Misc.Feb 4, 2019
MerkleNKQn10

Northern VA/DC to Seattle

Has anyone relocated from Northern VA/DC area to Seattle, with school-age kids? What do you like/dislike about the move?

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Microsoft R@men Feb 4, 2019

Born and raised in NoVA. Living in Seattle for the past 7 years. 2 kids. Parents and siblings still live in DC area, so I travel there often times throughout the year. Dislikes: - Winters are harsher - Llimited sun exposure throughout the year. - Schools aren’t that great. They’re good in general, but not at the same caliber of NoVA school districts. - Seattle metro area is smaller than DC but same density of traffic. It’s worse than DC by orders of magnitude. - Housing prices are a roller coaster. It’s ridiculous how housing proces went up in the past 4 years. Likes - Better work opportunities than DC area. Higher compensation in Seattle - No state taxes - Better wlb - Epic summers All in all, it took us a while to get used to living in Seattle. We definitely plan to move back to DC area before our kids go to high school.

Microsoft R@men Feb 4, 2019

That’s a misconception. Traffic in DC is bad, but it’s worse in Seattle. I’ve lived on both cities and can guarantee you Seattle is worse.

Amazon Roombo Feb 4, 2019

How come better work opportunities? I lived in Fairfax for 6 years before moving to Seattle and I without knowing more on what you mean completely disagree with that

Merkle NKQn10 OP Feb 4, 2019

Thanks! I thought winters are horrible in DC area and Seattle will be better. No? Can you share more info on better wlb?

Microsoft R@men Feb 4, 2019

Temperature wise, DC is worse for winters. But at least the sun comes out and winter lasts 3-4 months. Winters in Seattle feel longer due to the rain and overcast weather. That’s my perception. Other people may think differently. In terms of WLB, when I was in the east coast I felt always in a rush to deliver something or in constant pressure. Working from home was frowned upon. Here, I come and go as I please. There is no problem with my boss/coworkers as long as I deliver and attend meetings. The pressure to deliver is there, but I have the liberty to decompress whenever I want.

Merkle NKQn10 OP Feb 4, 2019

Thanks. You are right about wfh situation in DC. It’s truly looked down. How do you compare the cost of living between these 2 places? Housing is expensive in Seattle area as per my analysis.

Amazon zviI64 Feb 4, 2019

I do feel people in Washington state are more friendly to minorities. NoVa folks are not very friendly to minorities. That might impact your kids if u r not majority.

Microsoft R@men Feb 4, 2019

@Amazon: do you live in the DC area? what do you mean with minorities? From personal experience, DC is much more diverse than Seattle/Washington, and everyoneis friendly.

Amazon zviI64 Feb 5, 2019

Here are my two cents. I used to live in Maryland/Virginia and worked in DC for three years. Now I live and work in Seattle. As an Asian male, I didn't feel comfortable when I stayed in DMV(DC MD VA) area. I feel more comfortable once I moved to Seattle. If u r white, probably DMV is good especially Maryland (few national top 10 public schools) But I wouldn't relocate back to DMV area if I am not white.