From The Times: West Seattle a big draw for people fleeing the Bay Area

Thanks to the many people who’ve sent us this link – if you haven’t already seen it, data reporter Gene Balk at The Seattle Times (WSB partner) says people interested in getting out of the Bay Area are zeroing in on West Seattle – in a BIG way, at least according to one real-estate website. Doesn’t surprise us – when we got here from San Diego in 1991, we found more than a few other ex-Californians in WS. But that was pre-consumer Internet, so, no data-crunching possible! Any recent Bay Area arrivals within sight of these pixels, would love to hear how you wound up here – comments or editor@westseattleblog.com.

46 Replies to "From <i>The Times</i>: West Seattle a big draw for people fleeing the Bay Area"

  • NW June 11, 2015 (9:32 am)

    and the gentrification process keeps rolling along ooooooooo yesterday on npr a person wanting to rent in seattle making $15 needs to work 70 or more hrs a week was it? how is a person to raise kids and get by with this and compete with renters home buyers from sf?

  • Peter June 11, 2015 (9:50 am)

    Apparently they have good taste. Or maybe the sound “California Avenue” makes them feel at home.

  • East Bay June 11, 2015 (10:02 am)

    I lived in southern California and more recently the Bay Area most of my life prior to moving to Seattle. My husband and I moved here 8 years ago and love West Seattle.

  • Funrunner June 11, 2015 (10:26 am)

    Welcome to all my brothers and sisters from the south. West Seattle is a wonderful place, lots of amenities, great parks and nice people. Also very dog friendly.

  • cj June 11, 2015 (10:29 am)

    Being a peninsula we do have space issues. In the long run annexing White Center into Seattle might help.

  • Oakland born June 11, 2015 (10:46 am)

    Born in Oakland, moved around after I was 6. When I came to West Seattle and drove down Admiral Way on a sunny day, I felt like I had come home, it’s been the closest I’ve felt to my childhood years since leaving CA, still feel it every time. That was the early 90’s and I haven’t lived anywhere else, the perfect combo!

  • HelperMonkey June 11, 2015 (10:47 am)

    well aren’t they going to be in for a surprise.

  • foo June 11, 2015 (11:03 am)

    HelperMonkey – how so?

  • HelperMonkey June 11, 2015 (11:41 am)

    Transit stinks getting in and out of West Seattle. I would imagine coming from the Bay Area with their world-class transit system this is going to be like moving to a third world country.

    • WSB June 11, 2015 (11:44 am)

      In fact, I have received one comment via e-mail so far and am posting it here – the anonymous writer says:

      yes there are many of us here and think the big draw is the weather and the job market. i lived in SF and the bay area most of my life and saw the writing on wall 8 years ago, the city i loved was changing in ways that was squeezing me out and also changing neighborhoods that were steeped in history and being destructed for the new money. the same is happening here, but not to the degree that the bay area has changed, the tension is otherworldly. west seattle has it’s own groove, something i prefer, almost reminds me of oakland (a huge compliment). i hope the city of seattle gets itself together and starts talking about how to move large amounts of people in the future, maybe getting someone from the hong kong transit to consult wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

  • G June 11, 2015 (11:59 am)

    I took the reverse track and had to maintain a place down in CA for work, PT. Despite all the scary bedtime stories that NW natives hear CA from birth, I found it to be a myth. People are the same wherever you go, no better or worse. Actually, for the size of the place, people are remarkably civil and courteous. That’s been my experience.

  • PSPS June 11, 2015 (12:00 pm)

    I heard a story yesterday about the $150 million of low-income housing being built at Grady Ranch in Marin County by George Lucas himself, much to the chagrin of his racist and class-sensitive neighbors. It was stated that the rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Marin was unaffordable at $1,700/month. Well, I have a friend who has lived in a 1-bedroom apartment in Seattle for several years and, after years of insane annual rate increases, they’re now paying over $1,900/month.

  • Steph June 11, 2015 (12:45 pm)

    The article could have been written about my family. We moved from the Bay Area to W. Seattle 9 years ago due to husband’s tech job and ended up buy a bigger house for half the price.

  • RarelyEver June 11, 2015 (1:00 pm)

    Moved from Castro Valley (East Bay) to West Seattle 10 years ago. Love it here so much, wouldn’t want to go back for anything… other than BART perhaps! :)

  • missingthis&that June 11, 2015 (1:03 pm)

    The state of public transit and freeway traffic here is beyond belief. If Bay Area folks are headed this way, can we get high quality, authentic, diverse ethnic restaurants here too?

