Hey! Thought I would thank you all for 500 subs! I appreciate each subscribe that I get and it encourages me to keep making videos. I hope you find this video helpfull. If I forgot anything or you think I'm wrong, let me know! Otherwise, if you want a better video than this, watch my Top 10 Reasons to Move to Seattle. I like that one better :)
As someone who has lived here for 2.5 years, I agree that your Top 10 reasons can sway someone not to move here. We pretty knew about them but moved here anyway and we focus on all that we gained from moving here.
Yeah, many of the Seattle stereotypes are true, but also I’d say the good outweighs the bad. I definitely like living in the area because of everything that is around Seattle
I moved away from Seattle after 20 years a year ago for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. The ratio of quality of life per dollar just wasn't there anymore. The PNW may have some of the most beautiful summers in the country but you pay a price of 9 months of gloomy depressing weather to get it. The cost of living is nuts for what you get. I sold my 20 year old house in an OK neighborhood and then for far less bought where I live now i was able to get a far nicer brand new house with a sizable lot and pool. Wages are are about 10-20% less but the housing is like over 50% less. Which leads to the homelessness, it's gotten so bad on the West Coast, especially in the last 5 years or so and with covid it got even worse. Seattle and Portland are just riduculous with the homelessness. The PNW is beautiful but honestly I've been all over the country and there is beauty to find everywhere, it depends on what you like, and even then what you like today might be old hat in time.
I appreciate your comment. Most of the people I know pretty much agree with you (I as well). It's a beautiful area, but the costs and weather can drive people out
I have family that lives at Denny Way and 5th, it's changed so much in the last 5 years. They are moving and I am glad. Seattle is a beautiful city, it's a shame to see it go down so fast.
That’s unfortunate. Especially because it’s right by the Space Needle and could be so beautiful. I know Seattle had some issues before, but I feel like 2020 and Covid made them worse
@Chris Jae, the covid issue is very important. I stay in touch with my former co workers at the Seattle Sheraton via Facebook. Just about everyone was out of work at the hotel. Hopefully, there was a rent/mortgage moratorium, because with the outrageous cost of housing, I doubt that unemployment compensation would cover that. Because I live in the rust belt now with a lower cost of living, I was able to cover the rent at that time, and I'm self employed, with a drop in business due to the pandemic.
I been here 10 years, from Chicago, and I'll take Seattle over Chicago any day. I do think your state of mind at a given time in one's life determines how one sees where they are living. Seattle has good and bad, just like any other big city. I've experience more good than bad. Actually, no bad at all.
Exactly. I've been to ALL of the big cities. Chicago is AWESOME, but it's freezing, the crime is far worse, it snows more and it's a very different place.
I remember pioneer square in the mid 90’s was awesome. I was stationed across the puget sound and use to go to Seattle on the Ferry’s. I remember enjoying my nights over there.
That sounds like fun. Even though it has a lot of homeless, it’s still one of my favorite neighborhoods. I really hope things can turn around and people feel comfortable inPioneer Square again (during the day it’s fine though, I just don’t know many who will go alone at night)
I lived on Queen Anne 30+ years. Had to move up north. After finding a body on my to way to catch a bus to downtown job and almost getting hit by a cyclist it was time to move. 3rd avenue is a hell hole and 3rd avenue between pine and pine was my bus stop to go home to QA. How long have you lived here a month or year? I've lived here 60+ years. Seattle was a beautiful city and maybe it will again. I used to go to China town with a friend (before it because the international area) at midnight to eat. I sure would not do that now. Seattle is built on landfill and garbage along the water front and down south so when the big one hits 5th avenue will become water front property. Last thing I have told my relatives from New York not to visit here any more.
Yeah, Seattle could do so much better. I liked visiting Chinatown prior to 2020, but now I'm too afraid of my car getting broken into. I've never personally had issues, but I know many people who have had break ins or been harassed by homeless. Hopefully things can turn around
I remember that the 1st Ave and Pike St entrance to the Market was rife with drug dealers after dark in the late '80s and '90s. I bartended in a basement bistro in that part of the Market in '88. It was scary going from the club to the awaiting taxi. I can't imagine how that is now.
@@sarafstop32 Not just at night. The dealers would just stand on the corner selling and the police would just drive by and look at them. Waiting to cross the street with my sister to go to my mom's place of work. Seattle has really changed in the last 50+ years and not for the better.
Hi Chris - I just watched your video and wanted to comment on a few things. First, I'm from here - actually born in Detroit but moved here just before starting kindergarten in 1968. I graduated from UW in 1989 after serving in the military and settled in NE Seattle. The homeless problem is something that is huge, and a self-inflicted wound. The empathy toward the homeless has been a spiraling can of worms which creates most of the other problems on your list (drugs, crime, etc.). I remember my father telling me how Reagan cleaned up California's homeless problem in two months (I'm sure he was exaggerating, but the idea seems sound). He passed vagrancy laws that required homeless people to have an address and place of employment. If not, off to jail they went - but not for the 3 hot meals and bed...it's boot-camp and every morning at 6am, they were up, being fed and off to work all day in the streets and along the highways picking up trash and sweeping the sidewalks. Suddenly, being homeless was very unappealing and they moved on. BTW, I'm 59 so have seen a LOT (used to sell for Windermere many years ago so know the north end very well). Northgate has the problem with crime because there are so many homeless encampments along the freeway right there and around the mall area where they shakedown mall patrons. Weather is changing for sure. As a lifetime skier (I run www.meetup.com/skiseattle ), I've seen a few ski resorts close down over the years and wildfires used to be rare, but now it's "fire season" every July and August. Traffic sucks too but I attribute that to the increase in population density more than "bad drivers". Believe me - after living in Hawaii where NOBODY uses their turn-signal EVER, to Houston (where I lived while on business travels), where they purposely cut you off if they see you turn on your blinker... Seattle has some pretty nice drivers. Entertainment: Seattle isn't laid out properly to have a good entertainment district as every neighborhood is kind of isolated by bridges and water. It has pockets that have some good clubs, but nothing like Austin, NY or LA. Pioneer square used to be the place to go for clubbing with a common pass discount for every club, but now the homelessness and crime has pretty much killed that too. Finally - California: I actually moved to Everett from Sacramento (age 3-5), but I think old-school locals are bummed at Californians because that's when the first big influx happened from Silicone Valley when Microsoft was taking off around 1986-90. They brought a "rudeness" of big city and fast pace to the area that wasn't here when I grew up in the 70s. I can say with a fact that this is when the "Seattle Freeze" started, and it wasn't from the locals.
