Thinking about relocation....Seattle, Washington?

[Gracie2006]

Originally Posted by Tiger's Mom

Melonie, I just had to comment on the cost of living particularly housing. Myka just graduated and just signed up a lease to rent a studio for $925 as it is in the downtown seattle area where she is close to work . . .although she has a car (we still have it but bringing it over the labor day weekend) she will be commuting to and from work since parking is $9 a day Luckily she has a job that pays well so she can afford the apartment but I still am in awe at the cost of living in Seattle . . . compared to spokane

Gosh Des, I guess Seattle still outranks Bellevue in cost of living! Congrats to Myka on the new job and new digs!

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by jadecomputergal

I knew last night when I posted my response that Seattle was much more expensive than Indianapolis (only because I grew up not far for there). When I posted it, I didn't even realize how much more expensive. It's pretty startling how much costs vary from one area of the country to another.

I started out on salary.com, which is where I usually look, but you can get all sorts of calculators from doing a Google search for cost of living calculator - Google Search.

Thank You, that's interesting!

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by Tiger's Mom

Melonie, I just had to comment on the cost of living particularly housing. Myka just graduated and just signed up a lease to rent a studio for $925 as it is in the downtown seattle area where she is close to work . . .although she has a car (we still have it but bringing it over the labor day weekend) she will be commuting to and from work since parking is $9 a day Luckily she has a job that pays well so she can afford the apartment but I still am in awe at the cost of living in Seattle . . . compared to spokane

My brother works in downtown too and most days he commutes in by train.
He's a health nut and he bikes miles from his house to the station and then another couple miles from the station to his office.
He actually had his picture in the paper and they did a write-up on commuters like him! Parking is really expensive!
I love his office in downtown though, it's this huge old warehouse/loft space with exposed brick! They even have a Segway for the workers to use! I wish my work had that type of atmosphere!

[Yorkiefan49]

One other thing I would factor in when considering Seattle is the amount of rainy days! Personally, it wouldn't bother me and I think the rainfall is why Seattle is so green and beautiful! But I have had many friends say it was depressing to always be indoors because of the rain. I'm not sure how Indians weather is but just thought If throw that factor in. If you are like me and would still get out of the house in the rain then I don't think you will have a problem.
One more thing-you said your husband is a musician and it also reminded me that Portland, Oregon might be an ideal city for you as well. Just a couple thoughts! Hope that helps!

[Reese1]

Originally Posted by Yorkiefan49

One other thing I would factor in when considering Seattle is the amount of rainy days! Personally, it wouldn't bother me and I think the rainfall is why Seattle is so green and beautiful! But I have had many friends say it was depressing to always be indoors because of the rain. I'm not sure how Indians weather is but just thought If throw that factor in. If you are like me and would still get out of the house in the rain then I don't think you will have a problem.
One more thing-you said your husband is a musician and it also reminded me that Portland, Oregon might be an ideal city for you as well. Just a couple thoughts! Hope that helps!

I know when my Brother first located to Seattle he said it took him about a year to get used to the rain and cloudy days, but he LOVES it now!
It was kind of funny to find out that the total average rainfall isn't significantly higher than here, it's just smaller rainfalls. I know they don't typically have the huge thunderstorm downpours like we get in Ohio.
My sister-n-law who has lived there all her life even laughs at us when we break out an umbrella, she said people from Seattle don't use them!

[mminichan]

Originally Posted by Yorkiefan49

One other thing I would factor in when considering Seattle is the amount of rainy days! Personally, it wouldn't bother me and I think the rainfall is why Seattle is so green and beautiful! But I have had many friends say it was depressing to always be indoors because of the rain. I'm not sure how Indians weather is but just thought If throw that factor in. If you are like me and would still get out of the house in the rain then I don't think you will have a problem.
One more thing-you said your husband is a musician and it also reminded me that Portland, Oregon might be an ideal city for you as well. Just a couple thoughts! Hope that helps!

Really? Didn't know Portland, OR is a good place for musician also! I wonder how far is the drive to/from Vancouver, B.C?

You all might think I am crazy that I actually want to move closer to Vancouver, BC bcoz I want to be closer to my in law!!!

[mminichan]

Originally Posted by BamaFan121s

Are you moving w/ your job or something, or just decided you need a change and said, "you know what, I think I'll move to Seatle..."

I don't know about the cost of living, but I am always shocked to find out how it compares to where I am...like that a little, 2 bedroom run down house in Compton, CA costs $400,000!

If I decide to move there, I will make sure I can relocate with my company first before I move there.

The main reasons I want to move there are 1) closer to my in laws (they live in Vancouver, BC and 2) A city will support classical music........

