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Moving to Seattle

Located in the Puget Sound region in the state of Washington, Seattle is a picturesque city surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges and lush forests. Newcomers moving to Seattle will experience a lively arts scene and rich history, which make for an interesting and culturally rich lifestyle.

Living in Seattle as an expat

New arrivals to Seattle can usually strike a healthy balance between work, relaxation, entertainment and family time. Downtown Seattle is the city's economic and social hub, and the primary industries that make up its economy are internet and technology, service, design and manufacturing companies. The Port of Seattle is a major trade hub with links to Asia and Alaska.

Young professionals are drawn to the Downtown area as it provides a vibrant, fast-paced lifestyle and is in proximity to most office buildings. That said, there are plenty of neighbourhoods to cater for every taste and budget, along with a variety of housing options, from slick apartments and quirky loft conversions to family homes.

Most expats living in Seattle will find that a car is not a necessity. Buses, trolleybuses, light rail and commuter trains are at their disposal when it comes to getting around the city, not to mention the excellent ferry system (the largest in the US). It's also not uncommon to cycle or walk to work.

Cost of living in Seattle

The cost of living in Seattle is fairly high, reflecting its status as one of the more expensive cities in the US. Fortunately, the city's booming economy and thriving job market mean that professionals often earn above-average salaries, giving them greater spending power.

Be that as it may, housing in Seattle doesn’t come cheap, and this significantly raises the overall cost of living. Renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost nearly twice the national average, driven by a surge in luxury apartment developments and an influx of young, affluent tech workers who can afford them.

Families and children in Seattle

The city offers plenty of exceptional schooling options, state-of-the-art healthcare and a safe environment. The city has plenty of sights to delight young and old. During the summer months, Seattle families love to get outdoors, and the city has many natural splendours to enjoy. From lush forests and crystal clear lakes to beautiful city parks and rich wildlife reserves, new arrivals from all walks will find something to enjoy in the city.

The Emerald City is bordered by lots of water, and this provides a unique way to enjoy the city. There are many ways to enjoy the surrounding ocean, including sea kayaking, spending a weekend on a houseboat or having sundowners on a yacht. Families often enjoy taking a drive out to Lake Washington to enjoy a picnic by the water.

Climate in Seattle

Seattle is well known for its wet conditions, and this might take some getting used to for newcomers. The rain does come with some perks, though, as it results in most of the city's landscape being beautifully green. Seattle does enjoy its fair share of sunny days, too. Temperatures are wonderfully mild, with July and August being the hottest months. The average summer temperature is 75°F (24°C), while winter temperatures rarely drop below 32°F (0°C), with little snowfall. 

All in all, new arrivals moving to Seattle will discover it's a beautiful place to live that is constantly growing in its innovation and culture. Its cost of living might be on the rise, but most newcomers to the city report that it is well worth it.

Weather in Seattle

With a temperate maritime climate, Seattle is famous for rainy and grey weather. Although cloudy skies occur for about two-thirds of each year, heavy rainfall is generally confined to the winter months of November, December and January. For the remainder of the year, the city is mostly dry. From June to September, summer is short-lived, warm and fairly dry.

Daytime temperatures are mild throughout the year, with July and August being the hottest months. The average summer temperature is 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures rarely drop below 32°F (0°C), with little snowfall. 

 

Pros and Cons of Moving to Seattle

Seattle is one of the most picturesque cities in America, where majestic mountains and verdant forests are always in the frame. Locals understandably love the pristine natural beauty on their doorstep. They're known for their calm, patient outlook on life, and most of them would rather chat over drinks, attend music concerts or go out to the theatre than have wild nights on the town.

That said, like every city, Seattle has a few negatives to go with its many positives. Below is a list of the pros and cons of moving to Seattle.

Cost of living in Seattle

+ PRO: High spending power

Seattle's booming economy means professionals can earn more than the average American salary, allowing them greater spending power.

- CON: High cost of living

While Seattle's job market remains relatively healthy, the current economic downturn has affected the city's cost of living. Healthcare and utilities in Seattle are above the national average, while groceries cost 25 percent more than they do in the rest of the country.