Thanks for your comment. I always appreciate the perspective of someone who’s lived in Seattle for such a long time. One of the most concerning things for me is learning about individuals with multiple felonies that are released back into the streets. I also didn’t know that was why Northgate had such high crime. It’s very unfortunate. Also it’s interesting to hear about Seattle before the tech boom and Pioneer Square must have been great back in the day. Even with the homeless issues I still enjoy walking there and seeing the old buildings. It’s my favorite part of the city and I would love to live there, but I also enjoy peace of mind when walking alone at night. Otherwise, thanks again for your comment!
@@MelGibsonFan It's not coercion if you choose to be homeless or a drug addict. These people are zombies and they need to be rounded up and put to work.
@@torreyintahoe Oh that makes perfect sense, slavery is justified if they’re struggling with addiction. Which we all know people just willingly jump into.
Thank you for your comment! And yes, I would avoid 3rd avenue. Pretty much any other street is fine but 3rd has been a bit of trouble for years. The current mayor is trying to fix that so I hope things get better because it is still a beautiful street to walk down. Otherwise, I will say that I believe the positives of living in Seattle outweigh the negatives
I am one of those CA Los Angeles transplants lol. Left the 90+ degree heat 9 months out of the year for this! Have almost been here a year, and love it.
I think you will like it. If from Chicago and will take Seattle any day. If you're from NY, then you know the deal just like Chicago. There is good, bad and ugly. Stay away from the bad and ugly if possible. Common sense always wins, as well as the salary of a software engineer, allowing me to live in a great area......
When I was in the Park Service at North Cascades National Park I would spend the weekend here. Would ride the monorail to the Space needle. Love Captain Ivar for the fried clams and chowder.
I was born in Seattle,raised Mercer Island,left lived in SF,when it was beautiful.Now back here after also living in No.NV.,.Its not even the same,at all.
@@Chris_jae yes,left every city at exactly the right time..so enjoyed every place before it all changed.Back on the Eastside,contemplating my next move.
I'm a Seattle native but left for Sunny SoCal 2010 & so happy to dodge the bullet you're experiencing in my hometown. Zero desire to visit, city us ruined. Sad.
I used to live on first hill. Someone got shot on my floor. After that, and the police tear gassing my apartment for 2 weeks in 2020 I decided to make a big change and move to europe.
I’m a born and raised New Yorker, spent most of my life in NY. However I just moved to Seattle last year. The homeless problem is definitely bad, but the housing/rental situation here is fucking terrible. I don’t like the term but Seattle is full of NIMBY’s. Multifamily homes are virtually non existent compared to NY, and home owners, those who were old enough or well off enough to have gotten in when the market was low, have profited immensely from the skyrocketing cost of rent and artificial scarcity. As much as I’d love to blame on clueless radlibs and the non stop torrent of dumb tech bros willing to shell out $1500+ a month for an apartment, Seattle’s upper middle class has a lot to blame on themselves. Just my limited take.
Yeah coming from Chicago it’s crazy how Seattle just has downtown and then outside of that mostly suburban looking neighborhoods. One thing I miss in Chicago is the variety that all the different townhomes and architecture gave the city. Seattle could be a much more condensed and transit friendly city if it had less people opposing higher density housing options. Housing is the main reason I eventually plan on leaving, which is sad cause I really like the area
All of it was taken in 2021. And what you said is true. There are cheaper areas to live in the Seattle area. The further from downtown the cheaper it gets. Plus no income tax. The cost of living is overall more expensive, but you also get more money and get to keep more of the money you get
Great question! I honestly love biking and Seattle can be bike friendly, but there are a lot of hills and it rains a lot. When I don’t want to walk and it’s too close to drive (like a 15-30 minute walk) I’ll just take an electric scooter. They’re all over downtown. That’s being said, bikes are better if you only have to travel a flat 1-3 miles anything more I’d take a car. Anything less then walking works. I live 1 mile from my work and kinda regret getting a car cause I pay 800 month (monthly payments, parking, insurance) for something I drive only 1-2 times a week on the weekends (and Seattle has many rental car programs) but this depends on how often you want to travel 3+ miles in a week. In my case, that’s only once a week.
@@Chris_jae sweet! I do remember them having those scooters downtown! Those were super fun to ride on. Last time I was there we went to a bookstore and I found this really cool book called “Secret Seattle”. Definitely worth the read, has a lot of interesting facts and even some hidden spots you can visit! It’s written by Susanna Ryan of you ever want to check it out
I lived in Seattle for 11 years, and could see the writing on the wall before the century came to an end. The homelessness and crime doesn't surprise me. I lived on the lower section of Queen Anne from 1993-99. When I used the back entrance of my apartment building, I found homeless native Americans drinking cheap wine at the bottom of the stairs. They were all over downtown, too. They never bothered me, but left me with the sad reminder that the city hasn't addressed homelessness, and that the white man has exploited and abused these people since the city was founded. I remember when Pioneer Square was the hub of night life and galleries. With the homeless, I can see how that's disappeared. I remember the days when you could walk from the Pike Place Market down to Pioneer Square via Post Alley at night, but no more! The cost of housing became outrageous by the late 1990s. Being in the service industry, I knew that I couldn't afford more than my studio apartment. I left in 1999 and returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh. It doesn't have the adorable vibe of Seattle, but I got tired of that superficial vibe and haven't looked back.
