What You Need to Know Before Moving to Seattle

Seattle is an exciting, progressive city that’s full of possibilities. Between its bustling job market and diverse housing options, there are plenty of reasons to consider Emerald City for your next move. 

From choosing the right apartment in the right Seattle neighborhood to learning more about the city itself, there are a few things you should keep in mind before your move to Seattle:

Finding an apartment in Seattle

Whether you’re looking at furnished apartments in Seattle or you’re getting ready to buy, the city offers plenty of options. However, with over 100 unique districts, the Seattle market can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. 

Students will appreciate the amenities of the University District. The area tends to draw a younger crowd, which is perfect for current learners or recent graduates. The Brooklyn Addition and University Heights, in particular, are bustling hotspots that are full of excitement. If you work in academia, you might want to consider this area as well. It makes for a shorter commute, though Seattle has no shortage of quality public transit options.

Families, on the other hand, are more likely to settle in West Seattle. Though it’s separated from the rest of the city by the Duwamish River, it still carries that signature Seattle vibe. It’s a little quieter than the busier metro areas, and it’s full of quality schools and parks. If you have young ones, West Seattle should be at the top of your list.

Understand the cost of living in Seattle

From furnished apartments in Seattle to townhouses and condos, Seattle is certainly one of the nation’s pricier metro areas. This higher cost of living means you must budget properly and set firm price limits when you’re looking for a new apartment. Luckily, many apartment hunting tools let you set maximum rent prices. This will help you find something that fits your budget.

Of course, the higher cost of living doesn’t solely pertain to rental prices. You’re also going to face some higher expenses for amenities, utilities, and even groceries. This is usually offset a bit by Seattle’s larger salary ranges, so don’t get too worried about the cost of living quite yet.

Scope out the job market in Seattle

Seattle is something of a corporate mecca. Microsoft, Amazon, and Expedia all call Seattle home. The job market holds a great deal of potential for the career-minded, but you also need to be ready to compete a little. 

Though many of these enterprises are more tech-focused, there are also retailers, coffee houses (hello, Starbucks!), and service-based companies that are constantly looking for top talent. If you’re open to some career advancement, expansion, or changes, you should definitely give Seattle a closer look.

Get to know the city

The food scene in Seattle is enough to put many other cities to shame. The diverse array of cuisines pairs perfectly with many breweries, distilleries, and craft cocktail lounges. There’s an unlimited supply of things to do and see throughout Seattle. If your idea of a perfect afternoon entails hours at a museum or you want to find some of the city’s hidden gems, you’re in luck. This is one city that prides itself on its unique culture and atmosphere. Of course, it’ll take you some time to get settled, but you’re sure to feel like a native in no time.

Looking to live in Seattle? Landing offers furnished apartments in Seattle with flexible leases that let you stay in town as long as you’d like. Browse Landing’s available apartments in Seattle, or contact us to learn more about how our membership works.