how can you get started for living in seattle washington?

Answer 1

I live in Seattle. It depends on where you are from. It is colder here, and of course you know, it rains a lot. But the weather does not have the extremes like other cities. You won't see it below 30 or higher than 98 in the summer. It seldom snows in the city, usually only the mountains.

Start saving. It is pretty expensive to live here partially because of the "high-tech" well paying jobs. The closer you get into town the more expensive it is. Home prices are increasing here, while the rest of the country the opposite is happenning.

I like the area around the UW. Lots of cheap places to eat, that cater to the college students, more 24 hour places than downtown ( I have lived there for 3 years).

Big problem seem to be the homeless. Lots of panhandling in the streets and off of freeway exits. Crime is in the univeristy district, pioneer square, avoid bell-town ( too many late-night clubs) people will be partying outside of your apt, or condo.

I love Greenlake. It is about 3 miles and I bike it about 5 times a week. The water is great, sunsets beautiful, and generally people are friendly. Good transit system.

Freeway sucks. You could spend half your life in our traffic.

So to answer your question.

Leave your hang-ups at home. We are laid-back, coffee drinking, and are frustrated with our sport teams. ( Personally I can't wait for the Sonics to leave town.)

Lots of animals around. Bikes, but be careful because it seems that the drivers are aiming for you.

Pretty laid back...especially if you are from the east coast.

Could be hard to make friends here.
Very tolerante of alternative life styles and races.

Answer 2

Buy an umbrella and get a Starbuck's card.