Seattle, Washington in 2025?

[Moderately Lethal]

My last visit to Seattle, Washington took place in 2015. Needless to say, lot of things have changed in the world since 2015.
I like the mild, temperate climate. (Visited in two seasons). The people were mostly polite. (The "Seattle freeze" simply meant people left you to your business .)
Seattle also gave access to the beautiful nature (mountains and temperate forests) -that Washington state offered.
While Seattle had a visible drug problem and some other social problems at the time - these were nowhere near as bad as other US cites of the same size. There were plenty of normal people in the suburbs of the Seattle metro area. The dating scene (which meant looking for a future wife and the chance of actually finding her) was pretty decent at the time.
Overall the Seattle metro area was a great place to live for a metro area of that size as of 2015.

Fast-forward 10 years -it seems that it is mostly come out of Seattle, WA.

Is anyone on the ground in 2025?

 

[Moderately Lethal]

My last visit to Seattle, Washington took place in 2015. Needless to say, lot of things have changed in the world since 2015.
I like the mild, temperate climate. (Visited in two seasons). The people were mostly polite. (The "Seattle freeze" simply meant people left you to your business .)
Seattle also gave access to the beautiful nature (mountains and temperate forests) -that Washington state offered.
While Seattle had a visible drug problem and some other social problems at the time - these were nowhere near as bad as other US cites of the same size. There were plenty of normal people in the suburbs of the Seattle metro area. The dating scene (which meant looking for a future wife and the chance of actually finding her) was pretty decent at the time.
Overall the Seattle metro area was a great place to live for a metro area of that size as of 2015.

Fast-forward 10 years -it seems that it is mostly come out of Seattle, WA.

Is anyone on the ground in 2025?

The penultimate paragraph meant to say: "It's mostly bad news come come out of that city these days."

 

[Douglas Quaid]

I lived in Seattle during 2019-2020. The scenery is indeed incredible. Very green surrounded by water, mountains and probably the most beautiful city in the US. I actually loved the rain as well. I got along well with the people that actually grew up there and/or weren't insane leftists. No state income tax is also great.

Having said all that, I would not want to live there. The politics are some of the worst in the US. It will make even some of the Eastern US Democrats seem more normal. Homeless, drugs and filth everywhere. Crime was getting especially bad around downtown at that time. The cost of rent, houses and living in general is insane. A lot of the people are strange and hard to get along with. The traffic and drivers are terrible. It's a city full of chaos and stress, when it doesn't need to be that way. And you can tell that it used to be really nice, which makes it even more frustrating.

The Seattle suburbs are better, but I'd try to go even farther away like Kitsap County, Mt. Vernon, Anacortes, Port Angeles, Oak Harbor, etc.

For Washington and Oregon, east of the Cascades is generally much better. That's where I ended up. There's less women, but they're usually more religious and better than in Seattle or Portland.

 

[TruckDriver9]

I lived in Seattle during 2019-2020. The scenery is indeed incredible. Very green surrounded by water, mountains and probably the most beautiful city in the US. I actually loved the rain as well. I got along well with the people that actually grew up there and/or weren't insane leftists. No state income tax is also great.

Having said all that, I would not want to live there. The politics are some of the worst in the US. It will make even some of the Eastern US Democrats seem more normal. Homeless, drugs and filth everywhere. Crime was getting especially bad around downtown at that time. The cost of rent, houses and living in general is insane. A lot of the people are strange and hard to get along with. The traffic and drivers are terrible. It's a city full of chaos and stress, when it doesn't need to be that way. And you can tell that it used to be really nice, which makes it even more frustrating.

The Seattle suburbs are better, but I'd try to go even farther away like Kitsap County, Mt. Vernon, Anacortes, Port Angeles, Oak Harbor, etc.

For Washington and Oregon, east of the Cascades is generally much better. That's where I ended up. There's less women, but they're usually more religious and better than in Seattle or Portland.

Could You give me a low-down on the Washington State islands?
Thinking about extended vacations, not relocation.

 

[Laner]

Could You give me a low-down on the Washington State islands?
Thinking about extended vacations, not relocation.

I like Orcas the best, but San Juan is pretty nice as well. Whidbey has some cool things for the family and especially do the Ft Eby night tour if you have kids. I am a fan of Pt Townsend and the whole Olympic peninsula, and some of the most beautiful and wild coast in the world.

