Moving To Seattle Part 1 - What's It Really Like Here + Moving Tips!

[@tranvictoria08]

I really appreciate your stance on all the rumors and truths portion. It is so helpful to people like me who is hoping to move there in the next year! You are amazing. Thank you for your insights!

[@Phamever]

I’m so glad to hear that you’re looking to move here and my insights have helped you get a better understanding of the factors to consider before moving here! Wishing you a great moving experience and see you in Seattle soon!

[@hevxhev]

Loved this video. My partner and I moved here a year ago. After college I officially moved in summer of 22'. We didn't face a Seattle freeze at all! Idk maybe because my bf and I are both African-American and they're not used to seeing us? Idk that's the vibe we got but soooo many ppl just wanted to talk to us, compliment our style, and give us free stuff at venues! Coming from Michigan I love it here ❤❤❤

[@infoecomoversmoving5850]

Hi, Donavan here from Eco Movers. We just came across this video and wanted to thank you for the kind words about our business. Moving is very stressful and we thank you for the opportunity. We focus on local moving and our 10 customer promises. Great video and welcome back to the community.

[@arturohull14161]

I’m hoping to move to Seattle. I like the lifestyle in Seattle. I like the healthy lifestyle of Seattle. In terms of diversity, Seattle is a great mix of different cultures from around the world. I grew up visiting family in Seattle

[@thedailychailatte]

I’m not even moving to Seattle, just going there for a week but I watched the whole video while cooking as if I am moving tomorrow 😀😀😀

[@Phamever]

Haha that is so awesome! I hope my content helped you somewhat in getting around and make the trip an enjoyable one! :)

[@californication465]

Thanks for this video! I’m moving to Seattle from SF so I’m looking forward to that lower cost of living. I found an amazing apartment for half the price of an apartment in SF. Crazy. I will definitely miss the bay but it’s time to explore Seattle :)

[@Phamever]

You're going to love it! Seattle is pretty similar to SF, but you're right the cost of living is drastically lower so you'll have much more moolah to spoil yourself with! lol Cali is so close you can easily do a weekend trip anytime you miss the Bay! ;)

[@h2obutterfly7]

I’m curious to what apartment?! Also moving from central coast.

[@haileyw2342]

Also looking to move from SF!

[@Emerald.s]

@@h2obutterfly7 me too, I'm from central coast!! I'm moving to Seattle this new year. Good luck.👍

[@djbelic821]

Check out pike place market for original Starbucks piroskys or donuts

[@kurucpsk420]

Im moving to Capitol Hill...And Im A Little Anxious..Nervous if you will...Im in my early 30s with a son and his mother....We're hoping for a fresh start and find ourselves motivated work so we can move to the suburbs and one day we can look back out our lives and say it was a great experience..so glad I found these videos..Thanks..

[@Phamever]

That’s great to hear that my videos help you get a better idea of what to expect and minimize your anxiety some! The truth is that there is still homelessness across Seattle, but I think you will be OK if you keep to yourself and go about life with respecting those around you. Though Seattle is an expensive city, it also offers a lot of opportunities for those who are willing to work hard for it. I went from making $11.75/hr in 2013 and went back to school and now earning a very good living - it’s all possible. wishing you an early welcome to Seattle and much luck with your future endeavors here! 🤗

[@JohnSmith-nz2yq]

with a son and his mother? seattle isnt something you should be concerned with. you could be in heaven with a single mother with her son, and it will be hell.

[@kurucpsk420]

@@Phamever we moved to cap hill...man it was rough...we live in Fremont now across the street from the zoo....we're working ...our son is about to start school soon...thanks so much!!!

[@Agent_Lane]

Hey ! I'm really glad i stubbled across your video this evening, i'm doing some research as i'm strongly ( about 95% sure) considering relocating to Seattle from NYC. Will be subscribing so i can live a little vicariously through you until i've saved up and prepared for the move.

[@Phamever]

Glad it was helpful! It is a huuuge decision so I'm glad to have been able to provide some insight for you! Seattle is definitely a bit more affordable so hopefully you won't have to save up for too long ;)

[@yashiwears]

Please keep posting about your new life in Seattle!! This is very informative and helpful :)

[@Phamever]

Thanks for checking out my content and the great feedback - I’ll be sure to keep pushing myself to make more and better content 🤗😉

[@reginahutchinson4057]

Wow you described me perfectly. You covered everything. Thank you so much for your quick response. I am so excited to continue my research and diving deeper into Seattle.

[@Phamever]

Thank you for your support and I'm so happy to hear that my content resonated with you and your research into moving here! Hope to hear about your final decision in the near future ;) take care!

[@AndrewC265]

@phamever this is one of the most comprehensive moving to Seattle videos I have seen. Would love to hear your take on living in Kirkland/Bellevue/Redmond area what is downtown Bellevue like? Do you think its manageable to live in those areas but still come to Downtown Seattle?

[@Phamever]

That’s a great idea - I’ll do another video to provide insight on Seattle suburbs and what it’s like living there while working in downtown!

[@customfittedinc]

Great questions

[@customfittedinc]

@@Phamever thx

[@customfittedinc]

@@Phamever cant wait :)

[@stevenwagner983]

Lived in Bellevue for 30 years short answer yes

[@aprilburrows3646]

Such an informative video. As someone who has only visited the city twice and continues to contemplate moving there, this made me want to pull the trigger. Very informative and well researched (parts 1 and 2). Thanks!

