Seattle: Some observations

The Signature Seattle Landmark

I know it’s been a while since I have updated this thing so I’ll just attribute it to my move to the west coast and leave it at that.

So, I’ve been living in Seattle for nearly 2 months now, and I’ve noticed a lot of things unique to this American City. I absolutely love it here, but I’m going to keep this list as impartial as possible.

1. Seattle is NOT the rainiest city in the U.S. You might be surprised to know that cities such as New York and Greensboro are near the top of the list. It is, however, gray quite often and showers frequently but for short periods of time.

2. On that note, no one here carries an umbrella. If you do see someone with an umbrella, they are probably a transplant. I use an umbrella because it seems stupid not to, and the “somewhat damp” look doesn’t suit me very well. In fact, it doesn’t suit many people, but they just don’t seem to mind out here.

3. There is a whole lot of homelessness. But this isn’t NYC style “put on your blinders,” “turn the other cheek” kind of homelessness. When I catch the bus at 3rd and pine, I know Patsy and Shorty will most likely be there, and Tricks (Trix?) may get a little sharp with them, and she better watch out man, you best believe it.

4. Even though this city is on the water and next to the mountains, I wouldn’t call it a nautical or mountain city for a second. Seattle has its own sort of vibe, which falters between being cool-tempered yuppie/eco-conscious to gritty/noisy/hipster ridden. You may find a native-american, a fisherman from “The Most Dangerous Catch,” an artist, or Dave Matthews on any given street.

5. Seattle has some pretty impressive work opportunities. Boeing, Nordstrom, Amazon, Starbucks, Getty Images, REI, and Microsoft are all based out of Seattle. Google also has a huge presence in the city, and yes, I can see the rumored game rooms through the windows.

6. Seattle is made up of many neighborhoods that act as micro-cities with their own sort of  vibe and culture. My favorites are: Ballard (almost like a mini-Cambridge, very New England-y, old, brick streets, fishermen, great pubs, neighborhood dogs and guitar stores), Fremont (artsy, good shopping, pretty, lots to eat), Queen Anne (cute, small town feel) Belltown (not the safest, but good for venues, bars, and food).

7. Though predominantly buses, Seattle has great public transportation. It runs early, late, frequently, and gets you anywhere. I don’t have a car, and I’m managing just fine.

8. Each neighborhood has a farmer’s market, which is a claim that even savvy New York cannot make. The farmer markets are great for fresh produce, but you’ll also find amazing bouquets (flower trade = bad; $5 = yay!), antiques, crafts, and food stands.

9. Some say Seattle is expensive, but maybe I’ve spent too much time living in New York. I think this city is incredibly well priced. Check out Boka, the restaurant/bar at the expensive Hotel 1000. Their happy hour special (which is all night on Sundays and Mondays, late evening every other night) cuts the prices on their dinner menu in half, as well as wines by the bottle and glass. They boast grass-fed-beef burgers, charcuterie, incredible mussels, an oyster bar, and some of the best fries in the city.

10. I’ll end with this: No one talks about how beautiful Seattle is. With water views or mountain views virtually every direction you look, there isn’t much to disappoint. Never thought I’d visit, let alone live here, but what a tragedy that would have been.