 

[Douglas Quaid]

Could You give me a low-down on the Washington State islands?
Thinking about extended vacations, not relocation.

I've only been to San Island. I took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor and it was incredible. I highly recommend taking a ride on Washington State Ferries if you like boats. You can also fly into Friday Harbor. But all the islands are worth a visit and great in their own way. Friday Harbor is a really nice town.

That whole area of Northwest Washington is well worth a visit. The islands, Anacortes, Bellingham, Mt. Baker/North Cascades, etc.

 

[TruckDriver9]

I like Orcas the best, but San Juan is pretty nice as well. Whidbey has some cool things for the family and especially do the Ft Eby night tour if you have kids. I am a fan of Pt Townsend and the whole Olympic peninsula, and some of the most beautiful and wild coast in the world.

I've only been to San Island. I took the ferry from Anacortes to Friday Harbor and it was incredible. I highly recommend taking a ride on Washington State Ferries if you like boats. You can also fly into Friday Harbor. But all the islands are worth a visit and great in their own way. Friday Harbor is a really nice town.

That whole area of Northwest Washington is well worth a visit. The islands, Anacortes, Bellingham, Mt. Baker/North Cascades, etc.

The amazing nature I now about, and it calls. But what about the locals ?
You see, I got myself a sailboat couple of years ago, and I've been exploring the coastal regions each summer ever since. Islands of Maine were great, but got badly disappointed with Massachusetts: enjoyed the islands, but the people not so much - too snobbish.

 

[Douglas Quaid]

The locals won't be as weird as Seattle, or as snobbish as Massachusetts. Most of Western Washington is very left-wing however, and it starts to seep into conversations.

The Pacific Northwest (west of the Cascades) does have some weird people, but you can also meet really nice people. Really hit or miss, at least in my experience. I actually worked at a marina in Seattle and thought the Washington boating community was pretty nice.

 

[Laner]

The amazing nature I now about, and it calls. But what about the locals ?
You see, I got myself a sailboat couple of years ago, and I've been exploring the coastal regions each summer ever since. Islands of Maine were great, but got badly disappointed with Massachusetts: enjoyed the islands, but the people not so much - too snobbish.

The people on a superficial level are pretty great. They are 2x as friendly as Canadians, and much more 'happy' on a base level. I know this changes when you are trying to get beyond this, and this is what people call the "Seattle Freeze". It's more that people here are pretty private and like to be separated by big trees and non deep relationships.

As for sailing, I can't tell you much. I know some people who are into it, and I know on the Canadian side that our harbours are very popular with Americans in the summer. Canadian boaters like to moan about wealth disparity, but I think this is just a cope to the reality that even blue collar Americans can afford nice things where in Canada this recreation is limited to the very wealthy.

This is also hippy country, and as crazy as it sounds I appreciate those old coots a hell of alot more than their replacements of 'progressive everything' types. You tend to meet these people around the high real estate towns where they cashed out of the city and parachuted into some quant harbour town to lord over the locals.

 

[Maddox]

I remember visiting a friend up there in the 90s. The women were surprisingly attractive, the scenery was beautiful, and the weather was fantastic during the summer. Had thoughts of moving up there for a while, but I'd never do it now.

 

[TruckDriver9]

The locals won't be as weird as Seattle, or as snobbish as Massachusetts. Most of Western Washington is very left-wing however, and it starts to seep into conversations.

The Pacific Northwest (west of the Cascades) does have some weird people, but you can also meet really nice people. Really hit or miss, at least in my experience. I actually worked at a marina in Seattle and thought the Washington boating community was pretty nice.

The people on a superficial level are pretty great. They are 2x as friendly as Canadians, and much more 'happy' on a base level. I know this changes when you are trying to get beyond this, and this is what people call the "Seattle Freeze". It's more that people here are pretty private and like to be separated by big trees and non deep relationships.

As for sailing, I can't tell you much. I know some people who are into it, and I know on the Canadian side that our harbours are very popular with Americans in the summer. Canadian boaters like to moan about wealth disparity, but I think this is just a cope to the reality that even blue collar Americans can afford nice things where in Canada this recreation is limited to the very wealthy.

This is also hippy country, and as crazy as it sounds I appreciate those old coots a hell of alot more than their replacements of 'progressive everything' types. You tend to meet these people around the high real estate towns where they cashed out of the city and parachuted into some quant harbour town to lord over the locals.

