Getting Started in Seattle?

Question

Hey everyone, first sorry if this question has been posted a million times before. I tried the search but still had a few questions afterwards.

I'm moving to the Seattle area for an IT job, although I don't have one yet but the job market is better then when I'm currently at (North East PA). I have been doing research for some time on this area, but have some questions about the social aspect of it. People complain about the Seattle Freeze and enforce the idea of a need to get involved in social groups, service projects, etc. Space City Mixer has caught my eye, but does anyone else have any general social groups for a 23 year old college grad. Specifically, any groups that focus on outdoors (hiking, camping, etc.) or physical activity is of great interest.

Being single also, how is the nightlife scene and any advice in the dating department. I've moved twice and each time, the dating scene is different so any knowledge about dating in Seattle is appreciated.

Finally, what is the best way to find a roommate? I have been trying craigslist.com and roommates.com, but haven't seriously started to do any work on the roommate situation. If anyone has any ideas on this, it would be greatly appreciated.

Any other help, knowledge, personal experiences would appreciated. Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer 1

As far as the roommates, I would keep checking out craigslist. You could also check out the papers online. I live in the Capitol Hill area and found two roommates through the paper.

I grew up in Washington, but not in Seattle, and honestly when I first moved to the city I thought everyone was either uber liberal or a nihilist. I do think the weather plays a part - we either hunker down for the bad weather or get out on our own in the sunshine.

That said, you can make friends - but do have to work at it ...

http://www.wta.org/ - washington trails - meet folks for local/long-weekend hikes, etc.

http://www.mountaineers.org/scriptconten... - another hiking group - they have a few branches, so you can find out who gets together near you.

I don't know if you are into diving, but a dive club might be a fun option (a cold one, but fun nonetheless).

Have you ever checked out meetup.com? I can't personally vouch for it, but I have wandered about the site a few times:

http://www.meetup.com/cities/us/wa/seatt...

My favorite thing about Seattle is the music scene. There are block parties, music festivals, etc., and ample opportunity for mingling. I think for someone coming from Miami, the nightlife might be a slight disappointment at first - but maybe coming from PA (about which I know nothing) it will be on par - or better. It's not bad tho ... we have a great time and haven't found it hard to meet people.

I think you'll find hooking up with some of those groups will help your social life - I came to Seattle as a college student, which is an easy way to make friends.

Best of luck!

Answer 2

Take the airplane from Chicago to Seattle.

Answer 3

seattle is an awesome place. you can meet tons of new people..definitely check out craigslist...check out events and adventures..it's a single get together group...my best friend met her husband there..they've been together for 4 years now...seems to work for them...it's kinda scary being a new arrival in seattle but people are definitely very helpful and accommodating to newbies...i've lived here for abou 4 years now and i don't know if i could ever leave...if you like the outdoors your only a couple hours away from the mountains...i go hiking on the weekends and snowboarding in the winter...it's awesome! nightlife is great...tons of bars and clubs...the bars are my favorite...not a big fan of clubs...queen anne district, fremont, ballard, u district...probably your best bet for finding a place to live...good luck

Answer 4

I don't think I'll be of any great assistance except for the fact that I'm from PA and lived in Tacoma for a while being forced to come back for family reasons. I think you will like it out there. Everyone I was around was laid back and super friendly, far different from the judgmental eyes of PA. The nightlife in Seattle is wonderful and there is a lot to do outdoors, although I don't know of particular groups. Western Washington cities have more of a community mentality so if you just ask around at coffee shops and such (i know, coffee, seattle, lol) you will get good suggestions. People from that area love to talk to strangers and at least in Tacoma, you couldn't make a trip to the store without someone chatting it up with you. I had friends in no time and I'm quiet and shy. The only thing was the expensive cost of living in Seattle, which is why I lived in Tacoma, maybe 45 minutes away depending on horrible traffic. So, I hope I offered at least some help to you. Good Luck.