[@Phamever]

Than you April! I totally get what it's like to love visiting somewhere, but still wonder if living there will be a completely different experience...I'm so glad my content was able to answer some of these questions for you! Feel free to reach out if you need any additional information to help you on your journey moving here when and if you end up doing so! :)

[@alexdapandulce]

I am moving in a couple of weeks. I think I am going to only last a year or so. Primarily, due to the homelessness. I just feel uneasy and I am a guy. I visited yesterday and I only saw 5 homeless people walking all throughout downtown. However, a couple of homeless I saw within those 5 were shooting up. The weather doesn't bother me at all, the food feels very diverse and I am a dog dad in a dog friendly state.

[@SamHollidayV]

Hoping my offer gets me to work in Seattle :) sounds like a blast. Thx for the video 😊

[@adventureswithShallom]

Hello, I just came across your video today. I really love the fact that you touched topics that people really talk about in their KZbin Videos, for instance diversity, arts and entertainment. I am an African and I am moving to Seattle in December. Thank you for sharing this video

[@trump2024isnow]

I travel around the world years at a time and when I know I am coming back to Seattle, it's pride and proud to live in the BEST U.S city that is Seattle. Home!

[@Phamever]

That's awesome that you can travel and see so much! I agree with you, there's a charm to Seattle that you can't find elsewhere - hopefully the city will continue to retain that with all the expansion!

[@trump2024isnow]

@@Phamever No place like home.

[@_galacticfates]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm a new college student in Informatics Engineering from Costa Rica and I've been wanting to move to Seattle for 5 years or so now. It's really reassuring to know the city is welcoming to people from all places! Resources like this are really useful for someone like me. Hope you've been doing well, and thanks again for sharing this!

[@Phamever]

Wow! You have a very big adventure ahead then! :) Seattle is a great city for people of all cultures - its a very accepting place so you will have no issues with racism or discrimination here! Hope you will make your plans happen soon!

[@_galacticfates]

@@Phamever Thanks! All your videos on the city have been really useful for me now that I can finally start working on planning everything out from top to bottom (and your videos also have been really entertaining as well!). I really hope I can make it there in the next few years, I would like to give my perspective on the city as someone who moved there coming from an entirely different country. Thanks for the support, and once again for the videos!

[@Phamever]

@@_galacticfates absolutely! Everyone's experience moving to a new city/country will be wildly different and you will for sure have your own experiences both good and bad - can't wait to see what's in store for you in Seattle! :)

[@isabelbautista23]

Really depends where you live in Seattle, for example, (Belltown area) across 3rd/Bell St is where the drug deals/sketchy activity happens very often. There are more tents under the light rail along 5th street and Bell street. South Lake Union area is not too bad at least from our experience having walked there. The pandemic has had an effect on the increase in homelessness in most major cities, I'm from L.A. and have seen some similarities between these two cities too.

[@Phamever]

You’re spot on - unfortunately homelessness and drugs are a nuisance in every major city so if anyone thinks about moving to the city it’s the first thing they have to come to terms with 🙄

[@klynch201]

Appreciatet the tips. Moving to Ballard in a week, lookin forward to the summer there!

[@Phamever]

Happy early welcome to you! You’re going to love it in Ballard! Make sure to visit Golden Gardens - amazing beach especially in the summer! 🤗🤗😉

[@customfittedinc]

Any updates?

[@billfunk3168]

I like Ballard with the farmers market and other quality of life features .

[@thecaramelgoddess]

I like this video! I used to live in Seattle about 8 years ago, and I miss it! like you, I have lived other places in the state, and they were okay, some I liked better than others! I've also lived in three other states in my lifetime so far,but I keep coming back to washington, it's diverse, it's welcoming to women and people of color, especially seattle!theirs only a couple or other places I find that as well, New York City, and surrounding areas, neighborhoods, texas, new Mexico, parts of tennessee, San Francisco and the surrounding bay area, these are places I visited or 3 of them I lived in for a while, but there's nothing like seattle for me! God willing, I'm moving back soon!🥰😎🎇🏠🎵🎶

[@Phamever]

Wow you really caught the Seattle bug! Lol I totally get how you feel - there many wonderful cities in America, but even though Seattle is far from perfect, there’s a certain charm to it that keeps me coming back and here. Sending out good vibes to help get you back to the emerald city soon! 🤞🤗🌲🏔🏙

[@Phamever]

Let me know if there's anything you wanted me to cover on and I didn't in this video - I'll try to squeeze it into Part 2! :) FYI - peak hour traffic is still ongoing during covid and work from home period! Many companies are expecting folks to come into the office again post pandemic (I’ve been told by my employer - a major company here). So be mindful of that when you pick where you want to live guys! 😉

[@customfittedinc]

Is it best to bring your own vehicle or buy another I have 3 lol I'll need one

[@Phamever]

@@customfittedinc I'd say it depends - if you're in a nearby state and the drive isn't bad I'd drive it to Seattle, but if you're far and the costs to transport is high and you don't have the time (or desire) to get your car here then I would just buy once you get here! Not to mention that there's a car shortage in the US right now so you migh tnot get good deals buying one right now! lol

[@customfittedinc]

@@Phamever thnak you for the detailed response i really do apperciate it nice to know that and it does maker sense far as the car shortage.. i buy mines all cash.. ive done some research since then and i am about 31 hours away im coming from west los angeles :) do you have a favorite suburb near the city ?

[@makseffort]

Very good video! Was looking for something like this, hope to find someone as detailed and comprehensive as you that talks about Denver, Austin, Portland. Keep.it.up!