Accommodation in Seattle

+ PRO: Excellent standard of accommodation

Newcomers from all walks of life will find suitable housing that is constructed to a high standard in Seattle. Young and single new arrivals looking to be in the hustle and bustle of downtown Seattle will find plenty of housing ranging from loft conversions to chic apartments. Families can find spacious and more affordable homes in Seattle's outlying suburbs.

- CON: Rent costs are high

Housing doesn't come cheap in Seattle. The cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment is almost twice the national average. The factors behind the high prices are a boom in the construction of expensive, luxury apartment buildings and an influx of young, affluent tech professionals who can afford them.

Working in Seattle

+ PRO: Job opportunities are broad

Thanks to its strong economy, Seattle's unemployment rate remains low (compared to the national average), and the number of jobs is constantly growing. Top industries include technical, business and scientific services, though manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, retail and food services are popular as well.

- CON: The job market is competitive

While Seattle offers opportunities to skilled newcomers, its job market is exceedingly competitive. Many top employers are looking for the best of the best. Jobseekers who want to succeed in the city should commit to upskilling through frequent courses to stay ahead of the competition.

Lifestyle in Seattle

+ PRO: Outdoor activities are plentiful

There are vast acres of parkland in and around Seattle, meaning active newcomers can easily find superb hiking and biking trails. Climbers can visit Mount Rainier and the National Park, while Lake Washington is a must for bass, trout and salmon fishing. Camping, skiing, backpacking, kite surfing and visits to the ocean, volcanoes and different islands are on the menu too.

+ PRO: Great culinary scene

The city's food scene offers everything from expensive high-end fare to moreish fast food. Seattle's seafood options are particularly appetising. Seattle shares the Northwest's tradition of providing magnificent breakfasts of eggs, bacon and waffles. It also has a big reputation in the craft-brewing industry and is home to artisans who micro-brew beer, wine, tea and coffee – among other things.

+ PRO: Thriving music landscape

Seattle has a real pedigree as a music town, with renowned artists such as Ray Charles and Quincy Jones starting their careers here. The grunge genre of music traces its origins to the city through bands like Pearl Jam, Nirvana and Soundgarden. Newcomers can enjoy thriving rock and hip-hop scenes, as well as classical music.

Culture shock in Seattle

- CON: The Seattle Freeze

Many people who move to the city talk about the 'Seattle Freeze', which refers to the locals' attitude of not wanting to talk to people they don't already know. The claim is that while Seattle natives are polite, they can be cliquey and standoffish around newcomers.

Weather in Seattle

- CON: Gloomy weather

For all its virtues, Seattle only has 152 days of sunshine per year versus a national average of 205. It's also one of the rainiest major cities in America.

+ PRO: Comfortable climate

Though Seattle is exceptionally rainy, the city enjoys comfortable weather conditions year-round. Temperatures rarely go to extremes, and snowfall totals less than seven inches every winter – versus a national average of 28 inches (0.71 metres).

Working in Seattle

Expats moving to Seattle will find that the city's economy is very diverse. As the original home of the Boeing Company's headquarters, Seattle has historically been somewhat dependent on the aerospace industry.

Expats working in Seattle will find that the economy has diversified over time, and thriving industries in the city now range from the manufacture of transportation equipment and forestry products to technology and environmental engineering.

Job market in Seattle

Most expats hired to work in Seattle are employed in the technological, healthcare and engineering sectors. Seattle has a reputation for its ability to attract well-educated workers from both within the US and abroad.

Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and Google are some of the principal employers in Seattle, so there is still plenty of scope for software engineers, computer analysts and web developers, despite recent retrenchments and hiring freezes. Seattle is also the home of retail giants such as Starbucks, Nordstrom and Costco.

Finding a job in Seattle

Ultimately, while there are opportunities for skilled expats, the job market is very competitive, and many of Seattle's top employers look for candidates who stand out from their peers. To be successful in the workplace in Seattle, it is important that expats are pragmatic, and it's a good idea to upskill frequently to stay ahead of the competition. Recruitment agencies and online job portals can assist with the process of finding a job. 

Work culture in Seattle

Seattle boasts relatively low unemployment rates year on year. Most of the major employers provide their employees with substantial benefits, which have contributed to creating a good working environment and one of the most productive workforces in the country.  