I appreciate your comment. It's cool to hear how you can use the entirety of Post Alley to travel around the city. These days, the only part of Post Alley I travel is the part right by Pike Place.
If you live in the LA or Bay areas then you’ll definitely save. Groceries and taxes are much less here. Although I know some places pay less if you move from SF to Seattle because it is cheaper to live here. NerdWallet does a pretty good comparison
I feel like your number one and second issue goes together with homeless who refuse help so they resort to smoking fentanyl with Tin foil or any other hard drug rather than seek help so they resort to crime such as stealing to feed their addictions
Yeah, it’s the sad truth. There are definitely categories of homeless (those who actively want help to those who actively avoid it), but homelessness, substance abuse, and crime are all part of the same issue.
I had a job few weeks ago helping a moving company disassemble of displays near the Amazon market area biz district, it was rainy snowy and insanely freezing to be on a forklift in that area. but I drove all on the sidewalks and to get to another area for the clean up task - and let me tell you using a 9000 lbs rock on wheels in icy snowy conditions is not too ideal lol
@@Chris_jae was kinda sketch cuase there was a steap slope that i didn't negotiate properly so ended up sliding backwards down the slope I literally thought i was a gonner lol XD you live and learn i guess. 😂😂😂
Update - i just got my suv broken into lastnignt while we were celebrating my son's 14th bday. At red robins in south center. Im beyond pissed. They broken my passenger side rear window and took all of my son's belongings and all his bday presents - I no longer have any faith in seattle!!!! crime is truly growing everywhere in Seattle and its a disease that need to be cutout before it gets worser than ever - I feel truly disgusted and how people are this brazzin - shit
Glad it could help. I’m hoping in the future Seattle can get a better handle of the homeless and crime situation, but I feel like no one can really agree on a solution so we’re kinda stuck with what we’ve got
It really isnt. I’ve lived in Chicago and temporarily in Detroit and I feel much safer in Seattle. We also don’t get as cold winters here which is nice
Thanks for the comment. I agree. My only issue is some of those stories about people getting attacked make me concerned, but then, compared to other cities Seattle is pretty safe and I doubt the news reports on the number of people who had a great day in the city haha
It’s unfortunate the city councils keep ignoring every day citizens. But we voted them in I guess (looking at last year ballot, most candidates seemed the same so not sure we get much choice)
As a 4th generation Seattleite, who's lived here their whole life... and is finally moving out of state, my reasons.... I'm so excited to get out. 1. Weather, I cant stand the long grey wet 8 months of the year. Yeah its depressing. I honestly think it has an effect on peoples moods. 2. The people are superficially friendly, but not warm or kind. Hard to make real friendships, the Seattle Freeze is real. I recently had a conversation with a new coworker who moved here from Florida, he mentioned this to me, he's really struggling with it. Once I mentioned it was a 'thing' he seemed to feel better. Its them.... not you. 3. Crazy expensive. Good luck buying a house if you don't have a lot of equity at this point. Even the utilities will nickel and dime you to death. My god the taxes. 4. If you aren't left leaning politically, good luck. And people keep voting further and further left, then scratch their heads when problems like crime, homelessness, and high taxes get worse and worse! 5. Downtown Seattle is a shit show at this point. It's heartbreaking. I'm old enough to remember downtown in the 80's and 90's. I never could have imagined I'd see open hard drug use, people defecating on the sidewalks, and sex all out on the open. Not to mention the endless tents and garbage. All common now. 6. The response to covid in King County was so over the top..... it was just such a panic reaction based in fear versus common sense. Even since the mask mandate lifted, how many people do you STILL see in masks? It's this weird little bubble where people refuse to just move on. Masks at this point are the MAGA hats of the left. PS The California thing has been going on as far back as I can remember, even in the 80's, it was common that cars with CA plates got vandalized.
Number 2 is often not talked about. It does feel harder to make friends here. When I lived in Chicago, you could pretty much befriend anyone but in Seattle it’s harder to make a meaningful connection
I’m hoping more remote work can stop this trend. It seems like the availability of tech roles here and the relatively cheaper cost of living has made Seattle attractive. With virtual work, I’m hoping more people go to the Midwest or southern states because they aren’t tied to the west coast. It’s kinda discouraging to see friends buying land in Chicago and back east, and I’m in Seattle paying more for rent than they are for mortgage and taxes. Here’s to hoping there’s a housing market crash (I doubt it though) haha
I can't wait to get out of here. Seattle sucks big time now. Never anything to do and it's always raining. The stupid dogs and the Homeless got more rights than working people. I hate it here.
Yeah, it always upsets me when I hear that another violent criminal (man slaughter, assault, rape, eat.) is acquitted by our justice system and released back in the streets. We need to be tougher on repeat offenders
Many of us that have lived here our entire lives are shocked by how many people move here, from places that we used to believe were socially and politically destroyed, only to risk everything they have to make Seattle exactly like the place they came from. Let anyone that is considering moving here know that the keys to living here is one, ignore the "freeze" it is a social reaction to aforementioned sentence, it slowly passes. And two, moving here to passively benefit from the hard work of predecessors is what is destroying Seattle. Keeping this a world destination safe for all can only happen if the people living here actively work to keep law and order seperate from religion and nationality. We had it until 2013 and we will have it again.