    • WSB June 11, 2015 (1:19 pm)

      Another reply via e-mail, this one from “T”:
      .

      We didn’t flee SF due to rents or prices or anything, rather the wife got a job with MS after graduation and so we moved up here. We rented in Lower Queen Anne before buying a house over in West Seattle. We didn’t choose West Seattle for West Seattle per se, rather the house here simply met all of our checkboxes: walkable, access to Microsoft shuttle, and we could afford it.

      That said, I continue to marvel at how much West Seattle feels like the best parts of San Francisco (and to a large extent Berkeley): The people here seem friendlier than in other parts of Seattle (I know many natives balk at the notion of the Seattle Freeze, but when we moved I certainly noticed a chilliness in people–at least around Belltown/SLU/Queen Anne); the fog, when it rolls in, seems thicker here in West Seattle (and the foghorns louder); there are more dogs (and not just yappy little dogs either); and somehow being back on a peninsula just feels right.

      It’s funny because when we moved up here we had people tell us about different neighborhoods they thought would make us feel like we were back in San Francisco. Someone claimed Green Lake was just like SF (it’s not), others claimed Ballard was just like SF (it’s not), others said we’d want the urban vibe of Belltown (we didn’t). West Seattle was never mentioned. And while it’s not just like SF–really nothing is–it’s somehow the closest in temperament and attitude… I don’t really know why… But it really does feel like some of my old neighborhoods in SF–Cole Valley, Inner Sunset, even bits of Noe Valley.

  • Diane June 11, 2015 (1:51 pm)

    moved here from bay area 17 yrs ago, to escape insane housing market then; my new apt with view here was half the rent of my Sunnyvale apt (Silicon Valley); I don’t know if it’s improved, but 1998, transit sucked in south bay; you had to drive up to the ‘city’ to access the wonderful transit, and east bay had BART

  • Diane June 11, 2015 (1:53 pm)

    and I grew up in So CA, with almost zero transit; compared to that, Seattle transit is fantastic

  • Diane June 11, 2015 (2:04 pm)

    WS is #1 sought after neighborhood in the country???

    ok, who let our secret out?

  • Concordian June 11, 2015 (2:40 pm)

    Another East Bay transplant here (Concord). We discovered WS on our own after being referred to other neighborhoods. Concord is a working class town, but we were able to buy a nice house here from the proceeds of our sale.
    I don’t know if the Seattle Freeze is a real phenomenon, but I’ve noticed Seattleites give abrupt responses and leave you hanging. This is nothing compared to Oregon, where there is almost hostility toward Californians.

  • G June 11, 2015 (2:53 pm)

    Diane,

    Don’t know where you grew up, but I don’t find that to be the case now. I just took the Orange Line from Van Nuys to N. Hollywood, with a great nice adjacent bike path btw that is separated from the bus route, transferred to the Red Line subway to downtown LA. For $1.75. Piece of cake. It’s been a very pleasant surprise, for someone who grew up riding a good Seattle system.

    • WSB June 11, 2015 (2:56 pm)

      LA definitely has better transit now. But, having lived in the Valley in the late ’60s-early ’70s, I can attest to the relative transitlessness back then. And other changes for the better … LA air was a lot worse back then, before the changes in motor-vehicle emission systems and fuels – I rode a school bus along Mulholland Drive and you could see the dome of smog over the valley almost every day. We have visited relatively frequently in the decades since and I’ve *never* seen that again. (Of course, I don’t think we’ve been there on a stagnant-air summer day, either …) – TR

  • G June 11, 2015 (3:03 pm)

    Californians are much more direct; communicating in Seattle is like reading tea leaves. Both can irritating, just depends on the situation.

  • Native June 11, 2015 (3:11 pm)

    Concordian – I’ve heard of Seattle-ites being hostile towards Californians (80s and 90s) but never Oregonians. Wow, surprising.

  • G June 11, 2015 (3:38 pm)

    WSB,

    Had almost an identical conversation with someone who also grew up in the valley in the 70’s, moved to New Hampshire for doctorate in and then moved back. She remembered the smog you could “cut” with a knife and how dramatically it’s improved. I don’t even notice it now, to tell you the truth. I have to grudgingly give the state credit, even with all their extra layer of red tape for everything. I love the diversity of climates in the U.S., even within states.

  • QS June 11, 2015 (4:32 pm)

    For those of us families from WS now barely getting by because of rent increases these articles cause so much fear and anxiety for the whole family.