Thanks - that's the kind of info I'm looking for.
Generally, I've already made up my mind a while ago, and now I'm poking around (surprisingly don't know anyone from the Pacific Northwest) for trivia like that, to manage my own expectations. So I appreciate Your posts.
Another thing. I'm somewhat concerned about thieving - is property theft something to worry about outside of Seattle ?

 

[Douglas Quaid]

Thanks - that's the kind of info I'm looking for.
Generally, I've already made up my mind a while ago, and now I'm poking around (surprisingly don't know anyone from the Pacific Northwest) for trivia like that, to manage my own expectations. So I appreciate Your posts.
Another thing. I'm somewhat concerned about thieving - is property theft something to worry about outside of Seattle ?

Depends on where you are, but homeless and thieves can be a problem over much of the Pacific Northwest, even in small cities. I wouldn't worry about it nearly as much in the San Juan Islands or Anacortes.

In places like Bellingham or Port Angeles, absolutely. The marinas do lock the gates, but public marinas can allow shady boaters in.

 

[Laner]

Thanks - that's the kind of info I'm looking for.
Generally, I've already made up my mind a while ago, and now I'm poking around (surprisingly don't know anyone from the Pacific Northwest) for trivia like that, to manage my own expectations. So I appreciate Your posts.
Another thing. I'm somewhat concerned about thieving - is property theft something to worry about outside of Seattle ?

I live 2 blocks from a harbour in Vancouver and there are pirate boats all over. It's become a huge issue for us here. For the most part their main boats are derelict but they use their skiffs to roam about stealing. Their main boats are essentially floating homeless encampments. So if you can find a berth at the marina I might take it just to be safe. Having said that, I only rarely hear about anchored boats getting things stolen, but perhaps a sailing forum could be of some help.

If you make it to Cortes Island let me know, I have a good buddy there who works in the boating industry.

 

[Moderately Lethal]

OK, back from a longer trip to Washington State.
The world has changed beyond recognition since 2015. Seattle and the rest of Washing State has not been immune to those changes.
So, what is still good and what has changed for worse?

The good:
1. the climate is still mild and comfortable in Seattle.
2. Most people are reasonable. (of all ethnic backgrounds.) In general, Found much less racism here than in some metro areas on the east Coast and the Midwest). People may be slightly more reserved ("Seattle freeze") but are mostly polite and everyday interactions are not void of human warmth.
3. The colleges /universities are good in Seattle and elsewhere in Washington State.

The bad.
1. Home prices.
Homes prices are going up in every decent metro area...but even so, Seattle home prices have become extortionate.
2. Drug problem
This is not unique to Seattle...the drug problem is much worse and much more visible than it was in 2015.
3. Crime
Crime rates have certainly gone up since 2015. Nevertheless, the city overall still feels safer than most metro areas of similar size in the US.
4. Homelessness
Not in a judgmental way, as anyone can become homeless. However, there is seemingly a lot more homeless in Seattle (at least between May and October) now than there was in 2015
3. Dating scene/finding a suitable wife.
Both online and in real life - not great. Got significantly worse since 2015. (Again, I know it's a global phenomenon).
I guess the young Asian-American (of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian etc parents) twenty-something graduates no longer stay here- they probably go to California. Unlike in 2015, there is barely any of the in Seattle now.
As far as Black ladies,I was hoping some young, twenty-something Kerry Washington-lookalike who came from Northern California to Seattle. (yes, such girls existed in 2015). Now, it's mostly ill-mannered ladies (mostly single-mums) from section 8 housing with bad manners and unreasonable expectations.
White girls , you say? Well, long-gone the twenty-something, "free-spirited" but slim and attractive white girls of the late grunge-scene of the early-mid 2010s. Now, it's mostly miserable, unpleasant, man-hating, anti-family White women that stay in that city.
As a general element, both groups of ladies are more likely to be obese , have tattoos and piercings as well as more likely to be single mums today than in 2015. The normal girl, who are not like that, are "taken" more often than not. Really sad.
Most Latinas I met in Seattle were first-generation immigrants (mostly from Mexico, El Salvador or Guatemala). I guess speaking good Spanish helped. Most are Normal, humble and friendly enough ladies. Many are genuine Christians too...who had traditional upbringings in traditional families.Could have had two or three dates but did not get enough time to explore these option in Seattle.

