Moving From New York City, NY to Seattle, WA

Even though moving from New York City to Seattle is a big change, there are actually a lot of similarities that make this a common relocation. 

Not just because of the weather and the cost of living. Seattle has a fantastic culture and style of daily life that you’re sure to love. The nature scene is amazing, the quality of life is quiet and peaceful, and there’s so much to do — from outdoor activities to museums. 

Seattle is located in Western Washington, and it’s the largest city in the Pacific Northwest region. The city has a population of about 741,000 people according to the United States Census Bureau. It’s also one of America’s fastest-growing cities, with a population that has grown by about 21% since 2010.

Moving Process From New York City To Seattle

If you’re considering moving from New York City to Seattle, here are the important things you should know before relocating.

How Far is Seattle, WA From New York City, NY?

The distance between New York and Seattle is 2,852 miles (4,590 kilometers) following the I-80 W, I-94 W, and I-90 W routes. This distance will take around 42 hours of nonstop driving. You have the option to spread out the road trip over five days since you still need to stop along the way to rest.

If you will fly, you can expect the flight to take around 4 hours and 40 minutes. You will most likely land in any of Seattle’s three major airports: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, King County International Airport, or Renton Municipal Airport.

What is the Average Cost to Move From New York City, NY to Seattle, WA?

Moving from New York City to Seattle can cost around $4,000 or more. This amount includes both the cost of packing up all your belongings and the cost of hiring movers to take your belongings away from one location in New York City and bring them somewhere else in Seattle.

The cost of shipping your things depends on how much stuff you have and how much help you need to move your belongings. If you’re a single person who doesn’t have many things to pack, that amount could be cheaper. But if you have an extensive household with lots of furniture and electronics, then this could increase your overall cost significantly.

Is Moving From New York City, NY to Seattle, WA a Smart Idea?

Moving from New York City to Seattle is a smart idea if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple and start a slower pace of living. Seattle is known for its rainy weather, but that’s not all it has to offer. In addition to its beautiful scenery, the city offers plenty of opportunities for exciting activities like fishing and hiking.

Still, you have to consider the tradeoff between culture, community, food, and urban activities. If you want nature and outdoor activities then Seattle is your place. If you want city life and good public transportation then stay in New York City.

Weather and Climate

When you move to Seattle, you’ll find that the weather is milder than it is in New York City, but still rainy most of the year. The city is known for its gray skies and rainy days, especially during the winter months.

That’s right—the weather is wet and gloomy most of the year in this Pacific Northwest city, but it’s so beautiful and calming when the sun does show up!

However, if you’re planning on living in Seattle for a long time, be sure to check out your local weather report before making any long-term decisions about where to live. The area has a high chance of experiencing cloudy days throughout most of its seasons.

Nature Scene

If you are a nature lover, Seattle is the place for you. The city is surrounded by water and mountains. There are plenty of parks and green spaces to explore, as well as hiking and biking trails for traversing them. In fact, there are so many trees in Seattle that it’s nicknamed the “Emerald City.”

Seattle residents also love their outdoor activities. They’re known for skiing and hiking up mountains on the weekends. If you like being outside, Seattle is the place for you.

City Life

If you are looking to move from New York City specifically so that you can experience the same city life, Seattle will not offer that for you. Seattle can sometimes feel like a small town compared to New York City, and that can either be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you’re looking for.

Seattle has some great restaurants and nightlife options but if that’s what your main priority is then this may not be the right place for you. Seattle is for those who want a slower pace of living and good access to some urban amenities. 

Seattle is a pretty chill place where people go to work 9-5 jobs, take vacations often and spend their free time outdoors enjoying beautiful weather. The city has a laid-back culture compared to New York City, so if you’re looking for less stress and more fun, Seattle is a great place to move.

Transportation 

If you’re moving from New York to Seattle on a budget, be sure to plan and get yourself a car. While it’s possible to live in Seattle without one, the city is largely car-dependent—and getting around without an automobile would be very difficult. Having a car to take advantage of all the excellent outdoorsy activities is also a plus.

The public transportation in Seattle can be good. In fact, Seattle’s bus system is top-notch and may arguably be better than a lot of New York City buses.

However, Seattle’s public transportation system is not as reliable as the MTA in New York City. Walking is also possible for many people in both cities, but there are still certain parts of Seattle where doing so is unsafe or inconvenient.

If you’re moving from the Big Apple, you’ll also need to be aware that Seattle is further away from many other major cities than New York is. The closest metropolis to Seattle is Portland to the south and Vancouver to the north. 

Nightlife

If you’re a nightlife enthusiast, it’s probably not a good idea to move to Seattle. The city has fewer bars and clubs per capita than New York City, which means if this is important to you, then it might be worth staying put in the Big Apple. 