  • Displaced June 11, 2015 (4:42 pm)

    Reason people are getting displaced. Supply and demand (from Californians, number #1 WS import). I have no problem with supply/demand but some people do including Sawant.

  • Home again June 11, 2015 (4:51 pm)

    While it is flattering that so many Bay Area people find our little corner of the world attractive, a large influx of cash-rich Californians will inevitably push low-, middle- and fixed-income people out. We have seen it happen before. Young families who aren’t flush with cash move elsewhere, as do the artists, craftsmen and small business people who give West Seattle its special vibe. We get a little blander, a little more homogenized, a little less authentic with each wave of monied newcomers. And while we may get the “high quality, authentic, diverse, ethnic restaurants” missingthis&that mentions, the folks who prepare and serve the food won’t be able to live where they work. West Seattle will be less authentic, diverse and ethnic thereby.
    True to our working-class roots, many of us want West Seattle to be an affordable and welcoming place for everyone, and not just another enclave of privilege where “the help” has to leave at sundown. We can’t stop change, but neither do we have to lie down and let it roll over us. “Don’t mourn – organize!”

  • JayDee June 11, 2015 (6:22 pm)

    Nearly 20 years ago I was a CA-transplant, moving to be close to my sister’s family after Mom passed away. I bought my house with money from Mom, and was astounded I could get something so nice for a then affordable price in my mind. I made an old-timer a little richer.

    Aside from family, there is the view and the fact that if it is clear, the clouds forming over land kind of give West Seattle a sun break — Once you hit SODO, the cloud return and Beacon Hill is not in the sun.

    Market forces drive everything and while it would be great to be able to “Make it so” we cannot make enough cheaper apartments through fiat to change the conditions. As someone mentioned, if Seattle annexed White Center, it too would be more desirable, and the rents would increase.

  • Rachel June 11, 2015 (7:23 pm)

    This was an interesting article. I moved to Seattle from the Bay Area but am by no means a techie or rich. I rented in California and rented here in Seattle until buying a home in Highland Park. West Seattle has some of the few remaining affordable, walkable areas left in Seattle. West Seattle does feel reminiscent of the Bay Area with its great neighborhood feel and proximity to the water – we should be flattered (albeit, concerned about affordability). I am from San Mateo and my boyfriend is from Sacramento. There is no shame in being from California and It gets old hearing stereotypes that everyone from the Bay Area is a “techie” or that we should all leave. I know what crazy growth is, having grown up and lived in Colorado for 20 years and seen the same anti-Californian sentiment. We do need smart growth, but no need to bash our neighbors from the Golden State. We’re going to need to find creative ways to grow and coexist if West Seattle is to stay the awesome place it now is.

  • NW June 11, 2015 (7:50 pm)

    Thank you home again well said I have lived here most my life was born and raised here and it sucks seeing it change and become less authentic unaffordable you can tell like when I ride the bus folks getting off on 35th to transfer to 21 and those headed west or north admiral diversity well I actually see more than before which is great but it’s still way one sided. Maybe the recent spike in crime will have an effect and keep people away that and the worsening commute.

  • Dawsonst June 11, 2015 (8:41 pm)

    Moved here in ’96 when the Junction shut down at 6pm except for Rocksport, Poggies and New Luck Toy. As a 23-year old moving into a septinigerian neighborhood I had my doubts. But this area felt the most ‘right’ of all the Seattle neighborhoods. Forward 19 years and there is a vibrant community here. Sure it’s different than the ‘old timers” remember but there are more options too. Now I’m raising a family here because of the amenities. That in of itself says that we’re a successful area and is something we should strive to maintain. Despite the issue of the area-transit, housing, etc.- we have it a hell of a lot better than elsewhere and should be working to develop the solutions rather than bemoaning a “problem” that really isn’t there

  • WS Born & Raised June 11, 2015 (9:07 pm)

    Well said Home Again. I know that we cannot stop people from moving here ( even though I wish we could…you see the bridge traffic!)
    Just remember you moved to WS. It wasn’t broken before you got here and its not broken now. Keep it WS!

  • Anonymous June 11, 2015 (9:35 pm)

    I’ve lived in West Seattle for 15+ years. I grew up in the Seattle area and I love this place.
    I want to apologize to those new West Seattle neighbors for the comments made by the curmudgeons in West Seattle who complain about being pushed out by the wealthy or the dismay in the idea that neighborhoods change. We should welcome everyone and remember that we live in a free market where demand drives everything.
    I welcome new folks and hopefully we replace those curmudgeons with new happy and excited neighbors who welcome an evolving neighborhood

  • Kimmy June 11, 2015 (9:51 pm)

    Welcome, Californians! I loved living in both the the East Bay and the city and miss it dearly. Happy to have you guys here–love your vibe!

