Firstly why Seattle, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Seattle
• State: Washington
• Population: 769,361 people
• Seattle’s quick summary would be The Emerald City, renowned for the iconic Space Needle, vibrant tech industry, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning waterfront views.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 80,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 50,000 annually
• Net Migration: 30000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 15,000
• Number of Homeless people: 12,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it as a major metropolitan area offers extensive job opportunities and cultural attractions attracting diverse populations

Perk #1: Seattle Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 36%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 53%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $98,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Seattle is $96,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $-2000 in negative cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Seattle’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 160 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $7,280
• Property Tax %: 0.9%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,500
• Rent for an average house: $3,600
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Capitol Hill
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Seattle, Ballard, Queen-Anne, Capitol-Hill, and probably could include West-Seattle
• Avg. Age of Homes in Seattle: 67 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Seattle’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Seattle are  Technology, Healthcare, and Aerospace
• Seattle Job Scene: strong job market in tech finance and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its global influences in technology and innovation , ,
• Seattle Resident’s pay $2,200 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Seattle: 9%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 600 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 22

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Seattle

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $150 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-5 and I-90 run through Seattle connecting it regionally
• Commute Time: 32 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: backups on I-5
• Transportation Score: 78 out of 100 described as Excellent Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Seattle: 700,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.9
• No. of Car Washes: 30 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Seattle: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 78 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Seattle’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Seattle is best described as cool wet winters mild dry summers with frequent rain
• Winter Weather in Seattle i’d describe as cool with rainy days
• Spring Weather in Seattle can be described as cool with occasional rain
• Summer’s in Seattle are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Seattle is usually cool and rainy
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 23 days in summer
• Days in a row in Seattle below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality significantly influenced by traffic
• Seattle Winter Air mixed air quality significant urban pollution concerns

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Seattle Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Seattle 22
• While the number of trade schools inside Seattles’s city limits are 20
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Seattle Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Seattle Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 10 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Seattle only Doctors is about 1,000
• Local Hospitals here is  30
• Full-time Seattle only Police Officers is about 1,300
• Crime Rate Index: 65/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Seattle’s Monthly utility bill average is $150
• Seattle’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Seattle’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Seattle

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 30 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: large city known for its coffee culture and tech industry
• You might enjoy concerts at the Paramount Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Seattle  boasts a dynamic nightlife with trendy bars restaurants clubs and cultural events across diverse neighborhoods

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Seattle

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Offers a variety of international cuisines and seafood options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 300 scattered around Seattle
• The Popular Sports Team is Seattle Seahawks
• Top Level Political Climate in Seattle can be described as progressively leaning urban center focused on tech and equity issues
• Seattle’s Longer standing religious establishment is Westside Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Seattle Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Seattle has 250 Parks?
• Citterio Park is Seattle’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Seattle Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-2pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, picnicking, and waterfront activities

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Seattle Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Seattle can be described as fast-paced urban center with a vibrant economy and cultural scene
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Seattle visiting museums hiking local trails community events
• The Cities people commute to from Seattle are Port-Orchard 8 miles away Silverdale 9 miles away Bainbridge-Island 13 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Seattle or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: backups on I-5. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Seattle’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Capitol Hill is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Seattle are Port-Orchard 8 miles away Silverdale 9 miles away Bainbridge-Island 13 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 65 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Seattle has 4 days in a row below freezing and 23 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Seattle people have an average (positive or negative) $-2000 in negative cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   12,000 homeless people living in Seattle. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general progressively leaning urban center focused on tech and equity issues could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Seattle.

Retiree & Senior Life in Seattle

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can might qualify for various property tax reductions depending on income
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Aegis Living
• Seattle Senior Center hosts diverse activities health resources and social engagement opportunities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Seattle, Washington?

If Seattle, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Seattle, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!