The people of Seattle are known for being industrious, and as a result, employers try to provide a company structure where talented individuals can progress through the ranks. Expats working in Seattle will discover that companies put a real emphasis on investing in the education and training of their staff to limit staff turnover and ensure workers become more valuable to the organisation.  

Accommodation in Seattle

One of the first tasks facing expats moving to Seattle will be finding a home. While expats can purchase property in the US, most prefer to rent, at least initially.

The cost of living in Seattle is high, and accommodation doesn't come cheap. In fact, rental prices in Seattle are some of the most expensive in the country. Also, newcomers will find that with growing numbers of people moving to Seattle from both within the country and abroad, there is a shortage of rental properties.

Areas and suburbs in Seattle

With seven council districts and innumerable neighbourhoods, Seattle boasts a diversity of suburbs suitable for new arrivals from all walks of life. For parents moving to Seattle with their children, choosing their new neighbourhood will be one of the most important decisions they make. School admissions in the city are based on catchment areas, and the most well-resourced schools are typically located in the affluent suburbs. Newcomers needn't worry about getting around as Seattle has an efficient public transport system, while cycling and walking are also popular. 

Young and single newcomers looking to be in the hustle and bustle of things should look no further than central Seattle in neighbourhoods such as Belltown, Capitol Hill and Ballard. These suburbs are home to some of the trendiest restaurants, nightlife spots and shopping districts. Young professionals who prefer a more quiet neighbourhood that is still close to the action would do well in Fremont. 

Newly arrived families will discover that Seattle caters well for family life. There are plenty of child-friendly activities and neighbourhoods for newcomers to choose from. Green Lake in north Seattle offers families an opportunity to get wrapped up in outdoor activities around the lake while Beacon Hill and Rainier Valley are quiet residential neighbourhoods that offer families proximity to downtown Seattle. Quiet Magnolia, West Seattle and Queen Anne are other family-friendly neighbourhoods to consider. 

Read more about Areas and Suburbs in Seattle

Types of accommodation in Seattle

Seattle has a good range of accommodation, from modern loft conversions in the city centre to larger family homes in the leafy suburbs, but good properties are often snapped up quickly. As is the case in most cities, properties in the suburbs will generally be more spacious and affordable than those found downtown. Most rental properties come fully furnished.

Finding accommodation in Seattle

It's best to start the process of finding a home as soon as possible. Those relocating to Seattle will find it easier to search for properties in the middle of winter because most people move to the city during the summer months of July and August.

It may be worth enlisting the help of a real estate agent who can advise on suitable neighbourhoods and give house hunters access to a larger number of potential properties in Seattle. Alternatively, expats can use listings in online property portals and local newspapers.

Renting accommodation in Seattle

Making an application

Landlords and rental agencies usually carry out credit and background checks on potential tenants. Expats will be asked to provide references from previous landlords and their employers, so it is best to have these documents prepared beforehand. As competition for housing in Seattle is high, landlords can afford to be selective about the tenants they choose to occupy their properties.

Leases, costs and fees

Most landlords will be looking for tenants who can commit to a contract for at least a year. Tenants will be expected to put down a security deposit, usually equivalent to a month's rent. The first month's rent will also need to be paid upfront. At the end of the lease, the security deposit will be returned as long as the rental property is in good condition.

See Accommodation in the USA for detailed information on the rental process in the country. 

Utilities

Utilities aren't usually included in the rental price, so expats will need to factor in the cost of electricity and water. It's also important to consider the cost of setting up an internet connection.

Electricity and gas

The public utility provider, City Lights, supplies the electricity in Seattle, while the gas supply is managed by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). Newcomers moving to Seattle must register an account on the City of Seattle's utility services website. This one-stop shop will allow them to register for electricity and gas connections. The City of Seattle will first need to verify their identification by asking customers credit-related questions.

New arrivals should expect to pay a connection fee and receive an account number that will be used to bill them bi-monthly. Some property managers or real estate agents will handle the connection process for tenants, so newcomers should first check before beginning the registration process.

