If you’re moving from Sacramento to Seattle, there’s a lot you need to consider. Moving is never easy, but with the right preparation, you can easily navigate your new city, get involved with the activities you enjoy, and make the most your move.
Here’s what you need to know about moving to Seattle from Sacramento.
An Overview of Seattle, Washington
Seattle is a major city in the state of Washington in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is the largest city in the state and is located on the Puget Sound, approximately 100 miles south of the Canadian border. Seattle is known for its scenic beauty, with the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west, and for its thriving tech industry—both Amazon and Microsoft are headquartered in the city.
The city is also famous for its coffee culture, with many well-known coffee shops and roasters located in the city, such as Starbucks, Tully’s, and Seattle’s Best Coffee. Fun fact: it’s home to the original location of the first Starbucks store!
Seattle’s downtown area hosts many popular attractions. Perhaps the most well-known of these is the Space Needle, a 605-foot-tall tower that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. The Pike Place Market is another must-see destination for visitors, with its colorful array of fresh produce, seafood, and handmade crafts. The Seattle Art Museum, the Pacific Science Center, and the Museum of Pop Culture are also popular spots for visitors.
In addition, Seattle is known for its parks and outdoor spaces, including Discovery Park, which is the largest park in the city and offers miles of hiking trails, beaches, and stunning views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The city’s waterfront area is also a popular destination, with many shops, restaurants, and attractions located along the shoreline.
This vibrant, diverse city provides locals and visitors alike with a wide range of experiences. Whether you’re interested in exploring the area’s natural beauty, or basking in the city’s rich cultural heritage and enjoying its thriving arts and food scenes, Seattle is sure to offer something of value.
Why Move From Sacramento to Seattle?
There are a number of reasons why people choose to move from Sacramento to Seattle. Some of the most common reasons include job opportunities, a higher standard of living, and a desire for a change in lifestyle.
Job Opportunities
If you’re like most people, you will need to relocate for work at some point in your life. This may be to the next town over, to a different part of the country, or even somewhere on the other side of the world.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, one of the main reasons that people move to Seattle from Sacramento is for job opportunities. Seattle is home to a thriving tech industry, which has led to an abundance of job opportunities in fields such as software development, computer engineering, and data science.
Additionally, Seattle’s strong economy and low unemployment rate make it an attractive destination for job seekers. Sacramento, on the other hand, has a more diversified economy, with a large public sector, healthcare, and education and a relatively low unemployment rate, but not as many opportunities as Seattle—especially when it comes to the tech industry.
Standard of Living
Another reason people may move from Sacramento to Seattle is for a higher standard of living. Seattle has a higher median household income and a higher cost of living than Sacramento. This can result in a better quality of life, allowing residents more disposable income for things such as dining out, entertainment, and travel. What’s more, Seattle offers a wider range of housing options than Sacramento, with a larger inventory of homes for sale and rent and a greater variety of neighborhoods to choose from.
Recreational Activities
Seattle is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, which can be a major draw for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, and generally being outside. Seattle is surrounded by mountains and water, which provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Sacramento, by contrast, is located in a valley, with a more flat terrain and not as much natural beauty, making it less appealing for people who enjoy outdoor activities.
Cultural Scene
One of the things Seattle is most famous for is its vibrant cultural scene, with several different types of museums, art galleries, and music venues. The city is home to the Seattle Symphony, the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and the Seattle Opera, as well as several theater companies. The city also has a strong food culture and is home to a large number of craft breweries and wineries. As such, it has become a popular destination for beer and wine enthusiasts. While Sacramento features a growing cultural scene, it is not as developed as Seattle’s.
Change in Lifestyle
Some people might choose to move from Sacramento to Seattle simply for a change in lifestyle. Seattle offers a different pace of life and a different atmosphere than Sacramento, which can be an attractive option for people looking for something new. This can be especially appealing for people who have lived in Sacramento for a long time and are looking for a new place to call home and expand their horizons.
Things to Know Before You Go
Before making your move, it’s important to be aware that Seattle has a much different climate than Sacramento. Seattle has a maritime climate, meaning that it has mild, wet winters and cool, dry summers. The city receives a lot of rainfall, with an average of 37 inches per year.
On the other hand, Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city receives very little rainfall, with an average of less than 20 inches per year.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of living in Seattle. As discussed previously, Seattle is generally more expensive than Sacramento. The median home price in Seattle is significantly higher than in Sacramento, and the cost of living is also higher. This is due in part to the city’s booming tech industry, which has led to a high demand for housing.
The job market in Seattle is also different from Sacramento. Seattle is home to many large companies, such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. The city has a strong tech industry and offers many job opportunities in the field. Sacramento has a more diverse economy, with a strong agricultural and government sector.
The culture of Seattle is also quite different from that of Sacramento. Seattle is known for its vibrant music and arts scene. The city is also known for its progressive politics and environmentally-conscious population. Sacramento, while also having a diverse cultural scene, is more of a laid-back city known for its state capital status, historic sites, and proximity to outdoor recreation.
