I Left NYC for Seattle One Year Ago: Do I Regret It?

@Scripshepherd - Hi! I really liked your two films about the move! We may have to be moving soon to Seattle too. I wanted to ask you, how did you move all your gear? Did you ship it? Or hired a truck? We have several guitars and some other music equipment we need to get from NYC to Seattle but not renting a truck. So wondering what the options are other so these things get there safe! Thanks very much in advance!

You just clearly were not the type of person who should have ever lived in New York in the first place since you don’t like the basic things that make it different from every other city in the US

New York make you skrong, take over anywhere. Seattle your next;)

I moved to Seattle from New York in 2002. Most of the issues were the same, although Seattle was cheaper then and there were less homeless people and no visible fentanyl problem - but as you said, that is everywhere.
Your notes on the drivers are spot on. As a former New Yorker I lay on the horn - and it has gotten better in the last 20 years, using your horn has become a bit more acceptable. I would add, however, in defense of the drivers, Seattle streets and intersections are bizarre, and signage is awful. It can take years to actually figure out how to navigate the city without finding yourself suddenly at a dead end at a cliff or water, in the wrong lane, or going over a bridge you didn't mean to.
The cultures are different, and I think New York, and a lot of America, is made for extroverts. Seattle culture is full of introverts, geeks, wierdos, neurodivergent folk, etc. That is a feature AND a bug. If we'd all rather stay at home and read a book on a rainy day, it can make it hard to meet other people. Not impossible, but it takes effort.

the only shitty parts of seattle is dealing with psychotic druggies and everything is expensive. If you don't believe me about psychotic druggies, you live/work in a yuppie neighborhood.

From an urbanist's perspective, Seattle is the only city in the Pacific Northwest that I actually really admire and this is coming from a Portlander. The Pacific Northwest has three major cities: Portland, Seattle and Vancouver (Canada). Portland does not have the big city atmosphere that Seattle and Vancouver have. We might have a great food scene and public transit, but it's a joke compared to... say... Chicago or San Francisco. Vancouver is going through a nightmarish housing and affordability crisis. It's just as expensive as Seattle, but the wages and salaries are on par with cities like Las Vegas and Albuquerque.

Compared to New York City, the only major things I don't like about Seattle is the weather (in the non-summer months) and the overall history. The winters in Seattle are more than just dreary. It's incredibly cold, wet and windy which makes being outside miserable. Yet it's a hair too warm for any significant snowfall. You cannot enjoy any typical outdoor activities or winter activities. While the dark, rainy and windy weather can be cozy and many do people enjoy it, there is a significant difference between sitting inside a warm room and enjoying a warm drink and hearing the sounds of rain, versus sitting outside or walking outside in the cold, windy and rainy weather while you fight hard to keep yourself dry. The lack of sunlight does affect lots of people and this can become very bad and noticeable from January through March.

The other problem is how Seattle does not have a rich historical foundation that cities like NYC, Chicago and Boston have. It makes sense that NYC and Boston are very expensive because of geographical limitations and how both cities are home to some of the world's most prestigious institutions and companies. Seattle is also home to some of the world's most important companies (like Amazon, Boeing and Microsoft), but it's also becoming just as expensive as NYC and Boston for the same reasons while having somewhat better weather. While Seattle has some nice looking skyscrapers and an incredible skyline, there isn't a lot of diverse architecture in the city like you would find in NYC and Chicago.

This just convinced me NYC is not for me

i’ve had no issues making friends in seattle. everyone has been really friendly in my experience, and the seattle freeze is overrated

go back pls you people are ruining this city!
this isn't a playground for you to explore.
people live here.

Good idea. Run for your life. NYC is a disaster.

1. Too many illegal aliens

2. Too many thugs

3. Too much BS construction work

4. Overpopulated

5. Filthy streets

6. Dangerous subway platforms and trains

7. Unnecessary MTA delay in service

8. Rent is out of control

9. Rude and nasty people everywhere

10. Too much competition

Best of luck to you. Run for your life.

