was a very good choice, as some random hand kept trying to make its way up my skirt while riding home on a crowded bus. The hand got nothing but synthetic fiber.]

For all the talk about Seattle being one of the best city’s for online dating, it’s still a small city. Attend a few Social Media events or mixers, and eventually you’ll see all the same people. Break free by joining other groups with eclectic interests outside your normal crowd. [I have since discovered OK Cupid to be a single girl's friend in this city. It is greatly responsible for why I am not single. I am currently engaged. :)].

If you’re prone to the blues because of the rainy weather, plan your winter getaway early. Purchase a light box, or try short sessions at a tanning salon that has higher UVB settings. Talk to your doctor about Vitamin D deficiency. [Phillips has designed a blue light box that contains no UV, and some people are finding that it gives them a nice little "bling" at the beginning of the day].

Seattle has plenty of arts and entertainment to choose from, with small and large theaters, film festivals, concerts, and dancing. If you’re under 40, check out tickets with the Bravo Club of the Seattle Opera. Go online for websites advertising day and evening events, such as Seattle Night Out. We’re home to SubPop for a reason. Oh, and if you have sensitive ears, invest in a pair of custom-fitted musician’s ear plugs, which allow you to hear the music without destroying your ear drums. You can thank me later.

Seattle is a city close to water and mountains. Not an outdoorsy type? I suggest you join a club to become one. There are stores with gently used gear so you can try your hand at it without breaking the bank. Always wanted to try snowboarding? Local ski and boarding resorts have winter deals to fit your budget, including lift ticket and rentals. If you buy your own equipment, you can also purchase wall mounts to show off your equipment like works of art in your home. [Always wanted to try running, biking, or swimming? Seattle boasts all three through triathlete clubs for amateurs to professionals at all distances. I ran my first half marathon in Feb 2013, thanks great trails, running partners, and really supportive people on Social Media who are doing the same. I'll be racing in my first Sprint Triathlon in August 2013].

Got your own suggestions? Send in your comments, and tell us about your Seattle relocation experience.

[BTW, if anyone is interested in a student edition of the above, i.e. you're moving to Seattle to attend one of our universities, community colleges, or advanced degree programs, please email me offline about creating a post just for you. Edited Jan 11, 2013]

*I wrote this post when I was single. That is no longer true. I have grown by one cat (Loomi) and one Man-Geek.