To connect their natural gas, tenants will register a PSE account online and follow a similar process to connecting electricity. It may be necessary for the company to dispatch a technician to ensure the safety and functionality of the line and reconnect the gas. 

Water

Most of the drinking water in Seattle comes from the Tolt and Cedar River watersheds, and the supply and maintenance are managed by Seattle Public Utilities. Once tenants have registered an account with the City of Seattle's utility services, they will have access to their water bills. Agents from the water department usually visit homes to read the meter every month or bi-monthly. 

Bins and recycling

Seattle's waste management operates on a pay-as-you-throw cost structure, meaning the less waste residents generate, the less they will pay for rubbish collection. Waste is typically collected weekly in most neighbourhoods, and tenants are encouraged to bag their waste for safe collection. 

The City of Seattle provides residents with a recycling cart that they can use to put recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and metal. Seattle also has a LookUp tool and recycling app that allow residents to determine whether an item is recyclable or not. For hazardous waste and special items such as large furniture, residents can drop them off at designated sites throughout the city or arrange for collection with the city. 

Useful links

  • MyUtilities provides information on collection days for specific neighbourhoods in Seattle. 

Areas and suburbs in Seattle

The best places to live in Seattle

There's a wide range of areas and suburbs in Seattle for expats to choose from. The decision of which neighbourhood to live in will be influenced by a variety of factors, including lifestyle preferences, budget and proximity to essential services such as public transport.

For parents, the Seattle public school system is often a deciding factor in selecting the right neighbourhood. Public school catchment areas are split geographically, giving preference to students within a certain radius of the school. Many families pick their neighbourhoods based on the ranking of schools.

With so many choices, expats may wonder where to begin. For a start, here are a few recommended Seattle neighbourhoods worth considering.

Central Seattle

Seattle

Once home to illustrious figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Quincy Jones and Bruce Lee, Central Seattle is a diverse region with varied economic and cultural activities. Belltown is one of the closest areas to the city centre, and housing here is mostly in the form of apartments. Owing to traffic congestion and a lack of parking spots in garages, people living in these areas frequently prefer walking or using public transport. 

Capitol Hill, Lower Queen Anne and Eastlake are also close to Seattle's city centre, as are the International District (formerly known as Chinatown) and Montlake. These areas tend to be full of activity and have a good mix of different types of housing. Noise levels would be one of the factors to consider before moving here, particularly that generated by the noisy Interstate 5 highway.  

These neighbourhoods are popular with young professionals and executives who want to be within easy reach of their office buildings. Those who have high disposable income tend to prefer city living as it gives them access to the best shopping, restaurants and nightlife. 

North Seattle

Seattle

North Seattle is popular with families thanks to the large number of schools in the area. There are plenty of single-family homes and townhouses here to accommodate those with children. Popular neighbourhoods in North Seattle include Ballard, Bryant, Wallingford, Ravenna and the University District. 

The University District, or the U-District as it is popularly known, surrounds the University of Washington in North Seattle. This area has a diverse mix of urban shopping areas, historic architecture, excellent cafés and theatres. As a result of the U-District's large student population, there are many big houses with multiple bedrooms that are rented out to students. Newcomers looking for budget accommodation and houseshares will find plenty of these here. 

Those who enjoy outdoor pursuits will love living in North Seattle. Residents often kayak on Lake Union, cycle on the Burke-Gilman Trail, or catch a football game at Husky Stadium.  

South Seattle 

Seattle

Recommended residential areas in South Seattle include Columbia City, Mount Baker and Seward Park. These neighbourhoods are diverse, and those who decide to live in one of these areas will likely find that several of their neighbours are foreigners too.

Columbia City is the commercial hub for the South Seattle area. It is filled with retailers, dining establishments and entertainment options. The eateries found here are diverse, with restaurants serving cuisines from all over the world.

Seward Park and Mount Baker are close to Lake Washington and full of green spaces, which is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of jogging and cycling. It's worth mentioning that while there are some public transport options available in South Seattle, some areas aren't as well covered, meaning residents may require a car.

West Seattle

Seattle

West Seattle has some of the most naturally scenic neighbourhoods in Seattle. Areas such as North Admiral, Alki, Fauntleroy and the West Seattle Junction are highly sought after. West Seattle is also popular with environmentally conscious dwellers who enjoy being close to nature.