In all honestly, after living here a while, I understand the Seattle Freeze. It makes it less socially draining to be in public (don't have to act friendly) that and most people are friendly enough if I approach them first.
Everywhere you go there is going to be issues and problems. No place is perfect. If you are looking for perfection. Then you are right Seattle's not for you. Good day.
This is the wisest comment on the thread. I'm from Chicago, living in Seattle now, and have not had one issue in 10 years. Fortunately, I'm a software engineer with the salary that allows me to live in a nice area. Being from Chicago, its ingrained in you to watch your back and know your surroundings. but my walks to Whole Foods, the Gym and everywhere else in the Downtown/Amazon Campus area have been crazy peaceful for 10 years. I'll take Seattle over Chicago any day.
I used to work at Westlake and was born and raised there. I finally moved away. It's too expensive and crowded now. Chock full of bums and addicts. No thanks
I moved to Seattle from Northern California in 1991. I was 22 years old. I stayed for 12 years and came back to the farm. It was the most wonderful experience I have ever had. The beginning of the music scene, the great people. It was magical. But I would definitely never go back, mostly because of the liberals and the traffic.
It sucks to say but if people want to use and overdose on drugs let them.. babying them isnt going to do anything but make things worse.. they have to fix there addiction themselves.
I think a solution is we need to treat public intoxication (whether it be alcohol or fentanyl) as an actual crime. I don’t think we can ever stop people from shooting up, but we can at least make it so that it doesn’t happen in public or cause public endangerment.
Haha very true. Each neighborhood feels safe, although I feel like in most cities it’s the downtown that is usually lower in crime and specific neighborhoods are high. So Seattle is a little reversed
The dead star fish is definitely disturbing. Saw it once don’t want to see it again. (For those who don’t know, there is a disease going around that is causing starfish to essentially waste away)
@@Chris_jae It's always been bad, they didn't notice until it got worst. Of course the state didn't help by letting the homeless do there drugs and hand out free needles either. I live in Tacoma, and same crap is happening. Granted the new Mayor is trying to fix it tho, so we will see
The earthquake would most affect the smaller communities along the coast, which tend to be either conservative, independent, or NA lands. No one wins from such an event. The only people to win would be politicians who could use the event to grab more control and large companies who would profit off the misery. If anything Seattle would get most of the attention and the smaller communities would be largely ignored. Personally, I really hope it never happens, but if it does, I hope it’s a small event that leads to nothing significant.
Hey! Thought I would thank you all for 500 subs! I appreciate each subscribe that I get and it encourages me to keep making videos. I hope you find this video helpfull. If I forgot anything or you think I'm wrong, let me know! Otherwise, if you want a better video than this, watch my Top 10 Reasons to Move to Seattle. I like that one better :)
Congrats on 500🥳
@@sammytinker4327 7
I love that you show the city instead of just talking in front of a camera!
Glad you liked it!
As someone who has lived here for 2.5 years, I agree that your Top 10 reasons can sway someone not to move here. We pretty knew about them but moved here anyway and we focus on all that we gained from moving here.
Yeah, many of the Seattle stereotypes are true, but also I’d say the good outweighs the bad. I definitely like living in the area because of everything that is around Seattle
Same here. I enjoy Seattle.
I moved away from Seattle after 20 years a year ago for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. The ratio of quality of life per dollar just wasn't there anymore. The PNW may have some of the most beautiful summers in the country but you pay a price of 9 months of gloomy depressing weather to get it.
The cost of living is nuts for what you get. I sold my 20 year old house in an OK neighborhood and then for far less bought where I live now i was able to get a far nicer brand new house with a sizable lot and pool. Wages are are about 10-20% less but the housing is like over 50% less. Which leads to the homelessness, it's gotten so bad on the West Coast, especially in the last 5 years or so and with covid it got even worse. Seattle and Portland are just riduculous with the homelessness.
The PNW is beautiful but honestly I've been all over the country and there is beauty to find everywhere, it depends on what you like, and even then what you like today might be old hat in time.
I appreciate your comment. Most of the people I know pretty much agree with you (I as well). It's a beautiful area, but the costs and weather can drive people out
I have family that lives at Denny Way and 5th, it's changed so much in the last 5 years. They are moving and I am glad. Seattle is a beautiful city, it's a shame to see it go down so fast.
That’s unfortunate. Especially because it’s right by the Space Needle and could be so beautiful. I know Seattle had some issues before, but I feel like 2020 and Covid made them worse
@Chris Jae, the covid issue is very important. I stay in touch with my former co workers at the Seattle Sheraton via Facebook. Just about everyone was out of work at the hotel. Hopefully, there was a rent/mortgage moratorium, because with the outrageous cost of housing, I doubt that unemployment compensation would cover that. Because I live in the rust belt now with a lower cost of living, I was able to cover the rent at that time, and I'm self employed, with a drop in business due to the pandemic.
I been here 10 years, from Chicago, and I'll take Seattle over Chicago any day. I do think your state of mind at a given time in one's life determines how one sees where they are living. Seattle has good and bad, just like any other big city. I've experience more good than bad. Actually, no bad at all.
Exactly. I've been to ALL of the big cities. Chicago is AWESOME, but it's freezing, the crime is far worse, it snows more and it's a very different place.
I used to live in Seattle for 13 years. Seattle used to be such a nice place to live.
I love gloomy weather and have no interest in a night life so those work for me!