[@Phamever]

Thank you! I'm sure there's someone out there making content for the cities you mentioned - might take a little digging but hope you find it! :)

[@JamesAreySeattle]

Moving to Seattle next week. Thanks for the video! -- James

[@Phamever]

Hope your move here was smooth as possible - welcome! 🤗🎉

[@WhereTheLocalsRoam]

Moving to Seattle from NYC in a few months and I can't wait! I've watched a lot of your videos and they've really helped me plan where I want to look for housing and what to expect as compared to NY. It's crazy to think for just $100 more than what I've been paying, I can live in a new construction with a washer/dryer and balcony! That's just something I can't wrap my mind around, and the leasing agents I've talked to just laugh. Subbed to make sure I don't miss any great content from you ✨

[@Phamever]

What a big trip ahead for you, but it will be a blast! Seattle is much easier to navigate so for a New Yorker it'll be a piece of cake ;) you'll miss the big hustle bustle vibe of NYC, but I think having a great home space and the decent amenities Seattle has to offer - you'll soon have a change of lifestyle that may be different, but hopefully enjoyable! Have a great move here!

[@ouardausa2762]

I am planning to move from nyc too!! So wondering which area you found your apt . Thank you

[@WhereTheLocalsRoam]

@@ouardausa2762 Welcome!!! I'm north of downtown :) I looked at apartments all over, but downtown just wasn't the vibe for me. If you can, I'd recommend visiting in person to check out some of the different neighborhoods -- that really helped me! There are lots of walking videos online, too (I have some on my channel! And I watched a lot of Lao Ocean's videos), so you can kind of get an idea if coming out here isn't an option! Good luck with your move! You'll love it out here :)

[@Orozco_PNW]

Great overview! I love Seattle, but I had much better luck making new friends in NYC on work-trips than I did in Seattle.

[@Phamever]

Oh yeah, but then again NYC is the ultimate playground when it comes to making friends and meeting people! 😁

[@HypeStars]

Thinking of moving here from San Jose, I’m just like you I love the change in season and am sick of sun year round 😭

[@HypeStars]

Plus I am trying to buy a house and I can’t here where I live but Its definitely more reasonable in Seattle

[@Phamever]

I agree - I find that if you are willing to live on the outskirts of the city center, it's possible to get a decent home and still be able to access the city easily if required! Hoping you'll be able to make a decision and work towards your move soon! :)

[@philliportiz598]

Thinking of moving to Seattle alone from LA. Just nervous on getting a job because I don't have experience in the tech field lol I wanna make sure to have a job there first before moving...

[@georgiadriven]

Did you have to go to college?

[@philliportiz598]

@@georgiadriven yeah

[@sciencewithesi9149]

Thank you for this video! I’m moving from SF to Seattle and this was so helpful

[@Phamever]

That’s so exciting! Glad to know this video was helpful - you’ll transition just fine into Seattle since it’s so similar to SF!

[@soulsnatcher3464]

Thank you for this video. I actually have visited Washington quite a bit over the past couple of years and I've made the decision to relocate to point ruston. I love Seattle and most of the surrounding areas so moving there has become a very easy decision. And this video just really confirmed my decision!

[@Phamever]

That's awesome! Point Ruston is a very cute part of the lower Puget Sound and very accessible to all that Seattle has to offer :) glad to have helped in your decision!

[@reginahutchinson4057]

Thank you my friend this is so SPOT ON

[@makaylamorman7567]

I loved this video! I am hoping to go to Seattle University for grad school and love watching these types of videos. I wish there were more people making videos about their experiences there to not make the move so scary! I'm coming from San Diego and I totally feel how the all year round sunny weather is too much. I want rain, snow, and seasonal changes!

[@Phamever]

I’m so glad my content is helpful for you! 😁 I did this video for that exact reason - when I moved to LA back in the day I felt so overwhelmed too and this sort of content would’ve helped! I actually attended Seattle University for graduate school also - you’ve inspired me to do another video on what it’s like to attend college in Seattle so stay tuned! 😋

[@customfittedinc]

@@Phamever please I'm consider college there too

[@felipearellano]

Love your video ! great content and very informative!

[@Phamever]

Thank you so much! Super good to know it was of value and enjoyment for you! :)

[@silverbeachcurry]

Thank you for the information. Really appreciated and great overview

[@Phamever]

Glad you were able to get the info you needed! 🤗😉

[@AyH25]

You’re very diplomatic and balanced in your descriptions 👍 my bf and I are hoping to make the move next spring (from dc)

[@Phamever]

Thank you! I try to see from all perspectives in hopes of understanding where viewers’ concerns lie - glad to hear I was able to do so and answer what folks want to know about!

[@kendrabennett7476]

Great video. I am planning to move somewhere in Washington state upon graduating. If you have traveled around areas outside of Seattle, can you do a video on the state in general or other areas you'd recommend? Thanks

[@invaderjoshua6280]

Glad you brought up how every big city has drug and homelessness problems unfortunately. I here people rant about the west coast being so bad with it while here in Florida it’s terrible too, same when I was growing up in the New England area. Boston, Providence, NYC, and Washington DC are really bad too. It’s a national problem not just one city or state and people need to realize this.

[@Phamever]

I completely agree - in the past few years, crime has been an overarching problem of our country as a whole so it's something that we need to get our government on a federal level to deal with. Its sad that even smaller suburbs now are seeing so much more violence and shootings/crimes too - it is no longer just a big city issue :(

[@randompost4180]

@@Phamever And then you can’t trust the police so we are alone. Honestly I don’t get why people move from these other beautiful places to come to America. I get it’s not perfect where you’re from but why come here just to live the same life all over again maybe worse it’s not as glitter gold and free as people think. Especially for people aren’t confederate conservative true “Americans”

[@randompost4180]

@@Phamever Oh yeah and let’s talk about corruption and crime😂 You won’t find peace from it in America any time soon. Life is going to be hard unless we find a way to make our individual lives easier. I want to move over seas one day I have a goal in mind.

[@DPLZNT]

Moving there in a month! I’m a little nervous this helped a lot

[@Phamever]

Glad to hear this helped calm your nerves a bit - hope your move here went well and you're not ready to live the Seattle life (rain and all)! ;)

[@emeraldsessions2702]

Awesome content - so helpful! Thank you!