I lived in Tacoma, WA, for 3 years from 2005 to 2008. One major thing, you have a girlfriend. New York is MUCH better for single men than in Seattle. Plus, the nightlife is more significant in New York.

been to ny twice, in the summer and winter, hot humid 90s and 7 degrees, respectively. weather there is to extreme to live or short term stay there, dont mind visiting though, and thats coming from a second gen seattlite who has traveled extensively.

you don’t get stabbed on the subway. you don’t need ten million dollars to live comfortably. having an expansive subway does in fact, make it good

I love Seattle. Swimming at Denny Blaine or the Carr Inlet, THE TREES once you get out of the city (I live near Gig Harbor). I'm in love with the forest, and I made friends once I started playing DnD

🎉🎉🎉🎉😢Spot omg you're the Simon Cowell of Description of State!city comparison!also not to mention the tolls in NYC 😮disaster no parking for everywhere you go must park in a garage 😮,i lived in NYC l year I couldn't wait to leave 🎉, also lived in Seattle great doctors, food,diversity, casino's, Beautiful views, Seattle Seahawks 🎉, quick flight ✈️ to La,Vegas, Alaska not as much crime as NYC, traffic isn't that bad compared to Houston, Dallas, or NYC, no tolls Like NYC, also I believe there's no corporate tax.

Im 36 years old and I'm born and raised in NYC... everything you said about NYC is pretty spot on... finally leaving to another city in couple of months and I can't wait

I moved to Seattle from Colorado (by way of El Paso TX, long story) about 7 years ago. I moved here precisely because it would allow me to NOT need a car. I have no comparison to NYC, as I've only ever visited, but I did want to say that depending on your lifestyle, it's really easy to get by without a car. And the transit is only getting better! My only issue is that, if I ever leave Seattle, I only want to move where I can go car-free (or car-light if parking isn't too much money).

I grew up in Europe and hate driving 😊 looking to move back so I never have to drive again

Appreciate this view. I'm presently interviewing for jobs in Seattle but currently live in NYC, and I really do feel overly stimulated after living here for 8 years.

Leaving a dump for a trash compactor

I'm glad you made the distinction about NYC's subway. Expansive or the only option doesn’t equal good. I grew up in Brooklyn but have lived in Seattle for 4 years now. Don’t miss having to rely on the subway to get around.

I lived in and around Seattle for 10 years I miss it

I'm from Seattle and lived in NYC for 7 years. In general, it was easier to get around in NYC - 24 hours a day, you just walk to the subway station and you get to your destination within 30 minutes, for a fixed price of $2.50/$100 per month. I can't say the same here in Seattle. Additionally, the neighborhoods are less dense so on average you have fewer destinations to walk to for your day to day like groceries and such. So IMO getting around is cheaper, more reliable, and occasionally faster in NYC. I enjoy driving and the freedom but on the whole, I would rather have an expansive subway system than ease of driving.

I liked ur video but im not sure ur all that accurate. Im born and raised in nyc. I grew up riding the trains and public transportation and tho it is difficult at times its still not something im afraid of. Im well able to walk the streets without any problems. I am on the other hand contemplating moving to seattle. Why? The streets are full of un housed immigrants, creating an unstable, unrested enviroment. It began after the pandemic and has now grown into a massive problem that noone wants to address. Dont get me wrong, nyc has has always been a cultural soup, a thing in constant flux. And no this isnt the first time its streets have filled with unwashed eager and ultimately desperate people. The breeze whistling between the buildings here tell this ancient tale of struggle and of how those who were once here eventually spread out into the rest of the country. Its romantic, even. Im just, like u said, tired of being trapped and limited by it and every time i move anywhere else i am yanked back. (Mom calling me home). I believe that people who arent native to nyc are shocked in a way. U still have to explain the homeless and drug use to those who visit u while living herr but this is the face of any metropolis. Ur video is certainly food for thought. And seattle looks like a place i might be able to stretch out my legs. Lol. Thank u!

As someone who grew up in Seattle and moved to NYC for the past 6 years. It's the worse decision of my life. I stayed and moved for my partner, but after breaking up I plan on going back. To those who also grew up in Seattle and thinking about moving just know that it's a complete change and you'll likely be traumatized. People aren't as cerebral, people are very nosy, very outgoing in the worst ways, superficial, and rude. It's honestly been hell and I unequivocally can say that most Seattleites will hate it here. Fun place to visit but definitely not quiet, not peaceful, limited nature unless you live by central park, and the people are not pleasant whatsoever; dare I say ghetto even? And the food isn't nearly as fresh or good. Most of the apples are mealy for example. And yeah I can't complain about New York enough. Oh! And everyone constantly asks you why you're quiet, unlike Seattle where being quiet is the norm, it's like in NYC you constantly feel the need to be entertaining for others and it's exhausting.