While this is a lovely area to live in, new arrivals set on doing so should be prepared to spend more than they would on housing in other parts of Seattle. The area is made up of hilly suburbs strung along the western side of Duwamish River and hosts several popular natural settings, including Alki Beach, Lincoln Park and Longfellow Creek Trail.

Healthcare in Seattle

The healthcare sector is one of the biggest employers in Seattle, and the city has a high concentration of doctors. Seattle is home to some of the leading medical research facilities in the US, including the Seattle Children's Hospital and the Swedish Medical Center. However, the standard of healthcare provision does vary throughout the city.

The Seattle city government is taking steps to address these disparities, but new arrivals should ensure they are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan so that they have access to the best healthcare in Seattle.

Most medical insurance plans will require newcomers to pay for their medical expenses upfront and will then reimburse them after submitting claims. Private healthcare in America also gives patients access to the best facilities, healthcare practitioners and shorter waiting times, but newcomers should be aware that healthcare costs in the country can be eye-wateringly expensive.

Pharmacies are readily available throughout Seattle, and many operate 24 hours a day.

See Healthcare in the USA for more on the country's healthcare system.

Hospitals in Seattle

Northwest Hospital and Medical Center

Website: www.nwhospital.org
Address: 1550 N 115th Street

Seattle Children's Hospital

Website: www.seattlechildrens.org
Address: 4800 Sand Point Way NE

Swedish Medical Center – Cherry Hill

Website: www.swedish.org
Address: 500 17th Avenue

University of Washington Medical Center

Website: www.uwmedicine.org
Address: 1959 NE Pacific Street

Education and Schools in Seattle

Education and schools in Seattle are highly valued. This is partly due to the high concentration of jobs in the technology, engineering and medical sectors, which require a high level of education.

Alongside public schools, Seattle is also home to several government-funded schools offering the International Baccalaureate and immersion courses in a variety of languages, such as Spanish, English and Japanese. There are also some privately run international schools.

See Education and Schools in the USA for more on the national education system. 

Public schools in Seattle

Overall, the standard of education in Seattle's public schools is satisfactory. In fact, the state has been shown to have one of the highest rates of high-school graduation in the country. There remain some disparities, though. Seattle is somewhat divided along ethnic lines, with more ethnic minorities living in the southern part of the city. Because school attendance is based on zoning, those in more disadvantaged areas often only have access to substandard schooling. In wealthier areas, public schools offer an excellent standard of teaching along with a host of extracurricular activities.

Newly arrived foreign parents will need to bear in mind the standard of schools when choosing which neighbourhood to live in. Catchment areas determine the allocation at public schools in Seattle, and the public school system gives priority to students living nearby.

Newcomers living in Seattle will be eligible to send their children to one of the city's public schools. While public education in Seattle doesn't require tuition, parents must budget for additional costs. 

Charter schools

Charter schools are public schools that are governed by a non-profit board, allowing them more flexibility in terms of curricula and teaching methods than regular public schools. There are currently less than ten charter schools within Seattle. Enrolment at a charter school is done by a lottery, which is open to anyone living within the school district.

Private and international schools in Seattle

Newly arrived parents moving to Seattle will have the option of sending their children to a private school. Many private schools have a religious affiliation. There are many good private schools in Seattle that provide a high standard of teaching and greater scope for talented students to excel. Private schools tend to offer a broader range of extracurricular activities than most public schools.

Some private schools in Seattle offer dual-language immersion programmes or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The major difference between public and private international schools is, of course, the cost.

Parents considering this option must budget significantly more for their child's education fees. There are generally scholarships and bursaries available, but international students may not be eligible for these. It's also important to note that most private schools don't offer any specialised support for second-language English speakers. In the case that this is required, it's often best to consider one of Seattle's public international schools with language immersion programmes.

The most popular private schools in Seattle are oversubscribed, so it is best to apply well in advance, even before moving to the city. 

Special-needs education in Seattle

The city's education system is well-equipped to provide for students with learning and developmental disabilities. There are multiple federal laws in place in the US to ensure that children with disabilities have fair access to quality education at no cost, regardless of state.