However, if breweries are more your thing, then Seattle might be able to hold its own against NYC. Seattle’s craft beer culture is very strong, thanks to its independent brewers. Seattle is also an ideal location if you’re fond of small-batch breweries. Famous breweries in Seattle include Rooftop Brewing Company and Fremont Brewing Company.

Culture and Diversity

Did you know that Seattle is a diverse city? There are people from all over the world living here, and it’s a great place to meet new people. However, don’t expect it’s as diverse as New York City.

That being said, if you’re looking for a place where there are lots of different types of people who have different cultures and lifestyles, then relocating to Seattle might be the right move for you.

Seattle has a lot of culture within its borders too. There are plenty of museums and art galleries that will keep your interests piqued while living in this beautiful city. And if you’re feeling adventurous enough, there are also several options for traveling outside the city limits.

Taxes

Moving from New York City to Seattle is not only a change in climate but also a change in state income taxes. Washington does not have state income taxes, which means that you pay no state income tax on your paycheck, as well as no federal income tax on wages you earn while living in Washington.

This can be a great benefit to someone who is looking to move out of New York City and into Seattle because it gives them more money in their pocket each month, which will help them afford their new home and all the expenses associated with moving to a new place.

What’s the Cost of Living in Seattle, WA vs New York City, NY?

According to NerdWallet, the cost of living in Seattle is 37% lower than in New York City. For example, your rent for a two-bedroom apartment will be about $2,724 compared to $5,102 in New York City. 

In addition to housing costs being lower, food and entertainment options are also much more affordable. You can expect to spend roughly $450 per month on groceries and $80 per month on restaurants if you’re eating out once or twice a week. 

Basic utilities, which include electricity, gas, water, and garbage collection, will also cost an average of $203 per month in Seattle. 

What’s It Like Working in Seattle?

Seattle is a great place for those looking for work. Seattle’s economy is booming, and there are plenty of job opportunities for residents of this city. 

According to the U.S. News, Seattle’s workers make a median annual salary of $74,330, about 32% more than the national average. The city’s unemployment rate is also similar to the national rate (8.7%). 

The top industries in Seattle include technology, STEM, manufacturing, business and professional services, and healthcare. The city is also home to many Fortune 500 companies including Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Zillow, Expedia Group, and Nordstrom. 

As a result of the thriving economy, Seattle has seen an increase in the number of residents living here. In fact, according to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Seattle’s population grew by 21% between 2010 and 2020. This growth rate outpaced the 16% growth of the surrounding King County.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Seattle?

Seattle is known for its beautiful scenery, its awesome food, and its abundance of bars. But what makes Seattle so great? Well, the best neighborhoods in Seattle are the ones that have the most to offer. 

Whether you’re looking to live in a more residential area or an area with lots of nightlife, there’s a community for you. Here is a list of the best neighborhoods in Seattle:

Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill is a densely populated neighborhood in the center of the city. It’s the neighborhood closest to living in NYC. There are many coffee shops, restaurants, pubs, and other establishments. It also has a thriving counterculture community and it’s one of the city’s best-known entertainment and nightlife areas.

University District

The University District is home to a number of communities with a strong educational orientation, including University Heights, Greek Row, University Park, and the Brooklyn Addition. Surrounding the University of Washington, it’s a unique mix of urban business areas, historic buildings, top-notch cafes, pubs, restaurants, and theaters.

West Seattle

West Seattle is a relaxed neighborhood that lives by its own rules and enjoys the slower pace and stunning natural environment. The Duwamish River divides West Seattle from the rest of Seattle, making it practically a city unto itself. It has several lovely parks and seaside attractions. Being the oldest neighborhood in Seattle, West Seattle is also rich in history.

Queen Anne

Queen Anne is one of the most well-known and notable neighborhoods in Seattle. Here you can find the iconic Space Needle and some of Seattle’s most breathtaking views. The neighborhood’s rich architectural history, excellent restaurants, and captivating sights draw both tourists and residents alike. 

Beacon Hill

South of Seattle’s downtown sits the quiet, largely residential neighborhood of Beacon Hill. It’s a lot more laid-back than other Seattle neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Queen Anne. It’s also more affordable with its fair housing costs, as a result of its less-developed status compared to other parts of the city. 

Final Thoughts

Seattle is a great place to live, and it has a lot to offer. It’s got milder weather than New York City and it’s relatively more peaceful. It also allows you to get out and enjoy nature without too many crowds.

That said, moving from New York City to Seattle is a great idea. There’s no doubt that it will give you the chance to explore a new city, get a better job, and meet new people.

MORE READING:

Moving From San Francisco to Seattle
Full Guide to Moving From One State to Another State
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