[@Phamever]

Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@MooninLeo]

Awesome content! KEEP IT UP 🙌🏼

[@Phamever]

Thank you! ;p

[@cbgbstew4072]

Thank you for this informative video! Yours is probably the fifth one I’ve watched. The other ones I’ve seen are a lot of rambling with no point and no value. Yours was very helpful!

[@Phamever]

Thank you! I’m super appreciative for your feedback and happy to hear I’m on the right track with me content! 🤗

[@RUBY2ZZ]

Thank you so much for this video!!!!

[@smartasian07]

Very helpful video, thanks! Moving to Seattle in September and visiting in July to tour some apartments downtown!

[@Phamever]

Glad it was helpful for you! Wishing you a great visit in July and an early welcome to Seattle! 🤗🙏🏼

[@dylanm9135]

I’ve lived in Seattle for 6.5 years. Crime in Washington seems to be at its highest. Shootings are at its highest. Rents going up… I’m moving to Denver. It’s more affordable and similar weather but less rain and more dry in Colorado. Less crime, more affordability

[@dylanm9135]

I also want to say the cover photo on this is crazy colored edited.. the skyline doesn’t look that colorful and the space needle hasn’t lit up like that in a long time..

[@Phamever]

Glad you're able to find another city more aligned to what your needs and interests are! :)

[@Phamever]

Yes I think most people realize the city doesn't always look like this ;) it's just a form of artistic expression. Cheer up buddy - you're about to make an exciting move to a new place, don't worry about Seattle anymore!

[@dylanm9135]

@@Phamever Just simply stating that for people who could possibly think the city looks like that from never visiting Seattle. To be fair I didn't even watch your video either just wanted to make a few comments about the cover and let some people know about the crime. Do I seem not cheerful? Just giving people a perspective from someone who has lived out here over 5-years. You tell me to cheer up lol... I am fine but I will say to some people that the gloominess and rain and can bring you down and that's almost 60% of the year. I will also say that the amount of homeless people in all neighborhoods in Seattle is immense!

[@Phamever]

​@@dylanm9135 Well...if you didn't even watch the video and start listing off all the negativity then we both know you really just want to trash Seattle ;) There are NOT homeless people in "ALL" neighborhoods of Seattle. I think your perspective is your own and that's completely fine, but to exaggerate and misrepresent things is not helpful to people who want to get a realistic idea. I've lived in Seattle since 1990, so I've seen the good the bad and the ugly of Seattle for over 3 decades ;) you've been here 5 years and haven't left - I'd say that speaks for what Seattle has to offer...

[@theeboss93]

I’m thinking of moving to Seattle from California. Just worried about the lack of diversity and weather. Thanks for the info though!

[@jalandajames]

Can you address food shopping? Is it easy to get delivery from Walmart? Also is food delivery difficult in regards to parking? Do most buildings have doormen to deal with packages not getting stolen? What downtown area to avoid downtown due to construction? Does construction wake you up?

[@Phamever]

Hi there! If you watch my Part 2 video of this series I discuss more and show you average costs of food, etc. In terms of food delivery parking - it's not as bad as other major cities as Seattle has a ton more street parking and loading zones requirements make sure every building has some load and unload spaces. Most high rises and newer buildings will have concierge services so packages are safe and efficient to receive, but older buildings will likely not. Though Seattle apartments and condos have really upped their game with the package process. Especially if you order Amazon, even if you don't have a receiving area in your building there are tons of Amazon package lockers around the whole city and in suburbs too. Construction is not horrible unless you live directly next to a lot that's being built up on - I had 6 different buildings going up around me and it didn't affect me too much (though I lived in a newer building so the level of sound proofing may be better than some of the older buildings). Hope that helps!

[@jalandajames]

@@Phamever Super helpful. Thank you. Reading Google reviews of apts mentioned the construction noise. Bellevue was delivery issues due to parking. Ok so new luxury building. Hmm will work on that. Great channel.

[@Phamever]

@@jalandajames Glad to hear it helped! :) yeah what I've learned when picking apartments now is to look around the surrounding areas to see if there are empty lots or older buildings that could potentially be demo'd for a new high rise lol. Thanks for checking out my content! ;p

[@znachkiznachki5352]

Walmart doesn't really have a presence in Seattle. For groceries most folks use Instacart or Amazon. Many stores do delivery. There are also neighborhood weekly farmers markets (many year round), and Pike Place market if you are downtown.

[@SDY274]

Appreciate the video! My girlfriend and I are moving into belltown near the border of uptown. Any pointers for that area?

[@Phamever]

The one pointer I would give is just to take advantage of all the amenities and enjoy the heck out of the city! :)

[@alexisrodriguez408]

Sup man, I came across your channel it is awesome.

[@Phamever]

Thank you Alex - appreciate your support!

[@TheSunnySideofCoffee]

Homegoods and Ross are amazing places to shop for home essentials as well as clothes!

[@Phamever]

Totally! Wish they had more locations across the city like they do in California!

[@giarichards1529]

Boom boom and boom you hit all the questions I had about the city. Very helpful vid! Thanks :) I live in LA right now and have grown up here my whole life. Recently I’ve visited so many cities like Boston, SF, and Seattle. Trying to decide where I want to anchor my ship. Is Seattle your favorite city? if not, why? And which city is? Also! Side note: You look like Victor from Corpse Bride.