Haha if you don’t mind that, Seattle is perfect! Even when gloomy, it’s the perfect weather to watch a movie or read
I remember pioneer square in the mid 90’s was awesome. I was stationed across the puget sound and use to go to Seattle on the Ferry’s. I remember enjoying my nights over there.
That sounds like fun. Even though it has a lot of homeless, it’s still one of my favorite neighborhoods. I really hope things can turn around and people feel comfortable inPioneer Square again (during the day it’s fine though, I just don’t know many who will go alone at night)
I appreciate you wanting to help the homeless and addicts
thanks
I lived on Queen Anne 30+ years. Had to move up north. After finding a body on my to way to catch a bus to downtown job and almost getting hit by a cyclist it was time to move. 3rd avenue is a hell hole and 3rd avenue between pine and pine was my bus stop to go home to QA. How long have you lived here a month or year? I've lived here 60+ years. Seattle was a beautiful city and maybe it will again. I used to go to China town with a friend (before it because the international area) at midnight to eat. I sure would not do that now. Seattle is built on landfill and garbage along the water front and down south so when the big one hits 5th avenue will become water front property. Last thing I have told my relatives from New York not to visit here any more.
Yeah, Seattle could do so much better. I liked visiting Chinatown prior to 2020, but now I'm too afraid of my car getting broken into. I've never personally had issues, but I know many people who have had break ins or been harassed by homeless. Hopefully things can turn around
I remember that the 1st Ave and Pike St entrance to the Market was rife with drug dealers after dark in the late '80s and '90s. I bartended in a basement bistro in that part of the Market in '88. It was scary going from the club to the awaiting taxi. I can't imagine how that is now.
@@sarafstop32 Not just at night. The dealers would just stand on the corner selling and the police would just drive by and look at them. Waiting to cross the street with my sister to go to my mom's place of work. Seattle has really changed in the last 50+ years and not for the better.
Hi Chris - I just watched your video and wanted to comment on a few things. First, I'm from here - actually born in Detroit but moved here just before starting kindergarten in 1968. I graduated from UW in 1989 after serving in the military and settled in NE Seattle. The homeless problem is something that is huge, and a self-inflicted wound. The empathy toward the homeless has been a spiraling can of worms which creates most of the other problems on your list (drugs, crime, etc.). I remember my father telling me how Reagan cleaned up California's homeless problem in two months (I'm sure he was exaggerating, but the idea seems sound). He passed vagrancy laws that required homeless people to have an address and place of employment. If not, off to jail they went - but not for the 3 hot meals and bed...it's boot-camp and every morning at 6am, they were up, being fed and off to work all day in the streets and along the highways picking up trash and sweeping the sidewalks. Suddenly, being homeless was very unappealing and they moved on. BTW, I'm 59 so have seen a LOT (used to sell for Windermere many years ago so know the north end very well). Northgate has the problem with crime because there are so many homeless encampments along the freeway right there and around the mall area where they shakedown mall patrons. Weather is changing for sure. As a lifetime skier (I run www.meetup.com/skiseattle ), I've seen a few ski resorts close down over the years and wildfires used to be rare, but now it's "fire season" every July and August. Traffic sucks too but I attribute that to the increase in population density more than "bad drivers". Believe me - after living in Hawaii where NOBODY uses their turn-signal EVER, to Houston (where I lived while on business travels), where they purposely cut you off if they see you turn on your blinker... Seattle has some pretty nice drivers. Entertainment: Seattle isn't laid out properly to have a good entertainment district as every neighborhood is kind of isolated by bridges and water. It has pockets that have some good clubs, but nothing like Austin, NY or LA. Pioneer square used to be the place to go for clubbing with a common pass discount for every club, but now the homelessness and crime has pretty much killed that too. Finally - California: I actually moved to Everett from Sacramento (age 3-5), but I think old-school locals are bummed at Californians because that's when the first big influx happened from Silicone Valley when Microsoft was taking off around 1986-90. They brought a "rudeness" of big city and fast pace to the area that wasn't here when I grew up in the 70s. I can say with a fact that this is when the "Seattle Freeze" started, and it wasn't from the locals.
Thanks for your comment. I always appreciate the perspective of someone who’s lived in Seattle for such a long time. One of the most concerning things for me is learning about individuals with multiple felonies that are released back into the streets. I also didn’t know that was why Northgate had such high crime. It’s very unfortunate. Also it’s interesting to hear about Seattle before the tech boom and Pioneer Square must have been great back in the day. Even with the homeless issues I still enjoy walking there and seeing the old buildings. It’s my favorite part of the city and I would love to live there, but I also enjoy peace of mind when walking alone at night.
Otherwise, thanks again for your comment!
Fixed the problem by turning it into free labor
@@joelopez7459 I’m trying to remember what it’s called when someone is coerced into giving unpaid labor.
@@MelGibsonFan It's not coercion if you choose to be homeless or a drug addict. These people are zombies and they need to be rounded up and put to work.
@@torreyintahoe Oh that makes perfect sense, slavery is justified if they’re struggling with addiction. Which we all know people just willingly jump into.
Thanks for sharing and at the same time a visit round the city. Awaiting your next video.
You’re welcome!!
I didn’t know there is so many homeless in Seattle. It’s not good to go after dark anywhere.l will avoid 3rd avenue. Thank you for sharing
Thank you for your comment! And yes, I would avoid 3rd avenue. Pretty much any other street is fine but 3rd has been a bit of trouble for years. The current mayor is trying to fix that so I hope things get better because it is still a beautiful street to walk down. Otherwise, I will say that I believe the positives of living in Seattle outweigh the negatives
I am one of those CA Los Angeles transplants lol. Left the 90+ degree heat 9 months out of the year for this! Have almost been here a year, and love it.
Haha can’t blame you. It might not be as sunny up here but having fresh water everywhere and great summer temperatures is hard to beat!