  • westseattledood June 11, 2015 (10:12 pm)

    I had not seen that article. But tell me if I am misreading this. The author is stating that Redfin statistics show that Silicon Valley Redfin viewers only VIEW West Seattle. There is nothing in that article which says they are buying West Seattle in huge numbers. We are the most desirable Seattle neighborhood as far as viewing online is measured by Redfin, but it does not assert that actual purchases in Real Life of real West Seattle properties are being used to establish our desirability. Am I getting that wrong?

    On the other hand, I have seen a noticeably large number of California plates on Beemers every weekend for the past month cruising the side streets of Highland Park. Hard not to notice that. But they could be viewing West Seattle online then driving around West Seattle on weekend searches and then ultimately buying in Kirkland or Greenlake.

  • Morgan June 11, 2015 (10:19 pm)

    There goes the neighborhood…

  • Annie June 12, 2015 (7:28 am)

    I heard a rumor that some big wigs from Amazon moved here and now all their peeps are following along – don’t know if it’s true but thought that was interesting and wonder if something like that could impact these statistcs.

    I’m from here and love West Seattle for the diversity – not just race and economic status but old and young, locals and transplants – it’s great for my kids to grow up with the variety and it’s more interesting for me. The issues of the unaffordable housing aren’t the fault of people moving here (obviously).

  • Enginerd June 12, 2015 (7:36 am)

    First rule of West Seattle, you don’t talk about West Seattle

  • WS since '66 June 12, 2015 (7:51 am)

    Morgan: “There goes the neighborhood…” wasn’t that quote attributed to the Duwamish Tribe c. 1851?

  • boater June 12, 2015 (9:36 am)

    Keep in mind WS is the largest neighborhood in Seattle. I imagine if you adjust the number by population, ws is getting the same percentage of bay area residents.

    And to those who lament change. It’s the only constant in life.

  • wb June 12, 2015 (10:56 am)

    wow, that explains it. My partner and I can quit looking. Can’t continue to compete with all cash/no contingency offers.

  • john June 12, 2015 (5:07 pm)

    I hope that the new transplants appreciate and support one of the best things about our neighborhood: the independent businesses that keep us from looking and feeling like every suburb in the country. There is a stereotype of techies in SF who have moved into lower-cost neighborhoods there only to have everything delivered from Amazon. We are so lucky to have unique shops and restaurants; hopefully they will benefit from the influx of customers.

  • westseattledood June 12, 2015 (8:21 pm)

    Another thought to ponder or get weirded out about is what will happen when Expedia moves from the Eastside to the waterfront on Elliott Bay in a year and half or so, I think? Will their huge workforce be willing to commute across the Lake to DT? Or will they want to buy in the city?

    And, then what happens when and if Alibaba moves DT as the crystal ball watchers predict? Chinese investors are part of what is driving up housing costs, as well, according to many experts. Not according to me, I just read the speculative articles – like this one. :P

    Stay tuned for the coming Adventures of Life in Seattle….

  • me June 12, 2015 (10:19 pm)

    Does that explain all the veritable explosion in really bad driving in the past 6 months?

  • bay area to west seattle June 14, 2015 (12:22 am)

    i knew that when i left my rent controlled apartment in the mission that i would never be able to afford to move back to san francisco. i am not a “cash rich techie” and was actually surprised, upon my arrival, at the cost of rents and lack of rent control here in seattle.

    what i am is a woman of color, a mother, an artist who works for a local small business. i was able to purchase my first small home here in west seattle last year, a feat that would never have happened in san francisco. ever.

    the bay area will always be a magical place for me because i grew up there, and though i do miss the public transportation, here are a few of my favorite things about west seattle:

    west seattle pride is real. i love it! it’s serious, and it’s what can help make a community strong, as long as we can work together and not tear each other down.

    all of my neighbors rule and most have lived here for 20-30 years! i have never lived near more kind-hearted, caring and generous people.

    we have the best parks, local businesses and a year round farmers market! west seattle loves the arts, loves their kids and really strives to strengthen its community. we have the west seattle blog, which we obviously all love! we, also, have a more diverse neighborhood than many parts of seattle, which i, personally, need to thrive.

    though i will always hold a special place in my heart for the bay area, west seattle is where i am proud to call home!

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