Thinking of moving to dark, rainy, magical Seattle? If you are just starting your research about our beautiful city, this post is a great place to start. We’re going to cover 3 thing you should know BEFORE moving to Seattle that will set you up for success.
1. Getting Around Seattle: Transportation
The truth of the matter is that Seattle is largely a car-based city. We do have a few neighborhoods we recommend for car-free living, and a car-free lifestyle is becoming much more feasible with the expansion of the Link Light Rail system. That being said, most people we talk to prefer owning a vehicle, even if they don’t use it on a daily basis. Because there are so many adventures to be had outside the city, folks tend to own cars in order to get out of town on the weekends and explore all the natural beauty the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Here’s a quick overview of the four major public transportation options in Seattle:
- King County Metro Transit: The primary bus service provider in Seattle is King County Metro Transit. They operate an extensive network of bus routes that cover the city and surrounding areas. Commuters can purchase an ORCA card for easy tap-on/tap-off payment.
- Link Light Rail: Sound Transit manages the regional transit system, including the Link Light Rail. The Link currently runs north/south from Northgate all the way to Angle Lake (including a stop at Sea-Tac Airport). Construction is currently underway to expand the light rail as far north as Lynnwood. This will be HUGE game changer for Seattle, allowing folks to move further north to more affordable housing while still commuting to the city for work. Construction is also underway on an East Link line which will connect Seattle to Bellevue and Redmond, where many Microsoft employees travel every day.
- Sounder Train: Sound Transit also operates the Sounder Train which expands even further north and south. Timing is more limited, but the Sounder Train is another great option and used frequently by commuters.
- Ferries: The Washington state ferry system is the second-largest in the world. In addition to offering stunning views of the Pacific Northwest, the ferry system allows individuals to commute from the peninsula and the many islands throughout the Puget Sound.
Overall, Seattle's public transportation system provides a convenient and eco-friendly way for residents and visitors to navigate the city and its surrounding areas, and we’re looking forward to even more improvements in the next few years.
2. Housing Costs in Seattle: A Spectrum of Options
Seattle frequently makes it onto the list of top 10 most expensive cities in the United States, usually hovering around #10. As of January 2024, the median sales price for a single family home in Seattle is $875,000, and the median sales price for a condo is $550,000.
The average rent in Seattle is $1,972/month. Rent ranges from about $1,500 for a studio, to $2,700 and up for a two-bedroom.
While it is expensive to live in Seattle, Washington State recently introduced new housing legislation that will allow for more density in the larger cities across the state. The new regulations are intended to increase our state’s housing supply and therefore help with affordable housing issues in Seattle and beyond.
3. It rains a lot in Seattle, but it doesn’t slow us down
You might be surprised to know that Seattle is only the 7th rainiest city in the United States, with less annual rainfall than areas of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Regions in the south also get a lot more precipitation than Seattle if you factor in hurricane season.
While is is dark and drizzly in the winter, most Seattleites I know rave about the weather. It’s never too hot or to cold, and the rain is rarely heavy enough to hinder you daily activities.
The weather does affect fashion trends here in Seattle, which many consider a plus as well. You’re dressed appropriately for most activities if you wear a Patagonia jacket and Blundstone boot.
As always, if you’re thinking about making a home in Seattle, send me a message!
