My Seattle review for the outsider

I moved back to Chicago in late September 2007 after having spent the last seven years in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA. It was definitely a change of scenery and of lifestyles. Moving back to Chicago and conversing with others or watching the local news made me realize just how much more liberal I had become; which is a good thing in my mind.

Richmond Beach (north of Seattle)

Life in Seattle was definitely green and is probably the prettiest location in the contiguous 48 states. If you enjoy the outdoors, this is the place for you.  Hiking, camping, kayaking, skiing, whale watching tours not far away.. so much to offer.  Like any other big city, Seattle itself has its popular tourist attractions with Pikes Place Market, the Space Needle, EMP (Experience Music Project), and the Underground Walking tour (learn history of the city from under the Pioneer Square neighborhood).

Even though though Pike Place is a tourist trap everyday and especially on the weekends, it became a place I can go to every other week or once a month to meet with a friend to grab some lunch, take some pictures, buy some magazines or just look out onto the Puget Sound. Considering I lived a few blocks from it for almost two years, Pike Place was fond for me and I already miss what it has to offer.

Space Needle photo from Kerry Park on Queen Anne Hill

Again, like any other big US city, Seattle has its neighborhoods. Belltown, Ballard, Fremont, Capitol Hill, SoDo (south downtown), Wallingford, University Village (near UW) are the more popular ones with bars, pubs, clubs, shopping and more. SoDo has pubs, clubs and is host to Safeco Field (baseball Mariners) and Quest Field (football Seahawks).

Another great perk of Seattle is the location. It's only a 2.5hr drive to Vancouver, BC, a 3hr drive to Portland and a 2.5hr ferry ride from Victoria, BC. I had visited Vancouver a few times and Victoria three times. If you ever get to Seattle make sure to take 2-3 days to visit either of these places. I believe you now need to passport to corss into Canada. Border control was allowing people to use a driver's license and/or birth certificate but I think those days are long gone.

Produce stand at Pike Place Market

Seattle has numerous baseball leagues and thankfully I found a good one and I've met some good life-long friends because of it.

WA state doesn't have income tax so all you have to pay for taxes is Uncle Sam and any health plan premiums through work. Although I never owned property, I have heard that WA state does have one of the highest property tax rates.


For the hard liquor lovers reading, you can only get your fixation by going to the various WA State liquor stores. There is no driving down to the local grocery store and picking up a 5th of Jack.

** continue later **