Both public and private schools usually have special programmes in place to support students with learning difficulties. In cases where a learner's disability is too severe for them to benefit from mainstream education, there are special education facilities that can offer students a special-needs programme tailored to meet their specific requirements.

Tutors in Seattle

Whether a child has fallen behind in mathematics or needs additional support to excel in their college entrance exams, Seattle has plenty of private tutors. 

It's wise to start by asking the child's school or other parents in the area for a recommendation. Alternatively, one could utilise the services of established tutoring companies. These companies offer an array of packages, from subject-specific intensive programmes to one-on-one home tuition and small group sessions. 

Enlisting the services of a private tutor is an excellent opportunity for students to address any gaps in their knowledge, excel at a particular subject, or simply build confidence in their new environment.

Tertiary education in Seattle

Seattle is a great place for those looking to pursue higher education. The city is home to one of the USA's top universities, the University of Washington, which is the largest university in the Pacific Northwest and is well respected in academic circles.

Apart from the University of Washington, other options in the city include Seattle University, Seattle Pacific University and City University of Seattle. There are other smaller educational institutions scattered throughout the city that focus on specific areas, such as business or fine arts.

Lifestyle in Seattle

Seattle is a vibrant metropolitan city set against a stunning natural backdrop. While those living in Seattle do have to work hard for their money, they also have a host of great leisure opportunities at their fingertips.

Whether they're keen to try the latest culinary creations, shop up a storm, enjoy a good night out or take part in various outdoor adventures, the lifestyle in Seattle offers no shortage of things to do in the Emerald City. 

Shopping in Seattle

Seattle's diverse neighbourhoods offer pretty much every type of shopping imaginable. From the latest outdoor gear and gadgets to must-have designer shoes, every shopper can find what they're looking for in Seattle.

Fashionistas can head downtown, where there's an abundance of high-end retail outlets, including the Nordstrom flagship store, Macy's and Tiffany & Co. Those looking for a chic vintage piece should check out the indie boutiques along Ballard Avenue, while bargain hunters should visit outlet malls surrounding the city for brand-name items at reduced prices. Pike Place Market and the Seattle Waterfront are good bets for unique locally made crafts.

Nightlife in Seattle

There's no shortage of evening entertainment in Seattle. For those who enjoy socialising over a drink, there are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Pike Place Market is a Seattle landmark, and throngs of tourists flock to enjoy the nightlife each night. Most Seattle locals prefer to head to Belltown, Pioneer Square or Capitol Hill. Ballard in North Seattle is popular with a more grown-up crowd looking for a quieter evening out.

Arts and entertainment in Seattle

Seattle has an active and diverse music scene with a plethora of classical, jazz and rock music events. Expats who enjoy a night out at the theatre will be pleased to learn that Seattle has a thriving fringe theatre scene that exists alongside larger-scale productions. The city also plays host to several touring Broadway productions each year.

Eating out in Seattle

Food lovers are spoilt for choice owing to Seattle's eclectic restaurant scene. The city offers residents everything from Italian, Middle Eastern and Nepalese cuisine to traditional American fare, showcasing the best of local ingredients. Thanks to the city's world-class chefs and top local produce, Seattle has become a culinary hotspot in the US. 

Beyond Seattle's restaurant scene, one cannot forget that Seattle is the home of Starbucks, which means locals are serious about getting their caffeine fix. Seattle has one of the highest concentrations of coffee houses in the country, and they can be found in all sorts of interesting locations. Expats who enjoy coffee will find plenty of quaint spots where they can lose themselves in a good book or simply people-watch over a cup of java.

Outdoor activities in Seattle

During the summer months, locals love to get outdoors, and the city has plenty of natural splendours to enjoy. From lush forests and crystal clear lakes to beautiful city parks and rich wildlife reserves, there is much for newcomers to discover in this city. 

Seattle is bordered by lots of water, and it provides a unique way to enjoy the city. From sea kayaking to spending a weekend on a houseboat or having sundowners on a luxury yacht, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding ocean. Residents often enjoy taking a drive out to Lake Washington to enjoy a picnic by the water.

