Thinking of moving to Seattle? Heres what you need to know about Emerald City before take the plunge.
1. When it rains, it pours
Grab your raincoat, because Emerald City gets 37.13 inches of rain each year on average. The good news? It only rains for less than half the year, with roughly 147 days of precipitation, as opposed to the misconception that it rains year round. And all that rain helps Seattle stay green and lush.
You can expect to get some rain late in the fall, winter, and early spring. Winters in particular are dark and rainy, with the sun setting between 4:30 to 5 p.m. But the summers are warm and beautiful, making it all worth it.
2. You can find ways to live inexpensively
Contrary to popular belief, Seattle is not nearly as expensive as major cities like New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. However, expect to shell out $1,486 for an apartment in a decent neighborhood, and be ready to spend $161 on utilities per month for a two-person household.
You will be able to find lower rental fees as you move further north and south from the city center in desirable neighborhoods like Lynnwood and Des Moines. And if you think that this is a downgrade, you cant be more wrong Seattle is vibrant throughout, and even the suburbs are as exciting as the downtown area.
But why rent when you can own? Seattle real estate prices are climbing at a slower rate compared to previous years, and with more homes selling at market price, this could be the best time to explore your options in the market. The Metropolist Group can help you find the perfect home. Call us at 206-623-5118 or send us an email at [email protected].
3. The neighborhoods are diverse
Seattle is a patchwork of different neighborhoods, each with its own flavor and identity. From the quirkiness of Fremont and eclecticism of Capitol Hill, to the historic weight of Ballard and natural beauty of Waterfront, each and every one of these enclaves is unique.
4. Seattle is a city of commuters
Transit ridership in central Seattle is growing at a faster rate than other areas in major U.S. cities, with over 48.4% of students and workers arriving by train, bus, or ferry in the mornings, as of February 2018. Driving alone is highly discouraged in the city, and as a result, the number of solo car commuters has gone down by 9%.
5. The job market is robust
The presence of several Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Seattle like Amazon, Starbucks, and Microsoft make it one of the hottest job markets in the U.S. The University of Washington also offer stellar career opportunities to residents.
In King County, job growth saw a rise of 8.9% from 2017 to 2018, with tech companies, coffeehouse chains, and major retailers constantly hiring top talent from all over the nation.
Moreover, the unemployment rate rests at 3.0% which is lower than the national average of 4.0%.
Were serious about sports
Whats Seattle without sports? Emerald City is home to professional sports teams like the Supersonics (NBA), Storm (WNBA), Mariners (MLB), and Seahawks (NFL), just to name a few. The Key Arena, now known as The Seattle Center Arena, is one of the most prestigious sports venues in the nation.
Ready to pack your bags? The Metropolist Group is here to assist you. Call us at 206-623-5118 or send us an email at [email protected].
Photo by Jesse Collins on Unsplash
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