Moving to Seattle or Chicago

[largeTexas]

Hello,

I'm a native Houstonian looking to move to either Seattle or Chicago (or any cool for that matter) with my fiancee. I've lived for a number of years in New York with my fiancee (who's a native NY'er) and we are ready for a change. We like the city, but it's too expensive and is way too crowded for me. We are seeking a city that's a little less hectic, but still cosmopolitan. I keep dreaming of a city that's one-third Austin and two-thirds New York.

We love walking, jogging, biking, and hiking. Most of all, we love to hate our cars. The more walkable the city the better. If there exists a great urban city where there's tons of shopping and lots of museums, but where we can still get a cheap taco and cerveza every once in a while - we're there.

Thanks for your help

[pwright1]

I would definately look at Seattle. I made the move from D.C. 6 years ago and it was the best move I ever made. It's the perfect place for you and your fiancee. It's laid back, yet cosmopolitan, with great shopping, culture and breathtaking natural beauty. It's also one of the safest big U.S. cities. Its very walkable, with a vibrant downtown. It's has so many great things. Of course I can't mention all of them. Here are some pics I took around town.

Walking or jogging around Green Lake

Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park

Tons of downtown shopping, walking, eating, culture and entertainment.

Lots of great restaurants and outdoor cafes.

City beaches

Nice city beaches just minutes from downtown

Alki Beach on the Sound

Lake Washington beaches

Madison Park Beach

More Seattle pics.

Downtown apts & condos

[largeTexas]

Wow! Thanks. Those are some great images!!! I'm sold!

A few more questions - How does the Pacific Northwest compare to the East Coast in terms of attitude? Is it really hippy-dippy and pleasant or is there some grittiness? Also, is it racially and economically diverse? I keep hearing that it's mostly white, upper-middle class?

Thanks

[DetroitBazaar]

Wow! Thanks. Those are some great images!!! I'm sold!

A few more questions - How does the Pacific Northwest compare to the East Coast in terms of attitude? Is it really hippy-dippy and pleasant or is there some grittiness? Also, is it racially and economically diverse? I keep hearing that it's mostly white, upper-middle class?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Seattle would be my choice. Having lived in Portland and spent a lot of time in Seattle and Vancouver, BC, I've found the people to be very down to earth. Not everyone is a "hippy". People are kind from my experiences and will help you out with socializing, directions, and may even help you paint your house East Coast is definately faster paced. People value time differently, perhaps because of the technology but my suspicion is that it's because of the plentiful nature you can run off to if things get hectic.

Peace from Will, DetroitBazaar

[pwright1]

Wow! Thanks. Those are some great images!!! I'm sold!

A few more questions - How does the Pacific Northwest compare to the East Coast in terms of attitude? Is it really hippy-dippy and pleasant or is there some grittiness? Also, is it racially and economically diverse? I keep hearing that it's mostly white, upper-middle class?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In terms of attitude, you couldn't get any nicer than the people in this city. Everybody who visits me from the east coast alway comment on how nice and laid back the people are. Like DetroitBazaar said, not everyone is a hippy. Let's just say there's a little bit of everything here. Me being african american and coming from chocolate city D.C. I was very apprehensive to come at first. Here I have black friends, white friends, asian friends, and everything in between. It's great. My mother even sold her suburban D.C. home and came out to live. She loves it too. Now as far as grit, you will find some but not much. If you mean rows or acres of housing projects, then the answer is no.

Seattle housing choices.

[largeTexas]

Thanks everyone! Seattle looks incredible. I guess the lack of response from Chicago must mean something. Thanks again.

[DetroitBazaar]

Thanks everyone! Seattle looks incredible. I guess the lack of response from Chicago must mean something. Thanks again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Heh, well, too many surveillance cameras for me- city funded.

[Niceandsteady]

I have been living in Chicago for the last ten years, I would say Seattle is the better of the two cities. In fact I am moving there in the next few months.

Chicago is a clean, safe city. But it has gotten very expensive. Also, the job situation in Chicago is pretty bleak. In addition, the winter is pretty insane. The people are pretty nice, not much outdoor stuff to do.

M

Thanks everyone! Seattle looks incredible. I guess the lack of response from Chicago must mean something. Thanks again.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[fromdust]

nm