DBP
Is Seattle affordable?
–That depends on your income. If you’re in the six-figure range, you’ll do fine here. If you’re much below 40k, with a couple of kids, you’ll struggle. Unless you’re a very thrifty person.
Your income, in turn, depends on the job sector you’re in. If you’re a well-networked exec, a skilled tradesman, or a software programmer, you’ll do well. If you’re a general laborer, you’re going have a tough time of it.
The housing market is tight. We regularly have out-of-towners come on this forum looking for affordable housing here on the west side. They get discouraged when they see what the rents are like.
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Family oriented?
–Well, Seattle supposedly loves kids, but it seems to me like singles-oriented activities predominate here.
There ARE plenty of little-league sports for kids to be involved in, and downtown has the Pacific Science Center.
There are plenty of parks, too. As in green parks, not theme parks.
Great libraries.
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Safe?
Relatively speaking. For a city it’s size, yes.