[@Phamever]

Haha thank you! I lived in LA during my mid to late 20’s also! So I think I know where your mindset is with wanting to pick a new city to live in! If I had to pick again I would say either Seattle or SF - Boston culture is hard for someone from Westcoast to integrate into and the winters are horrendous… Between SF & SEA i ultimately picked SEA, because its more cost effective and bit more affordable than SF even though the vibe and scenery is very similar! Plus SEA is only a 2.5 hr drive from Vancouver Canada which is a huge city with lots of cool things to do, or Portland a few hrs away and ton of islands and outdoors activities to explore so I find that SEA has more unique experiences outside of the city! Good luck moving and excited for you wherever you may choose! 🤗

[@nightowl5475]

Do you like living in Seattle compared to the other cities you lived at? When you walk the streets at night, do you feel safe walking by yourself?

[@UnhingedGrinsHD]

Thank u for the info👌🏿

[@Phamever]

thank you for watching! ;)

[@william7427]

Sightseeing on Aurora Avenue

[@raleighnoel]

I live in downtown San Francisco. I absolutely love the city. I lived in Chicago for 6 years and St Louis for 6 years beforehand. It's by far my favorite City I've lived in. I own a car and drive exclusively, it's not like Chicago where the CTA is amazing and you don't need a car because there's literally nothing outside of the city to do. San Francisco is literally my dream home. However even with a large annual income, my family will never be able to buy a home here. So... Thinking of seattle. But the lifestyle change scares me. I hope it's as fun as San francisco, and as delicious, and as diverse. Seems lackluster every time I visit, but it's got to be better than chicago, right?

[@Phamever]

I definitely agree that San Francisco is an amazing city to live in albeit the high cost of living. Seattle is a growing city, so you won’t have as much of the amenities you’d find in San Fran, but that’s also why it still offers an opportunity for people to be able to purchase homes (though this is quickly becoming difficult also) - what Seattle has over San Fran is much more outdoors recreational activities within the city and 20-30min out. If you enjoy nature I find that Seattle is a better fit, if you enjoy fine dining, luxury shopping and dance clubs then Seattle has enough to get your fix - just not to the extent of San Fran. I’ve found that I love be able to go crabbing, squidding, hiking waterfalls and swimming in them, day trips to mountains/islands and wineries to compensate for not having as much bougie amenities. Mainly because I’m so preoccupied with with all the other activities that I don’t miss the bougie stuff as much. Seattle is a city if neighborhoods so only once you’ve lived here you’ll know where to go to find the fun! Either way, both cities are wonderful choices so you’re not losing no matter where you choose to end up at! 😉🤗

[@rekt3651]

Thx for honesty

[@Phamever]

Always! :)

[@johnlassi930]

I kept hearing about the infamous "Seattle Freeze", and would definitely like to know more about it (if it's true at all) since I am planning to move there for a job and now researching more about the City. I wonder how this is different from what someone might encounter in a mega-city where people just brush by one another and rush off without saying a word or paying any attention. I lived in LA for 7 years and I can say I was not able to make even one true friend during my entire period there. I would go out with someone (not necessarily a date, even just as friends), yet he/she will all of a sudden disappear from the radar and never hear from each other again. There are 19 million people surrounding you, yet I feel they are all so far away. Perhaps that's the plastic/flaky culture LA is notorious for. Is this the same as what one might encounter in Seattle (the so-called Seattle Freeze)? Or is it a different kind of coldness and hard to approach people? Would people turn you away even if you make a concerted effort to get to know them?

[@Phamever]

Hey those are some great points you’ve laid out - I have definitely experienced the same social issues in LA so I’ll definitely spend some time to think through and compare both Seattle and LA social norms and maybe do a social scene comparison video! :)

[@edmundfreeman7203]

Seattle fast food is teriyaki and pho.

[@Phamever]

I suppose you could say so considering how many teriyaki and pho restaurants have popped up in every corner of the city!

[@znachkiznachki5352]

@@Phamever teriyaki joints have been a staple in Seattle since the early 80s.

[@Phamever]

@@znachkiznachki5352 Yes I know, but Pho restaurants a recent thing...that has been slowly replacing Teriyaki joints.

[@znachkiznachki5352]

@@Phamever Oh yeah, agree with that. It makes me happy, as I have a bit of a Pho habit.

[@naturalLin]

Where do you recommend for a family to live?

[@Phamever]

I think great areas for families would be Madison Valley, Upper Queen Anne, Magnolia, Ballard, Montlake for the areas around downtown. Further out, I would recommend Northgate, Maple Leaf, Shoreline, Lake City. East of Seattle I'd say Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Newcastle, Sammamish!

[@Kiona76]

I live in a small town and homelessness is out of control. It's not just a big city thing unfortunately :/ The prices for rent are not that much different than LA. It seems doable. San Francisco is so much more expensive.

[@Phamever]

Yeah - unfortunately homelessness is becoming a problem everywhere :( and you're right compared to San Fran, Seattle & LA are not as overwhelming when it comes to cost of living - especially housing costs! So many folks from the Bay Area are moving to Seattle for that reason...

[@evanz343]

Hey nice vid. I like your apartment. Do you mind sharing the name of the property?

[@Phamever]

Thank you Evan! The building is called Cirrus Apartments in downtown Seattle!

[@brittanyzielinski2914]

I’m planning to move in may from Rhode Island can you recommend any areas or apartment buildings!

[@Phamever]

Wishing you an early welcome to Seattle! I've found that Belltown, Queen Anne, Cap Hill, First Hill, Ballard or Fremont are great areas for easy access to the city and all its amenities. I just moved out of Cirrus Apartments, but was there for 2 years and it was an amazing experience! I recommend checking out listings on Zillow.com for the areas I mentioned for good deals! Good luck apartment hunting!