Having said all that, this trip was not a wasted trip. I explored Spokane ("Spookaloo") on the eastern part of the State. The climate is not as nice as in Seattle (hotter and drier summers and colder winters plus very short springs and falls). Similar problems to Seattle, albeit the place is obviously more affordable. or a city its size, Gonzaga University is actually great. The economy is ok. The people are ok.
Plus Spokane is near to beautiful nature (mountains and temperate forests). There are quiet a few Indigenous American nations (tribes) nearby - they seemed friendly enough.
Yes, I would consider relocating to the Spokane metro area.

So, Washington State as a whole still has some good places and good people.

 

[Laner]

OK, back from a longer trip to Washington State.
The world has changed beyond recognition since 2015. Seattle and the rest of Washing State has not been immune to those changes.
So, what is still good and what has changed for worse?

The good:
1. the climate is still mild and comfortable in Seattle.
2. Most people are reasonable. (of all ethnic backgrounds.) In general, Found much less racism here than in some metro areas on the east Coast and the Midwest). People may be slightly more reserved ("Seattle freeze") but are mostly polite and everyday interactions are not void of human warmth.
3. The colleges /universities are good in Seattle and elsewhere in Washington State.

The bad.
1. Home prices.
Homes prices are going up in every decent metro area...but even so, Seattle home prices have become extortionate.
2. Drug problem
This is not unique to Seattle...the drug problem is much worse and much more visible than it was in 2015.
3. Crime
Crime rates have certainly gone up since 2015. Nevertheless, the city overall still feels safer than most metro areas of similar size in the US.
4. Homelessness
Not in a judgmental way, as anyone can become homeless. However, there is seemingly a lot more homeless in Seattle (at least between May and October) now than there was in 2015
3. Dating scene/finding a suitable wife.
Both online and in real life - not great. Got significantly worse since 2015. (Again, I know it's a global phenomenon).
I guess the young Asian-American (of Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Cambodian etc parents) twenty-something graduates no longer stay here- they probably go to California. Unlike in 2015, there is barely any of the in Seattle now.
As far as Black ladies,I was hoping some young, twenty-something Kerry Washington-lookalike who came from Northern California to Seattle. (yes, such girls existed in 2015). Now, it's mostly ill-mannered ladies (mostly single-mums) from section 8 housing with bad manners and unreasonable expectations.
White girls , you say? Well, long-gone the twenty-something, "free-spirited" but slim and attractive white girls of the late grunge-scene of the early-mid 2010s. Now, it's mostly miserable, unpleasant, man-hating, anti-family White women that stay in that city.
As a general element, both groups of ladies are more likely to be obese , have tattoos and piercings as well as more likely to be single mums today than in 2015. The normal girl, who are not like that, are "taken" more often than not. Really sad.
Most Latinas I met in Seattle were first-generation immigrants (mostly from Mexico, El Salvador or Guatemala). I guess speaking good Spanish helped. Most are Normal, humble and friendly enough ladies. Many are genuine Christians too...who had traditional upbringings in traditional families.Could have had two or three dates but did not get enough time to explore these option in Seattle.

Having said all that, this trip was not a wasted trip. I explored Spokane ("Spookaloo") on the eastern part of the State. The climate is not as nice as in Seattle (hotter and drier summers and colder winters plus very short springs and falls). Similar problems to Seattle, albeit the place is obviously more affordable. or a city its size, Gonzaga University is actually great. The economy is ok. The people are ok.
Plus Spokane is near to beautiful nature (mountains and temperate forests). There are quiet a few Indigenous American nations (tribes) nearby - they seemed friendly enough.
Yes, I would consider relocating to the Spokane metro area.

So, Washington State as a whole still has some good places and good people.

If you are looking at Spokane, I can talk much more about it then Seattle. I don't have any friends there anymore, most either left to more sensible places or are in Bellevue. I go to the Spokane area every summer, but on the Idaho side. You are right, the nature is great. But man what they allowed Spokane to become is such a shame. The center of the city was one of my favorite old cities. Perhaps the contrast is so pronounced because CDL is so close and has NONE of the issue of Spokane; Bad policies have bad outcomes.