Me growing up in New York and hearing about cities like Seattle is still somewhere I would go 😭
Haha yeah, even with the negatives it’s still a great area to be in!
I think you will like it. If from Chicago and will take Seattle any day. If you're from NY, then you know the deal just like Chicago. There is good, bad and ugly. Stay away from the bad and ugly if possible. Common sense always wins, as well as the salary of a software engineer, allowing me to live in a great area......
Very nice Chris, it's good analysis of not move to Seattle. 👍
Thanks! Also be sure to take what I said with a grain of salt. The news won’t report all the people who came to Seattle and absolutely loved it haha
When I was in the Park Service at North Cascades National Park I would spend the weekend here. Would ride the monorail to the Space needle. Love Captain Ivar for the fried clams and chowder.
That’s cool! Sounds like you got to enjoy both the nature and city. Also I agree, Ivar has some great chowder
"...gaslit by a tech bro" got me hahahah
Haha I had to put it in here 😂
Was a great place to move to in the early 90s...now its unrecognizable from then downtown used to be really fun before regentrification blew it up
I hear a lot of long time residents tell me the same thing. Wish I could have seen it earlier
Belltown had great affordable apartments until the mid '90s when gentrification set in.
@@sarafstop32 when I moved out of the Avanti in 98 the rent on my unit went from 750 to 1460 .
I was born in Seattle,raised Mercer Island,left lived in SF,when it was beautiful.Now back here after also living in No.NV.,.Its not even the same,at all.
Oh wow, you must have seen quite a few changes then. Both SF and Seattle have changed because of all the tech companies coming in
@@Chris_jae yes,left every city at exactly the right time..so enjoyed every place before it all changed.Back on the Eastside,contemplating my next move.
I'm a Seattle native but left for Sunny SoCal 2010 & so happy to dodge the bullet you're experiencing in my hometown. Zero desire to visit, city us ruined. Sad.
I used to live on first hill. Someone got shot on my floor. After that, and the police tear gassing my apartment for 2 weeks in 2020 I decided to make a big change and move to europe.
Yup! Definitely something that makes Seattle feel less like a home. Which is sad because first hill is an otherwise pretty area
Hello, are you the resident of 2200? I saw the beautiful space needle view shots taken from the courtyard steps of 2200👍
Haha no, I’m on a different floor
I’m a born and raised New Yorker, spent most of my life in NY. However I just moved to Seattle last year. The homeless problem is definitely bad, but the housing/rental situation here is fucking terrible. I don’t like the term but Seattle is full of NIMBY’s. Multifamily homes are virtually non existent compared to NY, and home owners, those who were old enough or well off enough to have gotten in when the market was low, have profited immensely from the skyrocketing cost of rent and artificial scarcity. As much as I’d love to blame on clueless radlibs and the non stop torrent of dumb tech bros willing to shell out $1500+ a month for an apartment, Seattle’s upper middle class has a lot to blame on themselves. Just my limited take.
Yeah coming from Chicago it’s crazy how Seattle just has downtown and then outside of that mostly suburban looking neighborhoods. One thing I miss in Chicago is the variety that all the different townhomes and architecture gave the city. Seattle could be a much more condensed and transit friendly city if it had less people opposing higher density housing options. Housing is the main reason I eventually plan on leaving, which is sad cause I really like the area
@@Chris_jae yeah I don’t know if we’re gonna stay here either. Speaking of Chicago I’m about to get on a flight to Chi in like 15 minutes. Hahaha.
@@MelGibsonFan haha what a coincidence! Hopefully the weather is nice and sunny for you!
When was this video taken i plan to move next year 2023 I saw that there is lots off work there s got to be good places to live none expensive
All of it was taken in 2021. And what you said is true. There are cheaper areas to live in the Seattle area. The further from downtown the cheaper it gets. Plus no income tax. The cost of living is overall more expensive, but you also get more money and get to keep more of the money you get
I agreed with you on everything. I have visitors coming to town. Working on what to show them.
Haha I get your pain. I always try to avoid 3rd avenue and select areas downtown when I have visitors over
Sort of a random question but when living in Seattle, is biking a good way for transportation rather then a car?
Great question! I honestly love biking and Seattle can be bike friendly, but there are a lot of hills and it rains a lot. When I don’t want to walk and it’s too close to drive (like a 15-30 minute walk) I’ll just take an electric scooter. They’re all over downtown. That’s being said, bikes are better if you only have to travel a flat 1-3 miles anything more I’d take a car. Anything less then walking works. I live 1 mile from my work and kinda regret getting a car cause I pay 800 month (monthly payments, parking, insurance) for something I drive only 1-2 times a week on the weekends (and Seattle has many rental car programs) but this depends on how often you want to travel 3+ miles in a week. In my case, that’s only once a week.
@@Chris_jae sweet! I do remember them having those scooters downtown! Those were super fun to ride on. Last time I was there we went to a bookstore and I found this really cool book called “Secret Seattle”. Definitely worth the read, has a lot of interesting facts and even some hidden spots you can visit! It’s written by Susanna Ryan of you ever want to check it out
@@JO-mk3lb yes please! Haha I’ll definitely have to read it. Thanks for the recommendation! ☺️
The rain and hilly terrain aren't good for bikes. Save it for Green Lake and other parks.