[@brittanyzielinski2914]

@@Phamever Thank you so much for this! Belltown is kinda like my go to area I think! It’s just hard to decide from across the country but your videos definitely help!! Thanks so much

[@Phamever]

@@brittanyzielinski2914 Yeah I totally get it - I had a similar experience when I moved to LA - it's so overwhelming when you don't know the city well enough to make such a huge decision! One thing I would say is try to stay off 3rd Ave if possible - it's not like it's super dangerous or anything, but most of the bus lines are on that street so it's super busy and noisy - especially once Covid clears. 1st & 2nd Ave are great while from 4th Ave onwards is getting a lot of new apartments and restaurants now also! :)

[@brittanyzielinski2914]

@@Phamever Thank you so much you are the most personable KZbin EVER!!!! thank you for giving me the 411 on the streets to avoid! If possible do you know any apartments in the belltown area that are scores? From either friends or family or living out there I am definitely a subscriber now you are extremely helpful!!

[@brittanyzielinski2914]

Have you heard anything good or bad about Griffis Belltown on Elliot Street? Or Walton lofts? These two spots I was considering

[@jasonmims5057]

Even though your talking about Seattle alot of what you said can be applied to moving to any city.

[@Phamever]

I totally agree - it has been my experience with every move that no one place is perfect, you just have to find one that works for you best and accept the flaws...or you just have to move on to the next adventure!

[@JackSkiWA]

Moving from KC to Seattle in January. KC has almost no public transportation options so that will be really cool. Losing my BBQ tho :(

[@Phamever]

Yes you’ll definitely miss good BBQ so eat your heart out before you leave KC!!!

[@ayumi1877]

Hi Phamever, thanks for sharing your opinions and tips about moving to Seattle. I find it really helpful =) I am thinking about attending a business course at UW starting this fall. I used to live in Seattle 7 years ago in Bellevue/Redmond but I've never lived in Seattle downtown but this time, I'd like to live in downtown. You mentioned about a few different search engines to look for an apartment, I agree and also check facebook group to see if someone is looking for a replacement etc but what do you think about applying directly through the apartment websites? I would like to spend as little as possible for the initial moving cost. I guess if you just take over someone's lease then that'd save you deposit money and first/last month rents and other initial moving-in fees, right? Sorry for the long message but if you have any advice on this, I'd really appreciate it =)

[@Phamever]

Hi there - thanks so much for your kind words and support! I bet you're super excited to move back to Seattle soon :) It actually depends on whether the person you're taking over the lease is willing to forgo their deposit or not - so make sure to always check and get it in writing with the LANDLORD and on your new lease if you are going to take over someone's lease. They will usually go through a process to transfer you into the lease so it will all be documented properly. When I moved into a luxury high-rise apartment downtown I only had to pay $300 deposit and first month's rent - whereas some apartments make you pay first and last and deposit. It all varies and doesn't really depend on WHERE you look for an apartment - it's mainly on your credit score, rental history and the company that manages the apartment complex and their policies. It's quite a bit of work, but if you start the search early and talk to as many buildings as possible, you'll come up with a list of buildings you like (with the move-in policies that fits your needs best) and just wait for units to open up before you submit a lease application. I've found that if you wait to close to your moving date you'll scramble and end up having to sign a lease on a place that might not be your ideal one! Good luck with your move and your program at UW this Fall! :)

[@loganqueenan4937]

And the price of housing

[@Phamever]

Price or housing is high across the US as a whole. Seattle has higher wages than let’s say Houston, so naturally housing costs will be higher than Houston also.

[@reginahutchinson4057]

Maybe I will move to Seattle, WA

[@zuminnnn_]

Love your video Pham! I might be too used to Seattle freeze. If someone talks to me too sweetly, I might be frozen the other way .😅 Can't wait for the next one !

[@Phamever]

First off thanks for watching! :) I know what you mean, once you’ve lived here long enough you become so accustomed to the “Seattle Freeze” and start being the same I guess 😂

[@randompost4180]

I’m Afro American from Connecticut I just don’t know if it’s a good idea for someone like me to move to Seattle

[@gking407]

Lots of “native” Seattle residents sound negative just like every other city :) I get that it’s emotionally difficult to see your childhood places transformed but time stops for no one!

[@Phamever]

Agreed -- just like we evolve and grow, so do cities! :)

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

Before you decide to move to Seattle you need to ask yourself honestly why you want to move to Seattle. Is it just a job? Is it school? After you get done with school will you you be moving on or staying in Seattle. Job, if you go to Seattle for a job and a better job comes along in another state would you love Seattle so much that you would be willing to stay? Do you love Seattle enough to help Seattle fix it's problems or is it someone else problems. . . If you say that you want to move to Seattle because you love Seattle then in my opinion that is the greatest reason of all to move to Seattle . . . Thank you for the video upload.

[@Phamever]

Totally agree - you have to think about where you’re going and what you need/want out of that place in order to ensure you’ve made a decision that is going to align with what you want!

[@jetcitysinatra7300]

@@Phamever if you are moving to, say, Seattle, one would hope a love of the city but unfortunately for a lot of people who move, Seattle will be nothing more than a job and a hat rack. As soon as something comes along that is better they will up and leave without missing Seattle at all. Or they move to Seattle to find their fortunes at the end of the rainbow as it were.

[@rjh2772]

Cost of living

[@brianc9374]

When people talk about diversity, they generally do not mean Asian or east indian.

[@Phamever]

That's not necessarily true, I find it's actually opposite - many people seem to label Seattle as highly diverse because there are so much Asian presence here but if you factor in the low numbers of African-American and Latinos, then Seattle is not truly diverse as many other major cities in the US.

[@stevenwagner983]

Safety easy just avoid Rainer beach

[@thrashingmetal]

It's the same as every american city 711 and starbucks etc

[@2A-Bear-Arms]

Your background music is too loud....or you are speaking too softly.

[@Phamever]

Thanks I'll make note of that in future videos ;)

[@Mem2daunt]

You mr view of Seattle is pretty warped. As a Native Seattleite, most of what you are saying is really off, especially when it comes to transportation and the current homeless problem.