For landlubbers, there are several cycling trails, especially in the South Lake Union area, where one can take in some stunning views of the lake. Another great way to experience the outdoors is to take to one of Seattle's many hiking trails. Seattle has hundreds of parks that provide green spaces for recreational sports or simply relaxing and taking some time out from the hustle and bustle of city life.

See and do in Seattle

Seattle is a culturally rich city with many museums and art galleries in addition to some iconic attractions. Newcomers to the city will discover that there's plenty to see and do in Seattle.

Space Needle 

This is the quintessential feature of the Seattle skyline. At 184m (605 feet), it's the place to be for spectacular views of the city. Dining at SkyCity, the tower's rotating restaurant, is an experience in itself.

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Located at Seattle Center, Chihuly Garden and Glass displays the work of glass artist Dale Chihuly. The exhibition has eight galleries indoors in addition to a beautiful outdoor garden and magnificent glasshouse. Apart from offering guided tours, the centre also hosts several fitness classes in the glasshouse itself, including yoga and tai chi.

The Museum of Pop Culture

Unique to Seattle, this museum houses some of the world's most legendary pop culture artefacts. From horror films to music icons to comic books, there's an exhibition for everyone. Sci-fi lovers particularly will find a treasure trove of attractions here, from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame to the dedicated science-fiction museum.

National Nordic Museum

One of the few museums in the United States to honour the legacy of immigrants from the Nordic countries, the National Nordic Museum explores the cultures of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Sweden. There's more to the museum than its fascinating exhibits, though – it also offers classes such as Nordic wood-crafting, cooking and language lessons.

Pacific Science Center

The centre attracts more than a million visitors a year and offers exciting exhibits, events, movies and games related to science and technology. From its impressive dinosaur display to its beautiful butterfly house, the museum aims to inspire curiosity. 

Woodland Park Zoo

Spanning an impressive 92 acres, the Woodland Park Zoo is a reputable sanctuary home to more than 1,000 animals representing 300 species. This is a great attraction for families and includes an indoor play and education area known as the Zoomazium.

Seattle Children's Museum

The Seattle Children's Museum was custom-built for kids to peep into the adult world. From grocery shopping and theatre to kitchens and DIY stations, a visit to this museum is sure to be a fun stop for families. The exhibits are designed for children from the ages of six months to eight years.

What's on in Seattle

Seattle has a brimming events calendar. There are plenty of festivals and celebrations taking place across the city throughout the year, great opportunities for expats to immerse themselves in the city's culture and meet people.

Here of some recommended annual events in Seattle.

Northwest Flower and Garden Show (February)

This is a lovely indoor festival where expats with a green thumb – or those who simply want to enjoy the view – can visit several breathtaking show gardens and shop for plants and gardening items at more than 300 stalls. There's also an artisanal food market known as the 'Tasting Corner' if attendees get peckish. The event is held at the Washington State Convention Center.

St Patrick's Day Parade (March)

This colourful parade celebrating all things Irish takes place yearly, beginning with a flag-raising ceremony before the parade marches along 4th Avenue. Spectators are entertained with Irish music, singing and dancing.

Seattle Restaurant Week (April and October)

A must for all foodies living in Seattle, this twice-yearly event sees more than 150 of Seattle's top restaurants offering their fare at a fraction of regular prices in the form of two-course lunches and three-course dinners. As the specials last only a week, diners will need to book early to secure a table at the most popular restaurants. 

Seattle International Film Festival (May)

This event is billed as one of the largest film festivals in the country, with more than 150,000 attendees a year. A unique feature of this festival is its Secret Festival. Only accessible with a special pass, the Secret Festival consists of four screenings of unreleased films. The audience in attendance at the Secret Festival is sworn to secrecy.

Amazon Seafair Summer Fourth (July)

This Fourth of July festival is held in two different locations: Gas Works Park and South Lake Union Park. Highlights include a range of family-friendly activities such as sack races, pie-eating contests and more. Adding to the festivities are live music performances, beer gardens and plenty of food vendors. The evening brings a spectacular fireworks display which is not to be missed.

