Is Seattle, WA a Good Place to Live in 2024?

What Is Seattle, WA Known For?

Seattle sits nestled between Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east in Washington state. The Cascade Mountain Range frames the city's eastern edge, with the Olympic Mountains to the west. The city stands out for its striking natural landscapes, vibrant arts scene, and tech-driven economy. Seattle's love for coffee and its grunge music roots coexist alongside a passion for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and boating.

The city is mainly progressive, boasting a rich tapestry of different races, minority groups, and sexual orientations. Each plays a role in Seattle's social fabric, often influencing both grassroots movements and policy decisions.

Seattle caters to a variety of residents: Retirees find solace in the quiet, scenic neighborhoods, while students are drawn to its innovative educational institutions. Couples, regardless of background or belief, appreciate the romantic waterfronts and parks. Singles dive into a bustling social scene, and families cherish well-equipped public spaces and community events.

Highlights

Pros and Cons icon

Pros and Cons

The Pros of living in Seattle, WA, include outdoor activities, an innovation center, artistic environment, and more. While some Cons are around seasonal affective disorder, high living costs, and traffic.
Read more in Pros and Cons.

Safety and Crime icon

Safety and Crime

Seattle, WA is ranked 421st out of the top 500 most populated cities in the US for highest overall safety, is ranked 371st on safety from violent crime, and 486th on safety from property crime.
Read more in Safety and Crime.

Cost of Living icon

Cost of Living

Compared to the rest of the US, the cost of living in Seattle, WA is 18% higher than the national average.
Read more in Cost of Living.

Discretionary Income icon

Discretionary Income

A gross annual salary of $80,000 in Seattle, WA leaves $512 of “money in the pocket” per month on average.
Read more in Discretionary Income.

Climate and Weather icon

Climate and Weather

The average daily temperature in Seattle, WA in January is 44°F and 68°F in July. Compared to the rest of the 333 most populated cities in the US, this city is on average +1°F warmer in January and is on average -11°F cooler in July.
Read more in Climate and Weather.

Politics and Voting icon

Politics and Voting

Seattle, WA voted for the Democrat party in the 2020 Presidential election, with 75.0% of the votes counted going to this party.
Read more in Politics and Voting.