In the July issue of “Seattle Metro Magazine”, they list their Top 100 Reasons to love Seattle. I’ve lived in Seattle for over 20 years and thought I’d share some of my top reasons. Here are 10 (in no particular order):
- So many great restaurants, so little time! We are definitely a city that loves to eat out. (me included!) No matter where you live in Seattle, there’s a great restaurant. And, just when you think you have hit them all, another one pops up. I guess that’s why we are one of the best cities in the country to start a new restaurant!
- The water and views of water. Whether you like a salt water view or a lake view, we’ve got them!
- Speaking of water, I love the West Seattle Water Taxi.
- Summers in Seattle. Yes, we have to put up with long, dreary winters, but it’s soooo worth it! (ok, except this summer, which has kind of sucked the past few weeks!)
- Proximity to Canada. I spend a lot of time in Whistler and Egmont, and love that we’re just a few hours from Beautiful British Columbia!
- Our liberal views. Being one the least religious cities in the country probably has something to do with this, but I love our progressive, open-minded attitudes. (well, at least most of us — although we aren’t perfect!)
- Being eco-friendly is a normal way of life here. Whether it’s the recycling nazi’s who will fine you for not recycling enough of your garbage, or all of the cool salvaged goods stores like Earthwise and Second Use, it’s hard not being eco-friendly. In fact, it’s almost gotten to the point where if you don’t compost and recycle you get the “Scarlet Letter” written on your eco-friendly, organic t-shirt. (instead of “A” it’s “R” for Recycle!)
- So many amazing neighborhoods. For those of you who follow my blog regularly, you know my favorites. But, for you newbies, here are just a few I never tire of visiting: N. Admiral (West Seattle), Mt. Baker, N. Capitol Hill, Sunset Hill (Ballard), Queen Anne, Washington Park, Magnolia and Bryant. (ok, that’s more than a few, but there’s just too many I couldn’t stop!)
- The Space Needle. While I think it’s too expensive to pay for the elevator ride to the top, I love how it’s such an iconic symbol of our city. And, it’s such a beautiful part of our skyline view.
- We have a lot of rich people in this city, but you’d never know it. We don’t have a lot ‘old’ money like you find on the East Coast, which gives us a more laid-back attitude about money. Thanks to companies like Microsoft and Amazon (just to name a few), we have a lot of millionaires, many of whom drive a Prius and strut around the city wearing their nylon rain jackets. (ok, so we may not be the best dressed city out there.)
In writing this, I realized it’s hard narrowing it down to just ten. And even now, I’m wondering if I should change a few out. But, there it is! I’d love to hear your thoughts on Seattle and what you love the most about it.
Leave a comment