Seattle Street Food Festival (August)

At this delicious festival, visitors can enjoy a day in the sun while sampling yummy street food from local vendors. With dozens of food trucks and booths spanning five blocks, guests are spoilt for choice. Festivities continue into the evening with the 'Moonlight Night Market'.

New Year's Eve at the Needle (December)

Wrap up warm and head to the Seattle Center to see the city's legendary New Year's Eve fireworks display, which kicks off at midnight. The party upstairs sells out fast, but should visitors miss their chance to get in, they can still view the show from the ground at no cost.

Getting Around in Seattle

Seattle's public transport network is perhaps not as extensive as those in other major US cities. Though smaller, it's still efficient and makes getting around in Seattle easy. Traffic in Seattle isn't too intense.

In fact, it's highly regulated, and thanks to the city's small but well-maintained public transport network, extended commute times are only experienced during peak hours. Most large companies in Seattle provide passes for public transportation, which encourages people to travel using these systems rather than driving. 

Public transport in Seattle

Public transport in Seattle is jointly managed by King County Metro and Sound Transit. Seattle's modes of public transport connect the city's suburbs to the downtown area. While there is a choice of transport options available, not all are necessarily fast or well-connected. 

Fares for public transport vary according to the mode of transport and distance travelled. For expats wishing to use the public transportation system frequently, it's wise to invest in an ORCA pass. This pass is a cost-effective and convenient option for getting around Seattle and is valid on both King County Metro and Sound Transit services.

Light rail 

Operated by Sound Transit, the Link light rail system is limited but is a fast way to get around. Currently consisting of two lines (Central Link and Tacoma Link), extensions are planned for the future.

Although most Seattle residents don't use the service regularly, the Link light rail is useful for expats who travel for business and need quick access to the airport.

Buses

There are various types of buses in operation in Seattle, most of which fall under the King Country Metro Transit system. The bus network is fairly extensive, with connections to most areas of the city. 

Seattle's Sound Transit Express is an additional bus system that doesn't fall under the King Country Metro Transit system. An express bus with limited stops, Sound Transit Express provides an easy, convenient and fast way to travel along the freeway to the suburbs.

Streetcar

The Seattle tram service consists of two lines: the South Lake Union Streetcar and the First Hill Streetcar. Trams arrive every 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the time of day.

Ferry

Washington State operates the largest fleet of ferries in the US and runs both passenger and vehicle ferries. Services are regular, and it isn't uncommon to commute via the ferry.

Useful links

Taxis in Seattle

Taxis are readily available in Seattle's city centre. One can hail a taxi on the street in the downtown area, but those travelling from outside the city centre should book their vehicle in advance. While commuting by taxi in Seattle is convenient, it can also be expensive.

Ride-hailing applications such as Uber and Lyft are also available in Seattle. Some prefer using these apps instead of regular taxis as they have more control over the route and cost of the ride.

Driving in Seattle

Driving in Seattle is relatively easy and should not be much of a challenge for new expats, as long as they have either a US or international driving licence. Peak-hour traffic can be a little aggravating, but unlike in most US cities, drivers aren't delayed for hours.

Parking can be an issue in Seattle's city centre, though, as it's extraordinarily pricey and limited. New arrivals must also account for insurance and vehicle maintenance when deciding to purchase a vehicle.

See Transport and Driving in the US for more on securing a driving licence in the country. 

Cycling in Seattle

Ranked among the best US cycling cities, Seattle has an extensive network of bike trails, and the city's temperate climate is generally good for cycling. However, because of frequent rainfall and hilly topography, protective gear is suggested to avoid unexpected skids or accidents.

The city also has two bike-sharing schemes, Veo and Lime. The bike-sharing schemes allow residents to rent electric bikes through an app for up to 48 hours. Newcomers will simply have to pick up a bike at a bike-sharing station and find the nearest one to their final destination to drop it off. 

Useful links

  • Check out Veo or Lime for more information on renting a bicycle in Seattle.

Walking in Seattle

Seattle is a pedestrian-friendly city, and walking is a fun, free and healthy way to explore the city. There are clearly marked sidewalks (footpaths) and crosswalks (pedestrian crossings) where pedestrians have the right of way. Vehicles are obligated to stop for pedestrians obeying traffic rules.