I lived in Seattle for 11 years, and could see the writing on the wall before the century came to an end. The homelessness and crime doesn't surprise me. I lived on the lower section of Queen Anne from 1993-99. When I used the back entrance of my apartment building, I found homeless native Americans drinking cheap wine at the bottom of the stairs. They were all over downtown, too. They never bothered me, but left me with the sad reminder that the city hasn't addressed homelessness, and that the white man has exploited and abused these people since the city was founded. I remember when Pioneer Square was the hub of night life and galleries. With the homeless, I can see how that's disappeared. I remember the days when you could walk from the Pike Place Market down to Pioneer Square via Post Alley at night, but no more! The cost of housing became outrageous by the late 1990s. Being in the service industry, I knew that I couldn't afford more than my studio apartment. I left in 1999 and returned to my hometown of Pittsburgh. It doesn't have the adorable vibe of Seattle, but I got tired of that superficial vibe and haven't looked back.
I appreciate your comment. It's cool to hear how you can use the entirety of Post Alley to travel around the city. These days, the only part of Post Alley I travel is the part right by Pike Place.
Thanks for sharing this information!
You’re welcome!
I live in Cali and seattle is attractive because of no state income tax but wondering how much a person would come out ahead and save.
If you live in the LA or Bay areas then you’ll definitely save. Groceries and taxes are much less here. Although I know some places pay less if you move from SF to Seattle because it is cheaper to live here. NerdWallet does a pretty good comparison
@@Chris_jae ya im from the OC/LA area will have to do a comparsion
I feel like your number one and second issue goes together with homeless who refuse help so they resort to smoking fentanyl with Tin foil or any other hard drug rather than seek help so they resort to crime such as stealing to feed their addictions
Yeah, it’s the sad truth. There are definitely categories of homeless (those who actively want help to those who actively avoid it), but homelessness, substance abuse, and crime are all part of the same issue.
I had a job few weeks ago helping a moving company disassemble of displays near the Amazon market area biz district, it was rainy snowy and insanely freezing to be on a forklift in that area. but I drove all on the sidewalks and to get to another area for the clean up task - and let me tell you using a 9000 lbs rock on wheels in icy snowy conditions is not too ideal lol
Knowing Seattle streets that must have been a nightmare! Hopefully those driving around you were being considerate
@@Chris_jae was kinda sketch cuase there was a steap slope that i didn't negotiate properly so ended up sliding backwards down the slope I literally thought i was a gonner lol XD you live and learn i guess. 😂😂😂
Update - i just got my suv broken into lastnignt while we were celebrating my son's 14th bday. At red robins in south center. Im beyond pissed. They broken my passenger side rear window and took all of my son's belongings and all his bday presents - I no longer have any faith in seattle!!!! crime is truly growing everywhere in Seattle and its a disease that need to be cutout before it gets worser than ever - I feel truly disgusted and how people are this brazzin - shit
Very informative. I changed my plans after seeing the crime/homless situation. Plus the government reminds me of NY. No thanks!
Glad it could help. I’m hoping in the future Seattle can get a better handle of the homeless and crime situation, but I feel like no one can really agree on a solution so we’re kinda stuck with what we’ve got
Still sounds much better than Phoenix AZ. Thanks for the tips!!
No problem!
@Jessica Lizarraga No the fuck it's not Seattle is actually worse. I'll take Phoenix any day over this crime and drug infested shithole.
I Left Seattle for Indianapolis, I grew up in Seattle but the city fell apart
This video is 100% accurate The city of Seattle
I wish it weren't true, but yeah
Now it fentanyl they call them blues
watching while living in Seattle
Haha if it makes things better I have a Top 10 Reasons to Move to Seattle. It’s a much happier video
im still coming lol, it cant be as bad as Denver, Detroit, Chicago, or Houston
It really isnt. I’ve lived in Chicago and temporarily in Detroit and I feel much safer in Seattle. We also don’t get as cold winters here which is nice
Thats not inaccurate however, I will say of you are aware of your surroundings seattle isn't dangerous at all
Thanks for the comment. I agree. My only issue is some of those stories about people getting attacked make me concerned, but then, compared to other cities Seattle is pretty safe and I doubt the news reports on the number of people who had a great day in the city haha
Good advice
This is helpful!
Glad it helped! But also take every news article I used with a grain of salt
The homeless industrial complex is in charge…..
It’s unfortunate the city councils keep ignoring every day citizens. But we voted them in I guess (looking at last year ballot, most candidates seemed the same so not sure we get much choice)
Great video ….Miami has a better nightlife but way worse drivers than Seattle..I mean hit and runs are the norm
Ooof! I did not know that! At least in Seattle that doesn’t happen that often
As a 4th generation Seattleite, who's lived here their whole life... and is finally moving out of state, my reasons.... I'm so excited to get out.
1. Weather, I cant stand the long grey wet 8 months of the year. Yeah its depressing. I honestly think it has an effect on peoples moods.
2. The people are superficially friendly, but not warm or kind. Hard to make real friendships, the Seattle Freeze is real. I recently had a conversation with a new coworker who moved here from Florida, he mentioned this to me, he's really struggling with it. Once I mentioned it was a 'thing' he seemed to feel better. Its them.... not you.
3. Crazy expensive. Good luck buying a house if you don't have a lot of equity at this point. Even the utilities will nickel and dime you to death. My god the taxes.
4. If you aren't left leaning politically, good luck. And people keep voting further and further left, then scratch their heads when problems like crime, homelessness, and high taxes get worse and worse!
5. Downtown Seattle is a shit show at this point. It's heartbreaking. I'm old enough to remember downtown in the 80's and 90's. I never could have imagined I'd see open hard drug use, people defecating on the sidewalks, and sex all out on the open. Not to mention the endless tents and garbage. All common now.
6. The response to covid in King County was so over the top..... it was just such a panic reaction based in fear versus common sense. Even since the mask mandate lifted, how many people do you STILL see in masks? It's this weird little bubble where people refuse to just move on. Masks at this point are the MAGA hats of the left.
