Moving from Phoenix to Seattle
Surrounded by some of the tallest and most beautiful mountains in the United States is the breathtaking city of Seattle! With a population of around 3.5 million people, Seattle is the 15th largest metropolitan area in the country, and remains one of the fastest growing cities as well. Seattle is not only the most literate city in the country; it is also one of the most educated cities in the world! Sitting on a land strip between two lakes, Seattle has a deep natural harbor that makes the city a major port and gateway to Asia and Russia. The slogan “Keep Seattle Weird” is also prevalent throughout the city, and a great testament to the liberal, progressive ideologies of the city. Making Seattle your new home will be the best decision you have ever made!

So what exactly makes Seattle a better home than Phoenix?
The following information will provide you with every detail to show you just what makes Seattle a perfect place to live, especially when compared to a place like Phoenix.

The beautiful weather in Seattle
Incorrectly assumed to be the rainiest city in the country Seattle actually only receives 37 inches of rainfall annually, that’s less than cities like Boston, New York City, and Atlanta! Due to the surrounding bodies of water and mountain ranges, Seattle is protected from most extreme weather, so storms are rare. In fact, contrary to popular belief, the area has a 59% chance of sunshine throughout the year. Summers in Seattle are normally 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Phoenix, averaging highs in the mid-80s. Winters in Seattle are normally in the mid-20s, with only a few days in December falling below 20 degrees; this also allows for beautiful blankets of snow each winter, something you will never see in Phoenix! Located in the Arizona desert, Phoenix is dry, sweltering hot, and the sun beats down on the area non-stop everyday with only 15 inches of measurable rainfall each year. Moving to Seattle gives you and your family plenty of time for outside activities in the beautiful weather!

The culture in Seattle
Seattle, though certainly one of the largest cities in the country, is still an “outdoorsy” city, with tons of activities like hiking, mountain climbing, boating, and skiing in the winter. The city was ranked as having the 20th best parks & recreation systems among the 50 largest cities in the country in 2013. Seattle is one of the greenest cities in the world, and is the only city in the nation to make a goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Alongside the outdoors lifestyle of many of the residents, Seattle is also a major metropolitan area, and a true trendsetter in even American culture. Starbucks Coffee began in Seattle in the 1970s, and has since become a major international corporation with stores on almost every corner of any American city. The company was made famous for their method of preparing their coffee beans to brew, called the Seattle Style, and has taken the world by storm. Because of the amazing education system, Seattle also has a very high standard of living and mean income level estimated at $89,000; the mean income of Phoenix is at least $25,000 less, and the cost of living in Phoenix is also much more expensive and much smaller.                                    

Education in Seattle
Seattle is considered to be the most educated city in the United States with 53% of the population having at least a bachelor’s degree. The national average is around 23%. 93% of Seattleites graduate high school; the national is around 53%. Seattle is also the most literate city in the country, and its public library system is ranked as the fourth best public library in the country. Showing how progressive the city is, the public school system officially desegregated without court order and continues to promote equal opportunity. It should be noted that while every public school in Seattle meets the ‘satisfactory’ requirement, around 70% of them are some of the highest ranked schools in the state, while several of the schools in Phoenix remain overcrowded and understaffed, and about 20% fall below the ‘satisfactory’ rank each academic year.

Come make Seattle your new home!
Seattle truly is a wonderful, beautiful, and trendsetting place to call home! The city continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and with a strong emphasis on small, independent businesses the economy has never been stronger. You will love the great mixture of the outdoors, and the modern, urban lifestyles, and the cool weather. Make the move from Phoenix to Seattle, you will not regret it!

Helpful Seattle Resources
Homepage
Chamber of Commerce
Visitors Center