So, do u guys think Seattle is a good place?

[Gracie2006]

Originally Posted by mminichan

If I decide to move there, I will make sure I can relocate with my company first before I move there.

The main reasons I want to move there are 1) closer to my in laws (they live in Vancouver, BC and 2) A city will support classical music........

So, do u guys think Seattle is a good place?

Seattle is a huge center for the performing arts. You could consider living North in Everett, less expensive there. I'm partial, but I think its a great place to live.

[stovesj]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

Seattle is a huge center for the performing arts. You could consider living North in Everett, less expensive there. I'm partial, but I think its a great place to live.

I agree with you on that...and I would recommend north versus south of Seattle. Seattle has always been known for being a center for musicians. We have had many famous musicians come from here with what is known at the Northwest sound. And the rain...as someone posted... it does rain in Seattle. Sometimes just a mist and sometimes and downpour. Regardless, those of us who live here never use an umbrella. A friend of mine was in a band "The Wailers" and the Beatles actually bought all of their records and based some of their sound on them and Jimi Hendricks. Yes, that was a long time ago when there were no tapes or CD's!!! If you are interested in Portand, which is also a beautiful city, you would have to add about 4 hours to get to Vancouver.

[Yorkiemama24]

I live in Portland, OR which is about 3-31/2 hrs from Seattle. Seattle is bigger than Portland but it's also more expensive. Seattle would be a great place for musicians (there are also people who play music on the street near the market area). I also know that Portland is really focused on the arts and might be an even better choice. Like I said, it's smaller than Seattle but also cheaper. So maybe you might want to look at both places

Go to this website to compare the costs of living: Cost of Living - Cost of Living Calculator from CNNMoney.com

Hope this helps!

[mminichan]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemama24

I live in Portland, OR which is about 3-31/2 hrs from Seattle. Seattle is bigger than Portland but it's also more expensive. Seattle would be a great place for musicians (there are also people who play music on the street near the market area). I also know that Portland is really focused on the arts and might be an even better choice. Like I said, it's smaller than Seattle but also cheaper. So maybe you might want to look at both places

Go to this website to compare the costs of living: Cost of Living - Cost of Living Calculator from CNNMoney.com

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the link! My hubby is a classical music lover.....so, we want to move to a place that musician can make a living!

[mminichan]

Also, I have a Qs...just want to get an idea from a real person who is living there to give me an idea how much I would need to make to live in Seattle (as a middle class living style)? Just one single income.......any #? I am not asking to share how much you make........but just how much one should make to live in Seattle as a mid. class? Of coz I know everyone has a different standard of mid class living and has different life style....I already went on few websites and got an idea of the salary vs cost of living comparsion..but I just want to hear from a real person who is actually lives there...so..my guess is 70k? Am I close?

[Yorkiemama24]

I don't think you need to make that much to be middle class (unless you're looking to live downtown). Although making that much will still make you middle class but at a much more comfortable and higher level. I'm not from there, but I'm guessing that $50,000 would definitely make you middle class. In fact, I'm guessing that $40,000 would make you middle class there (you just would still have to watch how much you shop, etc). I also think it depends on what part of town you live in. I'm close to Seattle and so I know a little bit. Hope this helps.

[stovesj]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemama24

I don't think you need to make that much to be middle class (unless you're looking to live downtown). Although making that much will still make you middle class but at a much more comfortable and higher level. I'm not from there, but I'm guessing that $50,000 would definitely make you middle class. In fact, I'm guessing that $40,000 would make you middle class there (you just would still have to watch how much you shop, etc). I also think it depends on what part of town you live in. I'm close to Seattle and so I know a little bit. Hope this helps.

This is good advice. Your question is very difficult to answer because much depends on your own personal lifestyle. The salary compared to cost of living is a good basis....but then you need to take into account your own ability to control spending. If you like dining out frequently, upscale clothing, gourmet foods...then of course your cost of living is going to be higher. Hope this makes sense.

[mminichan]

Originally Posted by Yorkiemama24

I don't think you need to make that much to be middle class (unless you're looking to live downtown). Although making that much will still make you middle class but at a much more comfortable and higher level. I'm not from there, but I'm guessing that $50,000 would definitely make you middle class. In fact, I'm guessing that $40,000 would make you middle class there (you just would still have to watch how much you shop, etc). I also think it depends on what part of town you live in. I'm close to Seattle and so I know a little bit. Hope this helps.

Oh okay. I was just guessing 70K bcoz since Seattle is an expensive place to live....of coz nothing like NYC right? Thanks for your reply! It does help!