Interested in moving to Seattle?

Question

I currently live in Louisiana and am interested in moving to Seattle, WA. Unfortunately, I do not know anyone who lives there and would like to know how I can get started in relocating. Thus far, the only way I know how to get started in this is paying 6-9 months rent ahead of time while job hunting. Am I going about this the right way or are there any other suggestions? Thanks in advance for any suggestions given.

Answer 1

What is your reason for wanting to move to Seattle? Is it urgent or do you have time to secure a job *before* moving? If you're not in a hurry, I would make sure to have a job lined up first, especially in this economy. Not trying to sound like a downer, but unemployment in Washington State is around 10% right now, so there will be plenty of competition out there.



As the first person mentioned, there are several big companies located in Seattle. Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Boeing - just to name a few. Some of those companies will also pay for you to relocate, which could save you tens of thousands of dollars in moving costs. I'm not sure what industry you're in, but if you can find someone else to pay for your relocation, it'll save you a ton of money.



If you're dead set on moving here before securing a job, I would recommend attending job fairs and career fairs to try to get your foot in the door and get noticed.

Answer 2

At 770 per month total (I'm presuming you mean for electric, gas, water and trash if any are billed separately) that means you're looking at places that rent in the 650-700 range - which will put you at the bottom end of the market here.



You'll either be in a more risky neighborhood or much further out than you are probably wanting to be.



One option to consider is a roommate situation - you should be able to find a room in an apartment or house shared with others for about $500 per month which would be well within your budget.



As for neighborhoods, you'll find upscale and budget options in many places in town. I'd suggest looking at Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Ballard and Greenwood - all are nicer neighborhoods with lots of apartments and decent bus service to downtown.

Answer 3

= My family just returned from a trip out to Seattle. I have lived in Alabama my entire life. I thought Seattle was so beautiful. We too get tired of the hot muggy weather heat here. But that said, the seasons here in the south are nice. I love fall and spring. Yeah around July and August is pretty hot and sticky but there are plenty of pools, lakes, and beaches around here to enjoy. Have you considered the rainy, cloudy days that are quite common in Seattle? The few days we were in Seattle we did have sunshine and clear skies but we were constantly being told that it was unusual and to enjoy it. Maybe people exaggerate about the rain there but I personally feel that constant rain would depress me and I know I love the mostly sunny days here in the South. This is just a thought from a down home Southern girl.

Answer 4

Starbucks and Microsoft are headquartered there. If you get a good paying job with one of those companies, then you should consider moving to Seattle.