PS The California thing has been going on as far back as I can remember, even in the 80's, it was common that cars with CA plates got vandalized.
Number 2 is often not talked about. It does feel harder to make friends here. When I lived in Chicago, you could pretty much befriend anyone but in Seattle it’s harder to make a meaningful connection
You don’t know Jesus, I can tell.
Too late! I'm there!
Did the Fremont Troll leave Seattle?
It's still with us :)
Unfortunately, Seattle is going to remain a dump until the citizens vote in a mayor and city council that is tough on crime (conservatives).
Another part to this is voting in judges that don't let criminals go. The cops are making the arrests, but the criminals always seem to get let go
California people have been migrating to Seattle since the 80's. That's why it is becoming more like California every year!
I’m hoping more remote work can stop this trend. It seems like the availability of tech roles here and the relatively cheaper cost of living has made Seattle attractive. With virtual work, I’m hoping more people go to the Midwest or southern states because they aren’t tied to the west coast. It’s kinda discouraging to see friends buying land in Chicago and back east, and I’m in Seattle paying more for rent than they are for mortgage and taxes. Here’s to hoping there’s a housing market crash (I doubt it though) haha
I can't wait to get out of here. Seattle sucks big time now. Never anything to do and it's always raining. The stupid dogs and the Homeless got more rights than working people. I hate it here.
Yeah, it always upsets me when I hear that another violent criminal (man slaughter, assault, rape, eat.) is acquitted by our justice system and released back in the streets. We need to be tougher on repeat offenders
Many of us that have lived here our entire lives are shocked by how many people move here, from places that we used to believe were socially and politically destroyed, only to risk everything they have to make Seattle exactly like the place they came from. Let anyone that is considering moving here know that the keys to living here is one, ignore the "freeze" it is a social reaction to aforementioned sentence, it slowly passes. And two, moving here to passively benefit from the hard work of predecessors is what is destroying Seattle. Keeping this a world destination safe for all can only happen if the people living here actively work to keep law and order seperate from religion and nationality. We had it until 2013 and we will have it again.
In all honestly, after living here a while, I understand the Seattle Freeze. It makes it less socially draining to be in public (don't have to act friendly) that and most people are friendly enough if I approach them first.
I've lived here 68 years and I won't go anywhere near Seattle. Dangerous and scary
Yeah it's sad to see.
I can't think of one reason and I live here.
Everywhere you go there is going to be issues and problems. No place is perfect. If you are looking for perfection. Then you are right Seattle's not for you. Good day.
This is the wisest comment on the thread. I'm from Chicago, living in Seattle now, and have not had one issue in 10 years. Fortunately, I'm a software engineer with the salary that allows me to live in a nice area. Being from Chicago, its ingrained in you to watch your back and know your surroundings. but my walks to Whole Foods, the Gym and everywhere else in the Downtown/Amazon Campus area have been crazy peaceful for 10 years. I'll take Seattle over Chicago any day.
I used to work at Westlake and was born and raised there. I finally moved away. It's too expensive and crowded now. Chock full of bums and addicts. No thanks
Yeah it's sad what it's turned in to
Great Chris
Go straight
Thanks! Also, take what I said with a grain of salt. 95% of the time someone is in Seattle, they’ll have a great day 😄
hate watching this because I live here and I hate it
I moved to Seattle from Northern California in 1991.
I was 22 years old.
I stayed for 12 years and came back to the farm.
It was the most wonderful experience I have ever had.
The beginning of the music scene, the great people. It was magical.
But I would definitely never go back, mostly because of the liberals and the traffic.
Must have been cool to see the city with the grunge scene and with all the changes!
no. #4 alone is enough reason for me
High key, this is the one that prevents me from thinking of the area as a long term home.
It’s cause Northgate is off of Aurora
It sucks to say but if people want to use and overdose on drugs let them.. babying them isnt going to do anything but make things worse.. they have to fix there addiction themselves.
I think a solution is we need to treat public intoxication (whether it be alcohol or fentanyl) as an actual crime. I don’t think we can ever stop people from shooting up, but we can at least make it so that it doesn’t happen in public or cause public endangerment.
Seattle not that bad. Just avoid downtown entirely
Haha very true. Each neighborhood feels safe, although I feel like in most cities it’s the downtown that is usually lower in crime and specific neighborhoods are high. So Seattle is a little reversed
Everywhere is bad now. Just decide what you like and don’t like. You can’t have it all. It is not Heaven. You get your chance to be there later.
Bad air ,dead star fish , fish with tumers ,
The dead star fish is definitely disturbing. Saw it once don’t want to see it again. (For those who don’t know, there is a disease going around that is causing starfish to essentially waste away)
I can give you just 1 reason not to move to Seattle
It's a shitty city, other cities around Seattle are alot better
It’s odd that some of the worst places in Seattle are right near downtown. Hopefully the city can turn that around
@@Chris_jae
It's always been bad, they didn't notice until it got worst. Of course the state didn't help by letting the homeless do there drugs and hand out free needles either.
I live in Tacoma, and same crap is happening. Granted the new Mayor is trying to fix it tho, so we will see
I hope they do fix it. I know that some companies are vacating offices because of the shootings. I’m assuming it’s all 3rd avenue though.
Man the thought of all them antifa terrorists and Democratic voters being all taken out bye a Earth quake sounds beutiful.
The earthquake would most affect the smaller communities along the coast, which tend to be either conservative, independent, or NA lands. No one wins from such an event. The only people to win would be politicians who could use the event to grab more control and large companies who would profit off the misery. If anything Seattle would get most of the attention and the smaller communities would be largely ignored. Personally, I really hope it never happens, but if it does, I hope it’s a small event that leads to nothing significant.