You seem to romanticize car ownership

It's not cost effective these days so I moved to Lacey. Initially I lived in Maple Leaf and then Fremont . I have friends who work at Microsoft who do well for themselves and they are moving to Issaquah or Bellingham.

Ok. Born in Brooklyn and grew up on LI. I lived in Seattle for over a decade. Best thing I ever did by far!!!!

I lived in Brooklyn for almost 9 years, and they were some of the longest years ever. I have a love/hate relationship with NYC and dont regret leaving when i did (i mostly left because of covid). Im in LA now and hate it. It is dirty (even more so than NYC, i think), the homeless are everywhere, the public transportation sucks ans it takes hours to get anywhere, especially if you don't drive. I don't plan on staying here, so I am considering other cities, including Seattle (also DC). This video was helpful, as were the comments.

Thank you for your perspective on Seattle. It is appreciated. I'm originally from the PNW. The layed back attitude is so true. It is great in some ways, but not in others.

Also in Seattle they have other reliable public transportation like Buses, Link light rail Subway, trolley buses and Ferryboat if I'm not mistaken if you don't feel like driving and all that traffic.....Washington is my second place I see myself settling down and just live my life. Seattle and the surrounding areas Green Lake, Bellevue and Redmond is pretty much my idea subdivision.

I lived in Seattle. It's a cold sh*thole and the people are fake as are all the "subcultures". Everyone's on antidepressants or anxiety meds. The traffic sucks. The politics are a mess. - WW

I lived in Seattle / Ballard till 2012.
I loved it so much there and miss it a lot! ❤

i feel the same moving from SF to SD! all of these things are very true moving from SF to San Diego - great video!!!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts & experiences. I found your observations very insightful about NYC & Seattle. Glad that you are in a happier place.

West Coast Best Coast. Super lucky being born in raised in Seattle. Love it, there’s nothing like it

Shhh - don't want this kind of info to make the rounds. Smartest thing I've ever done, is move back home to Washington. Oops.

The problem with Washington drivers is we are pretty laid back and don't like to excessively speed but assholes from California or other places with aggressive drivers all want to go 20 over, and tailgate or weave through traffic. We drive 5-10 over here, you don't like it then get the fuck out. I'm so sick of people driving so close I can't even see their license plate while I'm already speeding, or I'm in the slow lane.

Born and raised in NYC and I completely agree with your views on NYC. I left several times and every time I return to the city I remember why I don't want to be there. Everyone seems upset and grumpy, the city is very dirty, the noise is constant and the rent is out of control no matter what part of the city you live in (maybe the some parts of the Bronx or DEEP Brooklyn might be cheaper, but do you even want to be there?) Trains are the worse, if its not the train being late or re directed, its the crazy homeless people

I'm moving to Seattle after having a really hard time in NYC, and this really gave me hope and validated my choice in Seattle!

As a native Seattleite, I feel validated hearing someone from out of town bring up the absolutely terrible driving culture here. There is a noticeable listlessness and aloofness to how people drive. Folks are not engaged with the act of driving or their environment, and it makes the roads dangerous and frustrating. This does slightly extend to public spaces in stores as well: in my opinion Seattleites are terrible at spacial awareness and being mindful of people and things around them. I enjoy the relaxed nature of the west coast, but it'd be great if folks could get more decisive and purposeful with how they move around in shared spaces and roads.

The homeles stic is way bettee ow vs 2 yrs ago. West coast is way moreccreative.

Spot on with your good/bad points on Seattle.

Sooooo you relocated from one crime ridden, filthy decaying crap hole for another? ........strong move 😂😅😂😅😂

Craig's list in 2023

Its kinda funny actually. The title should just be "NYC vs Most every other American city" haha

I STILL LOVE NEW YORK❤❤❤ GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD❤❤❤

Why wouldn't you swim in the Hudson? Isn't very dirty? Asking since I swim in lake Washington daily.

Such a comprehensive explanation of how things are in both states. You covered all the important aspects, thank you.
My cousin told me only this month that she actively a v o i d s getting on the subway as it’s just not safe/clean/reliable. It’s heartbreaking what has happened to some of the previously best places on earth, both in and outside of our country. No one with a social cconscienc could live peacefully in NY, England or London again.

If your lqbtq its great. If your not, its not for you. I met a great girl online. She was my best friend, and the only friend I ever made there. If your single ur gonna stay single there. If you like passive aggressive people and being alone its for you. South washington is great as long as ur already in a relationship