If you are thinking of moving to Washington, there are many things to consider. First off, the weather is great. An abundance of natural wonders and outdoor activities will keep you busy on weekends and during your downtime without a 9-to-5 job after you have relocated to Seattle or Tacoma.
The cost of living varies across the suburbs and cities, but generally speaking, it is pretty expensive to live in the Seattle metropolitan area. Unless you move to one of the suburbs, such as Redmond or Bellevue, expect your paycheck to be significantly smaller.
If you decide that Washington is for you, we’ve got you covered: we’ll tell you everything you need to know before moving and settling down there.
What’s the Weather Like, and is anyone Wearing a Jacket?
Summer in Washington lasts for about three months, while the other nine months of the year are generally cold or rainy. If you come from one of the warmer states where it is warm (or even hot) year-round, you better get a jacket.
Even in July and August, the temperature doesn’t always go above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), and sometimes it drops below that threshold for a few days.
Seattle is located between two bodies of water: Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east. The two bodies of water and mountains create a climate that is usually cooler than the surrounding areas.
Seattle’s location also means it gets its share of rain all year round, but this doesn’t mean that it rains all the time: you’ll get an average of about 37 inches (94 centimeters) precipitation annually.
The People, the Culture, and the Local Customs
Washington is a pretty progressive state. You will find Seattleites to generally be more open-minded than residents of other cities in the deep South or Midwest.
After all, people who live in Washington love their coffee: Starbucks was founded there. Seattleites are also in love with their grunge scene, which has its roots in the punk rock movement of the 1980s.
Seattle is rated one of the most literate cities in America because there are so many bookstores and universities nearby. That’s great if you want someone to discuss intellectual topics with over a latte.
If you are a sports fan, the Seattle Mariners should be your favorite baseball team. Even though they haven’t been doing so well recently, the Seahawks also have a fairly enthusiastic fanbase.
Denver vs. Seattle: Which City is Better for You?
Denver has a well-developed economy driven by various industries such as mining, tech companies that work with Lockheed Martin or Raytheon, and the federal government.
It also hosts the largest Native American population in the United States (outside of Alaska) and is known for its large Latino community growing faster than any other ethnic group.
Denver has a lower cost of living, especially if you’re moving from Seattle, New York City, or San Francisco.
Denver is known for its craft beer scene, and it also hosts the annual Great American Beer Festival every year.
On the other hand, Seattle is known for its coffee culture, the Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, and one of America’s major seaports.
Seattle has over 70 museums that reflect its history as a trading post along the West Coast since the mid-19th century.
One thing that Denver may have an advantage over Seattle is sports: if you like any sports, the Denver Broncos, the Denver Nuggets, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Colorado Rapids will probably be your favorite teams. If you want to play outside, the Rockies and the Mariners should also be on your list of favorite teams.
Both Denver and Seattle have relatively mild weather and should be a good fit for those who love sunshine year-round. Seattle is a great choice if you want to be close to mountains and lakes, while Denver has more history and parks.
What about the median home prices in these cities in 2022?
If you are moving to the Seattle area, the median home listing price, as of January 18, will be around $839,000. Denver’s median home listing price is about 21% lower at approximately $655,000.
The main reason for these high prices in these beautiful cities is the lack of housing inventory.
Living in Seattle – The Pros and Cons
If you’re considering a move to Seattle, you should be aware of some major pros and cons.
One of the benefits is that it’s located close to nature: hiking through forested mountains, water sports along Puget Sound or Lake Washington, or skiing in the winter at Stevens Pass.
Seattle also has a vibrant food scene so that you won’t be disappointed by the local cuisine.
Keep in mind, though, that it does rain a lot there, and if you’re not prepared for this kind of weather, you may feel like you stepped into an episode of “The Twilight Zone.”
Another pro is that Seattleites are known for being open-minded people who embrace diversity and culture.
On the other hand, though, there is a significant downside: Seattle has one of the highest costs of living in America. The cost of living there is about 24% higher than in Denver, CO.
10 Best Places to Live in Washington State – You Will Be Surprised!
This next paragraph may shock you. You might think that Seattle would be the best place to live, but it is only the 10th best place to live in!
#1 Bellevue, WA
Bellevue is located on the east side of Lake Washington and features world-class shopping, dining (can you say “Maggiano’s?”), and entertainment along with an impressive range of local arts.
#2 Olympia, WA
Olympia, the capital of Washington State and a coastal town with a pier and boardwalk, is home to The Evergreen State College and natural landscapes such as Capitol Lake and Budd Inlet.
#3 Spokane, WA
Spokane has a long history as an important railhead and mining center. Today, it is one of the largest cities in the Northwest and is becoming known for its shopping and outdoor recreation opportunities.
#4 Bellingham, WA
Bellingham is a hearty town located along the foothills of the North Cascades and the San Juan Islands. The nearby peak, Mt. Baker, has been an inspiration to artists and nature lovers alike since its first ascent over a century ago.
#5 Redmond, WA
Redmond is a leader in the technology and biotechnology industries. Redmond’s high employment rate might be due to its location as the home of Microsoft’s headquarters, which has about 40,000 employees.
#6 Issaquah, WA
Issaquah is a lively town that features a plethora of outdoor activities. It’s also known for its high concentration of Asian Americans and artists, as well as Issaquah Salmon Days every October.
#7 Kirkland, WA
Kirkland is part of the Seattle metropolitan area, but it feels more like a small town because of its unique mix of boutiques, galleries, and neighborhood shops. It’s also known for being extremely dog-friendly.
#8 Walla Walla, WA
Walla Walla is the oldest town in Washington State. It has a solid agricultural base, but it’s also home to Whitman College and its vibrant campus.
#9 Mercer Island, WA
Mercer Island is located in Lake Washington, just east of Seattle. The primarily residential community on the island is known for its family-friendly environment and high level of education.
#10 Seattle, WA
Home to Amazon, Starbucks, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle is one of Washington’s most diverse cities. It’s also ranked as being one of America’s best places to live with good reason.
What Does it Cost to Move from Denver to Seattle?
The mother of all questions! When you are considering a move or have just started your search, one of the first things that you need to consider is how much it will cost.
The average moving cost from Denver to Seattle can be anywhere from $2,500 to $18,500 depending on the following factors:
- The amount of furniture, boxes, and other items you have.
- If you require any packing services.
- The city or town you’re moving to in Washington.
- If the delivery address is accessible to a semi-truck.
- The month you choose to move (tip: winter months are cheaper!)
The Right Way of Moving to Washington State
The greatest advantage to hiring a long-distance moving company in Denver is that you’re doing business with locally owned and operated movers.
Denver Moving Group offers a free in-home or video estimate for an out-of-state move with no obligation to hire us. After we provide you with a Binding estimate and upon your acceptance, we will schedule your move date through the corresponding time slot provided by you.
A typical long-distance move delivery can take anywhere from 3 to 14 days (from the first date you can accept goods). Our main goal is to deliver your household goods as quickly as possible without damaging them in any way.
We can provide a wide range of moving services, including packing and unpacking. Most importantly, we offer affordable rates that will meet your budget. Call us at (720) 370 3523 or fill out our “Get a FREE Quote” form to get started with your interstate move to Washington!