[@Phamever]

Hmm that's a pretty big accusation ;) I am also a Seattle Native and have grown up with this city since the late 80's so this is my view...I don't think it's Warped at all, because I have moved away from Seattle to live and see many major cities across America and the world to be able to develop my view. I compare Seattle with major cities around the country and the world which is very different than those who compare Seattle with other Suburbs. Our City is a major Metropolitan now and along with that comes a different way of life that will never be like a suburb. You're free to have your view and not live in Seattle - let others have their views and enjoy living here also ;)

[@reginahutchinson4057]

What would be the best area for me I am a 59 year old. I am a pretty full figure Black female, single never married. I feel like I am 16 inside my zest for life. I have flair and style and some beautiful natural firm body curves. I like ART, BOOK STORES I can appreciate QUIET most times. However I LOVE to receive information by COMMUNICATION. I love the whole of communication. I love LAGUARGE on a POLYGLOT GLOBAL LEVEL. I am big on reciprocation and INTERACTION. I DO NOT DRINK OR SMOKE OR PARTY no bars for me. I love fitness and exercise and cooking ALMOST vegetarian BUT NOT QUIT. PARKS safety history are important to me. I DEFINITELY need DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION. I live for the ASAN CULTURE. PUBIC TRANSPORTION IS MAJOR. I love church and praising God. NO I am not perfect. I JUST REFUSE TO HIDE THIS PART OF ME. To anyone one who wants to me friends with me. GOD AND ME ARE A PACKAGE DEAL PERIOD. So anyway I hope to visit . I absolutely love love love this tutorial.

[@Phamever]

Seattle would welcome you then! These are the things that this city really values! I think you would love the central district, Columbia City, beacon hill! These neighborhoods are diverse and have influence of black, Asian, Latino culture and very accessible by public transportation to go anywhere all over the greater Seattle! They are calm suburban like neighborhoods with farmers markets and local community businesses, but within minutes from downtown and it’s amenities!

[@chenanigans]

This guy has a hard on for Seattle. You keep comparing everything to California. But this isn't California. If I compared everything here to the South then all of your arguments would be null and void. Basically even objectively Seattle is expensive and tough to afford. Median housing cost 800K is more than majority of the country excluding yes of course California. But if California is the far end of the unattainable extreme then, buddy, Seattle is right there next to them on that end of the spectrum. You said you were born and raised here so that makes sense that you have a more biased attitude and kind of come off as elitist like a lot of Seattlites.

[@Phamever]

You’re coming at me with lots of negative energy, but let me help answer your concerns so you can have a more positive perspective. You call me “elitist” and “biased” - maybe if you went into learning about a person, a culture or an area without such negativity - it would be easier for you to gain more positive things from the experience! :) Currently, one of the largest populations of people moving to Seattle is…yes, California. So naturally it’s most helpful to compare Seattle & California. Additionally, I speak on California because I’ve actually lived there ;) I don’t speak on anything/anywhere that I don’t have personal experience on. Millions of people have been able to make seattle a home and love it, it’s not just bias that got them there! :) to each their own and I’m speaking from my own experience having lived and traveling to a wide variety of cities domestically and internationally!

[@janncoons7445]

One of the most expensive city in the U.S. if you love sitting in traffic this is the place for you. Do you love standing lines? This is the place for you. It took me 1 hour to go 10 miles. Too many east coast transplants you meet a lot of rude people that won't even look at you. Believe me "SEATTLE SUCKS"! I'm leaving

[@Phamever]

One of the most expensive...and also one of the highest paid cities in the US also ;). I don't sit in traffic as much here as I did/do in most of the other major cities in the US (and the world). If you choose a large major city - it's a given part of life. So I always say, don't move to a major city expecting suburban lifestyle ;) Each person values different things differently - Seattle doesn't "suck" - just not a one-size fits all option like everything else in life and 100% of cities in the world is the same!

[@redgh0st]

Dude you are blind. Violent homeless people are all over. I was attacked multiple times. Downtown, my neighborhood five miles out of CBD, and suburbs. Encampment overload is everywhere with attendant property crime, be it stealing converter, porch piracy, needles in my lawn, drunks in the bushes. And this near Children’s hospital. The decline here over 40 years has been tragic. Used to have welcoming people all over. Now it is cold shoulders and outright hostility if you do not follow the narrative

[@Phamever]

I'm sorry you experienced those things. I'm not blind nor am I misrepresenting anything from my experience - yours is yours and mine is mine - I'm speaking from mine and you're free to speak on yours ;) just do so politely and non-accusatory. I've never been attacked by a homeless person just fact :) I owned and lived in a home in Montlake during the peak of the homelessness so adjacent to you (Children's Hospital aka Windermere and Laurelhurst). I regularly went and still go through your neighborhood and I've never witnessed the level of homelessness you mentioned, but like I said that is your experience so I have no say in that. I just did not see/experience the things you're mentioning at all... In terms of welcoming people - I don't find people here any less welcoming than any other major city in America I've been too. We all have different criteria for "welcoming" - I don't expect my neighbors to bring me cookies or strangers to stop in the street to compliment or befriend me, as we're not living in a small slow paced town of 2k people - we are a metropolitan city with very busy people. We have to change our expectations as the world around us changes - I find that wealthy suburbs of downtown (Windermere, Laurelhurst, Montlake, Madison, etc.) are a godsend where many could only dream to live in compared to many other truly horrific areas that others HAVE to live in. A couple homeless people walking through my neighborhood doesn't make my neighborhood a horrible and unsafe place to live in ;)

[@redgh0st]

@@Phamever I have lived here for over 40 years. You may not have the depth of experience or, as you stated witness to events that my neighbors and I have. My university era compatriots are spread throughout Seattle and we share the sad stories of decline and sickening things. We have to roust addict and people in crisis from our yards, our businesses, outside schools our children and grandchildren attend. I am happy for you that so far you are sheltered from how deeply rot has taken root in my home town. Maybe I was once as unable to see what now I know from having been witness for so many decades.

