Living in Seattle: 5 Major Differences from the Midwest
Public Transit is a Game Changer
As a civil engineer I’m a little biased in this department, but there’s something to be said about not having to pay for parking at the airport, worry about a DD for a night out with friends, or waste time finding parking and sitting in traffic in the city. Seattle is no Washington D.C. or NYC with a robust light rail system, but even the single north and south line from just past the University of Washington to just south of the Airport (expansions in progress!) is enough to take you to stadiums, restaurants, work, ferry terminals and beyond. AND what we lack in light rail, we make up for with a bus system that runs efficiently. For context, I only drive my car on the weekends, and even then it’s for personal pleasure and not out of necessity.
Midwest Friendliness Does Not Exist
A polite ‘ope’ when you bump into someone or small talk while waiting in line does not exist, and in fact, is seemingly heavily frowned upon. The majority of people you see out and about on their own are rocking the universal ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign with their AirPods in and heads down. It was an adjustment to understand that a lack of outward friendliness doesn’t mean anger or discontent, but rather indifference. While this can make it difficult to meet new people, it’s oddly refreshing to not be expected to put on a happy and approachable face all the time.
The Food
I’m not a foodie, but the immediate difference in variety and quality was surprising. Fresh caught labels are believable, spices actually exist, and there is a refreshing inclusivity for vegetarian and plant based options. Ramen, Thai, pho, and so much more is available in each neighborhood. The proximity to southeast Asia is a flex for the PNW and opens up so many more cuisine options. Besides eating out, with multiple grocery stores and farmers markets within walking distance, I’m much more inclined to get fresh ingredients for a meal multiple times a week which is both wholesome and refreshing.
Mountains
I keep waiting for the day where looking out and seeing jagged, snow covered mountains will lose its charm, but it has yet to happen. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, there are endless opportunities for adventure year round within a couple hour drive from the city. Hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, cross country skiing, mountain biking–there really is something for everyone. And even if physical activity isn’t your thing, cruising through curvy mountain pass roads is an activity all on its own.
Instead of asking WHAT you do—They ask what you LIKE to do
The difference is subtle but the shift is profound. Here, the emphasis is more on what you do outside of work vs. what you do for work. People are more excited to know what type of bike you have, if you ski or snowboard, where you’re planning to backpack next weekend, or if you’ve got a race coming up. I’ve enjoyed this shift and found it promotes much more engaging conversations. In a similar sense, hanging out with people seems to be more experience based instead of centered around food and drinks ALL the time. Yes, sharing a meal with someone is an experience, but you know what I mean. Walking a trail, going to a sporting event, enjoying a bike ride, visiting the gardens, snowboarding, walking to get coffee… it’s amazing what happens when you don’t have to get in a car every time you want to meet up with someone.