Have you outgrown your house or apartment, or do you need to find a better job? Moving can help you fix your problems, but you need to figure out where to go. You could theoretically move anywhere in the country-but maybe staying in Seattle, Wash. is the best option.
Moving locally within Seattle is much easier than moving across the country, and Seattle’s a great place to live. Staying in Seattle will let you keep your friends and continue to visit the places you love. If you’re considering a move, read the following reasons why you should stay here.
1. The Great Jobs
If you’re thinking about moving because your job isn’t what you want it to be, you don’t have to go far. Seattle is one of the best places in the nation to look for work-the job growth rate is much higher than average. Plus, if you work in tech, sticking close to Microsoft and other local tech companies isn’t a bad career move.
If you’d like to break into the tech world, you can start learning the skills you need at Seattle Central Community College. You might have visited their campus already for community events like the farmers’ market they host.
2. The Coffee
Starbucks started in Seattle, and you can still visit the first location. Even if Starbucks doesn’t make your favorite coffee, you’re still in luck-Seattle has so many options to choose from. If you leave Seattle, you should know that the coffee scene probably won’t be as rich or varied in other cities.
3. The Plant Life
You may be ambivalent about Seattle’s near-constant drizzle and rain. Maybe you’re sick of getting wet feet or keeping your hood up, and you’d like more sunshine. While moving away may get you better weather, don’t forget what you’ll be missing: the greenery.
Seattle’s weather makes it one of the greenest places in the United States. You may take the ivy, ferns, enormous fir trees, moss, and rhododendrons for granted, but if you move away, you won’t get to enjoy them anymore. Seattle’s abundant flora makes the city special and vibrant-you can find so many hidden green spaces, like parks nestled under bridges or between tall buildings, all across the city.
Large chunks of the United States are deserts, where green things grow only with cultivation. Either pick your next location carefully while keeping the local plant life in mind, or don’t give Seattle up if you don’t have to. Move within Seattle instead of moving away.
4. The Water
You’ve gotten used to seeing Lake Washington and the Puget Sound, but you should know that those spectacular views aren’t common. Unless you’re thinking about going to another coastal city, moving away might mean giving up your access to the ocean and the related perks, including the orcas, floating bridges, ferry rides, and the San Juan Islands.
Stay in Seattle instead. If you need a change of pace, maybe it’s time to take up a new hobby-take advantage of the water by learning to sail or by taking a tour of the Sound. If you’re taking Seattle’s best feature for granted, maybe you just need to remember to admire it more often.
5. The Mountains
Mount Rainier is a staple of the Seattle horizon, but if you’re thinking about leaving, maybe visiting the mountain will change your mind. No matter how many times you go, Mount Rainier can always take your breath away.
Enjoy Seattle’s nearby hikes in the Cascades, and watch for local wildlife like elk and black bears. If you’re up for it, take a camping trip or even go backpacking. If you love being outside, Seattle’s a great place to live. Stick around for a while longer yet.
6. The Sports Teams
While you’ve lived here, you might have gotten attached to the Sounders, Mariners, or Seahawks. No matter what sport you follow, there’s a team to cheer for here. And Seattle even makes games more comfortable with retractable roofs. Stay dry, but don’t leave Seattle when you can keep cheering on your team in person.
Moving often sounds like it’s the answer to your problems. Just picking up and leaving can sound very appealing-maybe a fresh start would do you a lot of good. However, you don’t have to go to a lot of trouble or expense to start over. Moving locally is a great compromise: keep what you love about Seattle while still getting to meet new people, try new things, and live in a better home.
The post Hello, Seattle: 6 Reasons to Move Locally appeared first on Wheaton.