[@Phamever]

@@redgh0st I'm confused - how is Seattle NOT my hometown either? I have lived in Seattle since 1990 - that's not 40 years, but 31 years is more than enough for me to understand where I was raised and make a comparison ;) There are certain areas where you have to "roust addicts" from, but frankly much of the ultra wealthy areas of Windermere and Laurelhurst did not have the level of "rousting addicts" that you mentioned from what I can see and lived through. Like I said, there have always been a clear presence of homeless people in Seattle. There was a point in 2017-mid 2020 where the homeless crisis peaked, but now not so much. Even in the most affected areas of downtown right now we don't see that - even I own a business in downtown and international district and I don't see what you're stating...

[@464588]

He's a rich boy living in Seattle so of course he'll say that

[@zyberjunker]

I have been here forever and the quality of life here is the worst at this point. He talking so positively about this shit hole, make me feel uneasy about this country in general. You have to accept low quality as good?

[@Phamever]

Everyone has different perspective - I weigh the pros and cons for things that are important to me, and to me Seattle is still a higher quality of life than other areas based off my needs. Everyone is free to move to or live in whatever city meets their needs the most so people don’t have to and shouldn’t accept any situation not idea to them! If seattle is not the right fit there are plenty other cities to choose from! 😉

[@redjetsen1002]

Downtown streets loaded with homeless, graffiti all over, depressing bar scene, prostitutes streetwalking aurora, drug dealers with cali plates...everything that was good shut down. Oh yeah the dead city at night these days. By the way this newcomer talks other cities must be dead.

[@Phamever]

If you’re expecting quiet suburban life while living in a large metropolitan city then I think you’re going to be moving around a lot and disappointed each time - it just doesn’t exist ;) I wouldn’t say our streets are “loaded” with homeless/graffiti/prostitutes - that’s exaggerating a bit. I can see that if you’re comparing seattle to let’s say Ohio or Indiana, but Seattle should be compared to major cities and we are nowhere near the level you’re stating when comparing to cities at that level. The level of homeless people, graffiti, prostitutes here are much less than prior to covid so not sure where this angst you have is coming from? Everything good was shut down…because of covid - so again this is a worldwide problem not a city specific problem. Not sure where you’re going, but if you watch my other videos you’d see that the city isn’t “dead at night” if you’re going to the right areas. Seattle has never been lively Monday-Thursday nights so in the middle of a pandemic we don’t expect that to change… Seattle was never a party city so if you’re expecting Vegas or LA then maybe you’re not in the right city for what you’re looking for ;).

[@redjetsen1002]

@@Phamever only been here 60 years...lived in the Central district, International district, Beacon Hill, Capitol hill, first hill, Fremont, Ballard, Greenwood, worked in Rainier Beach, West Seattle, Wallingford, everywhere...I know every road in the city. Human behavior has changed and the city is a pit now...I do hope things get cleaned up however I'm not that hopeful right now.

[@Phamever]

@@redjetsen1002 If you've lived in all those areas and for the past 60 years then...I imagine you would be very clear that these areas have cleaned up quite a bit and crime has FALLEN more in many of these areas...I've had family and friends killed in shootings which occurred often in Central District/Columbia City/Rainier Beach... Homeless presence has ALWAYS been a part of Seattle Culture especially downtown...it's not a new thing. Yes for a period before covid the TYPE of homeless people and NUMBER of homeless people increased and were different...Currently? it's a much better place than prior to Covid. What I've found is that functioning criminals who are NOT homeless are the bigger issue now.

[@redjetsen1002]

@@Phamever yes organized crime exactly. Oh feel free to camp and pee wherever you want. no one will stop you unless there is a shooting or two in your camp then it'll takes a few months for the city to do anything. It is true that violent muggings are down for now however crazy mental health "emergencies that are sometimes violent" are up. Did my community service cleaning up after the homeless in downtown parks in the 90's it is much worse now.

[@Phamever]

@@redjetsen1002 again I never said it's better now than the 90's but Seattle is not a sleepy little PNW town that nobody knows about anymore, it's a global city with much more industry and people living in it - kids grow up, people grow and evolve and so do cities. I LIVE downtown and my BUSINESS is downtown and I WORK downtown - I can tell if the situation is worse now versus before Covid hit us all. Crazy mental health emergencies aren't just the homeless - it's your neighbors, your family, your friends, etc. People stealing my packages have been my own neighbors - people blowing up on me are "normal people" waiting in line behind me at stores. People raging on the road are "normal people" in nice luxury cars. There are crazy homeless people in the streets, but they are nowhere near as bad as they were prior to 2021. Frankly, Seattle is still much better off than all the other major cities right now when it comes to crime and homelessness. Period.

[@barbarosa788]

People…please stop moving here.

[@gking407]

Because it’s such a nice place or such a bad place? The comments here are all over the place lol

[@2A.Freedom]

Seattle is one of the worst places in the country and I wouldn't ever wish that on anyone.

[@Phamever]

Thanks for watching! Usually with new construction they will always try to raise the rent every year - the key is to negotiate aggressively and get quotes from other apartments around. The jumps are not always huge - it just depends on what's going on with the rental market currently. My strategy is always to sign a new lease between Nov-Mar since this is the slowest time for them and prices will always be lower and they will be more willing to negotiate deals with you or keep the increase minimal!

[@myridiculouslife5391]

Thanks for this great video about Seattle! 🤍🙏🏼

[@Phamever]

Of course! Glad you enjoyed it! 🤗