 

[Read_Lives_of_Saints]

If you are looking at Spokane, I can talk much more about it then Seattle. I don't have any friends there anymore, most either left to more sensible places or are in Bellevue. I go to the Spokane area every summer, but on the Idaho side. You are right, the nature is great. But man what they allowed Spokane to become is such a shame. The center of the city was one of my favorite old cities. Perhaps the contrast is so pronounced because CDL is so close and has NONE of the issue of Spokane; Bad policies have bad outcomes.

When Roosh visited Spokane around July 2019 he said there was development and construction and overall clean, but was appalled by all the homeless. He found the library was effectively a homeless shelter and that the bathroom had special blue lighting that made it tougher on the addicts, who were not able to find their veins.

 

[KulturedKaveman]

When Roosh visited Spokane around July 2019 he said there was development and construction and overall clean, but was appalled by all the homeless. He found the library was effectively a homeless shelter and that the bathroom had special blue lighting that made it tougher on the addicts, who were not able to find their veins.

Like everywhere else.

 

[Douglas Quaid]

Having said all that, this trip was not a wasted trip. I explored Spokane ("Spookaloo") on the eastern part of the State. The climate is not as nice as in Seattle (hotter and drier summers and colder winters plus very short springs and falls). Similar problems to Seattle, albeit the place is obviously more affordable. or a city its size, Gonzaga University is actually great. The economy is ok. The people are ok.
Plus Spokane is near to beautiful nature (mountains and temperate forests). There are quiet a few Indigenous American nations (tribes) nearby - they seemed friendly enough.
Yes, I would consider relocating to the Spokane metro area.

So, Washington State as a whole still has some good places and good people.

I've only passed through Spokane on the way to Coeur d'Alene, but just ok is a good way to describe it. Much of it is a dump, but it also has nice areas around it. Financially it's probably one of the best deals on West Coast. Cheaper houses and still good paying jobs. There seems to be a good amount of trade work too. Plus no state income tax which is amazing. The politics are also much less irritating than Western Washington.

The surrounding nature is still beautiful, but different from Seattle's nature and not as good. But it's close to North Idaho like Laner said, which is one of the most beautiful places in the US in my opinion.

Overall I think Spokane is a good deal and should be an option for anyone on the West Coast. Even with its problems I'd much rather live there than Seattle. Plus it gets rural pretty quickly outside of Spokane, so lots of cleaner and quieter places close by.

If you have the money though, North Idaho would absolutely be better. Boise as well.

 

[analyst_green]

I've only passed through Spokane on the way to Coeur d'Alene, but just ok is a good way to describe it. Much of it is a dump, but it also has nice areas around it. Financially it's probably one of the best deals on West Coast. Cheaper houses and still good paying jobs. There seems to be a good amount of trade work too. Plus no state income tax which is amazing. The politics are also much less irritating than Western Washington.

The surrounding nature is still beautiful, but different from Seattle's nature and not as good. But it's close to North Idaho like Laner said, which is one of the most beautiful places in the US in my opinion.

Overall I think Spokane is a good deal and should be an option for anyone on the West Coast. Even with its problems I'd much rather live there than Seattle. Plus it gets rural pretty quickly outside of Spokane, so lots of cleaner and quieter places close by.

If you have the money though, North Idaho would absolutely be better. Boise as well.

I've considered moving to that area, but being under the thumb of the liberal Washington state government is just not worth it. I am a fan of mid-sized cities like Spokane. They are big enough to have all the amenities, not big enough to drive you crazy.

If I had to move to the region, I would probably choose CDA. But with the rising costs compared to the Midwest, it's probably not worth it.

 

[Douglas Quaid]

I've considered moving to that area, but being under the thumb of the liberal Washington state government is just not worth it. I am a fan of mid-sized cities like Spokane. They are big enough to have all the amenities, not big enough to drive you crazy.

If I had to move to the region, I would probably choose CDA. But with the rising costs compared to the Midwest, it's probably not worth it.

Yeah Washington's politics are terrible. It's better in Spokane but still hard to completely escape it like you said. Crossing the border into Idaho feels like you're actually free.

I like mid sized cities too. Boise is the best in the West. Colorado Springs is great too but in a similar situation as Spokane by being in a woke and gay state. Reno might be another option but I haven't been there. No income tax in Nevada and close to beautiful scenery.

Grand Rapids is amazing in the Midwest.