There are a number of small things that we take for granted in our everyday…
Seattle is one of the top 10 cities that college graduates are moving to after graduating. There are many reasons graduates are moving to Seattle, and it’s easy to say the Pacific Northwest has so much to offer when it comes to beauty and economic stability.
What Is Living in Seattle Like As A Young Professional?
Seattle really is the perfect mix of outdoor activities such as rock climbing or hiking, while offering many job opportunities. In Seattle, you can find a great balance between your social life and your work life with companies like REI, Amazon, Zulily, Microsoft, and much more. Many people find jobs at startups which offer a unique kind of work-life balance. Office jobs often offer fun work environments as well as work from home opportunities. This gives young college graduates freedom as they enjoy flexible work schedules in an amazing city.
If you’re looking to move to Seattle once you graduate from college, here is a list of things you should be aware of before taking the plunge.
Transportation
Seattle is a great city for biking if you’re up for a hilly challenge! There are plenty of bike lanes around the city and more being added all the time. Get help finding the perfect route to and from work with the ride the city website.
If biking isn’t your thing, using public transportation is also a great option. Seattle’s Link light rail system has been so successful that it’s already expanding its route! It’s a great and cheap way to get around the city. Buses are great too if you are going in a North/South direction. However, moving from East-to-West is trickier due to the city’s layout.
Cars are also great ways to get around the city. Nonetheless, because of the growing population, rush hour traffic is becoming more and more precarious. It is best to drive at off-peak hours and use public transport as much as you can. Don’t forget, you can always get an Uber or Lyft if you’re in a bind. Thankfully, they’ve added a ride share option, potentially making your ride even cheaper.
Nature
You can enjoy the nature of the Pacific Northwest right inside the city at one of its many beautiful parks. Discovery Park is a 534-acre park on the shores of Puget Sound, in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle. It is the city’s largest public park and offers 11.81 miles of walking trails.
You can see the Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains from various points in Discovery Park.
Another favorite is Volunteer Park, which is a 48.3-acre park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. This park features some great artwork and views of the city. You can also venture into the botanical garden, or the Asian Art Museum while you’re there. Another interesting fact: most of the museums in Seattle are free on the first Thursday of the month.
Lastly, you have to get to know Gasworks park, which is a 19.1-acre public park on the site of the former Seattle Gas Light Company gasification plant. The Gasworks plant is a great place to spend your day, especially if you are interested in Steampunk.
If you want more of an adventure, there is a plethora of hikes, trails, rock climbing walls, and camping spots within a few hours drive of the city.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Seattle has something to offer for everyone in almost every neighborhood. Capitol Hill is host to many bars and clubs and has a prolific LGBTQ scene. If live music is your thing, Capitol Hill, Fremont, Columbia City, University District, and Wallingford have you covered. Seattle is known for its emergence of “grunge rock” with the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. It is also the birthplace of one of the most influential electric guitar players and musicians of all time, Jimi Hendrix. If you want to be surrounded and constantly inspired by art and music, look no further than what Seattle has to offer.
Cost of Living
It is true that the cost of living is rising with the popularity and opportunities Seattle has to offer, but that doesn’t mean you should count it out. Certain neighborhoods are becoming more expensive because of new high-rise apartments and condominiums. So, another option is to look at up and coming neighborhoods such as Greenwood and Columbia City to start your new home, rather than right in city center. Also, keep in mind parking can be an issue. If you can do without a vehicle, you could easily find an affordable apartment in the city where you don’t have to pay for a parking spot.
Job Opportunities
There are so many job opportunities in Seattle. Whether you choose to wait at home until you find a job and then move out, or you choose to take the risk and find one when you get here, something will open up for you. Seattle is on the cutting edge of technology and start-up culture. As more people are looking to move away from Silicon Valley, the time is now to snatch up the jobs that are available in The Emerald City. Companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Zulily, Boeing, REI, and Starbucks are all headquartered here. Moreover, that doesn’t come close to the amount of other startups and small-business opportunities that are available here.
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