Hey guys I have verbal offers from 2 companies which have offices in both Bay Area and Seattle(ML) . I’m currently on a team matching process. Money aside, Is there one particular place that you would prefer and why? Edit:( money aside because offers will probably have cost of living including CA tax incorporated) Thanks in advance. FYI: Single African American guy 35yr old. Current living in Dallas TC 230 Yoe 11
Setup a poll. My choice - Bay area
Is there any reason you would go for the Bay Area?
Mainly better weather in California, cost of living is about the same
You didn't provide anything specific that you are looking for except your race and age. You want us to try to guess what you are into??
Updated…
Seattle is cheaper and has less traffic. That’s about it’s only advantage. In every other conceivable category the bay area is better.
Thank you @LPoz03
Not completely true on the traffic part. I have seen worse traffic in Seattle
PNW might be a bit more alienating, Bay Area has Oakland. If you’re looking for AA community. My 2c
It depends. There are pockets of diversity in the PNW. This was never a (huge) problem for me in that area. I would argue if you live in the South Bay Area you’ll feel even more alienated. If near SF/Oakland Splunk is probably correct
Oakland is about the same distance as South Seattle where you'll find large AA communities. Beacon Hill, Ranier Valley, and Renton. Central District is historically AA. Bigger populations of AAs in Lynnwood, Tacoma, and Tukwila also.
Seattle is cheaper and from personal experience, the homeless people in Seattle are less violent than the ones in the Bay Area. The Bay Area has nicer weather year round, better parks and better beaches. There are very few African Americans in Seattle, you'll find more around Beacon Hill/South Seattle but still, Seattle is White AF.
Seattle has lesser diversity and is predominantly white.
eh, the Asians and Desis seem to be the majority
Inner or Central Seattle is more diverse. Where you don't see the diversity as much are the neighborhoods around Seattle. The people that complain about the diversity elements often don't live in the city or in the downtown areas where the city is more diverse. Someone living in North Seattle like Phinney Ridge or West Seattle like Alki won't see much diversity because their neighborhoods aren't very diverse.
Forget about Seattle being majority white. It doesn’t matter. Focus on the tangibles (cost of living, social life if you want one, nightlife etc etc, state income tax etc etc etc). I think Seattle wins hands down. If there are no black people in Seattle, be the first one so that when other black people visit, they’re able to see that they can also move here. I’m a Black African guy too and I love it here. Previously, I went to a school in Berkeley, CA. SF has a better night scene but it’s too expensive. Seattle doesn’t have as good of a night scene as SF but it’s not too bad. My social life here is not as good as it was in the Bay Area (I mean, I was in college so of course it was good) but it’s not too bad here either. If at all, I’ve been able to make closer friends here. If you’re looking to date, Seattle is way better in my opinion. SF was all dudes in the bar and the women were few and far in between. Seattle has a size-able female population even if not by much so I find it easier to meet women. Shockingly, my dating/sex life in Seattle is much better than it was when I was in college (and it was still very good too) so take it as you may. A dollar goes much further in Seattle than it would in SF. There’s no contest here! The weather in Seattle sucks balls but if you ski/snowboard like myself, it’s all sunshine and rainbows. We have an amazing summer here (best summer in the US ; I swear), then the rain season starts but you know what they say, “if it’s raining in the city, it’s powder day on the slopes” so get your skis on pal. I have a season pass to every resort (😂😂) but snow is not everyone’s cup of tea. The darkness and gloomy weather can get to you if you don’t partake in any snow/rainy activities. It doesn’t matter to me because I play soccer whether it’s raining or not. If I were you, I’d pick Seattle but I totally get the appeal of having a big black community in areas such as Oakland for example but hey, go out there and live some. YOLO my dude! Side-note: you’re gonna miss all the hotties in Dallas!
This is one of the best detailed and non blind answer I have ever seen thanks man! What about career wise- are you not worried that it might lag being in Seattle as opposed to the bay?
Seattle vs SF career lag is negligible if it’s even there. Tech wise both are major hubs.
Seattle unless you really care about the weather.
Seattle the suicide capital of the world
What are the offers for the different locations? you know COL is different. where are you coming from? what’s important to you?