Seattle also has a relatively large homeless population, which is something to take into consideration. It has a much higher minimum wage than Sacramento, which can be a positive or negative depending on your perspective.
Schools in Seattle
Seattle’s educational system is served by the Seattle Public Schools District, which is the largest public school district in the state of Washington. The district has over 50,000 students and operates 105 schools, including elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its strong commitment to equity and its focus on providing high-quality education to all students.
In terms of academic performance, Seattle Public Schools are generally considered to be among the best in the state. The district has a high graduation rate, and its students consistently score above the state average on standardized tests. Seattle Public Schools also have a diverse student population, with a high percentage of students who are English language learners or come from low-income households.
There are also many excellent private schools in Seattle, which offer a wide range of educational options. Some of the best private schools in Seattle include:
- Lakeside School (5-12)
- The Bush School (K-12)
- Seattle Academy (6-12)
- The Seattle Waldorf School (PreK-12)
- Holy Names Academy (9-12)
Seattle is also home to a number of prestigious universities, including the University of Washington and Seattle Pacific University.
Best Restaurants in Seattle
From casual, family-friendly spots to upscale dining experiences, Seattle has a restaurant for just about everyone. One of the city’s most popular cuisines is seafood, due to its proximity to the coast. Many Seattle restaurants feature fresh, locally-caught fish and shellfish on their menus. Some of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle include:
- The Walrus and the Carpenter, which is known for its oyster selection and creative small plates featuring a variety of seafood.
- Ray’s Boathouse, a waterfront restaurant that serves fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood.
- Ivar’s, which has been serving seafood since 1938.
Seattle is also known for its Asian food, thanks in part to the city’s large Asian-American population. Some of the best Asian restaurants in Seattle include:
- Sushi Kashiba, a sushi restaurant that serves traditional sushi made with high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Pho Bac, a casual spot that serves traditional Vietnamese noodle soups and other dishes.
- Ba Bar, which is a modern Vietnamese restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including banh mi sandwiches and pho.
These are just a few of the diverse and dynamic dining options you’ll have to choose from in Seattle. The city also features a thriving farm-to-table movement, with many restaurants that source their ingredients from local farms and producers.
Shops and Sightseeing Opportunities in Seattle
Seattle is home to a wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to vintage and thrift stores. Some of the city’s most popular shopping districts include:
- Pike Place Market: This historic market is one of Seattle’s most famous landmarks and is home to dozens of shops and vendors selling everything from fresh produce and flowers to handmade crafts and souvenirs. You’ll also find a myriad of food vendors here, selling everything from seafood to baked goods.
- West Seattle Junction: The West Seattle Junction is home to many independent shops and boutiques, as well as a few larger retailers. This area is known for its vintage and thrift stores and art and craft shops.
- Capitol Hill: This neighborhood is known for its trendy shops and boutiques, as well as its vintage and thrift stores. You’ll find many unique and one-of-a-kind items here.
- University Village: The University Village mall features a mix of popular chain stores, local boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place to shop for clothes, jewelry, home decor, and more.
Seattle has many landmarks and tourist attractions that visitors can explore. Some of the most popular sites include:
- The Space Needle: This iconic tower offers panoramic views of the city and is a must-see for any first-time visitor to Seattle.
- The Seattle Art Museum: The Seattle Art Museum is home to an impressive collection of art from around the world and is a great place to learn about different cultures and art forms.
- The Museum of Pop Culture: This museum is dedicated to popular culture and features exhibits on music, film, and video games.
- The Chihuly Garden and Glass: This beautiful garden features glass sculptures created by artist Dale Chihuly and is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature.
- The Seattle Waterfront: The Seattle Waterfront is home to many shops, restaurants and attractions, as well as a great place to take a walk along the pier and enjoy the beautiful views of the water.
- The Seattle Central Library: The Seattle Central Library is a beautiful building and is a great place to take a break and relax.
Whether you’re looking for unique finds, trendy boutiques, or breathtaking views, Seattle has something for you. The city is home to many landmarks and tourist attractions, including the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Seattle Art Museum, as well as many shops and restaurants. Seattle’s diverse neighborhoods offer many different experiences, providing options for all types of visitors.
Need Help Moving? We’ve Got You Covered
If you’re planning on moving to Seattle from Sacramento, you need a trusted partner to ensure that everything goes smoothly so that you can get comfortably settled into your new home and start exploring some of the great things that Seattle has to offer.
All Star Movers & Storage helps with both residential and commercial moves, bringing over 20 years of experience to the table. We offer a number of long-distance moving services, including:
- Disassembly/reassembly
- Packing and unpacking
- Moving supplies
- Storage
- Free insurance coverage
Get in touch with us today to schedule a free moving estimate!