Downtown Seattle will be getting a full-service grocery store within the next three months when the 2200 Westlake project is completed: http://www.weberthompson.com/coverag...lake081304.htm

I lived in downtown Seattle for 5 years and never really had a problem with groceries, though it's not as convenient as where I live now (Capitol Hill, which is Seattle's densest neighborhood). First, there are several large grocery stores within the neighborhoods that border downtown, and they're easy to get to either by car (no more than 5-10 minutes of city driving) or foot. Second, there are several small food marts scattered throughout downtown, as mentioned previously, and several of them have fruit/vegetable sections as well as deli service, so it's not like going into a 7-11. Finally, people tend to forget about Seattle's largest green grocer: Pike Place Market. The one drawback is the fact that most vendors close by 5 or 6pm, but it's a great place to go shopping for fresh foods, and many people in downtown do (especially in the mornings, before the crowds arrive).

Regarding public transporation, I commuted from Seattle to Overlake by Metro bus several years ago for a 6 month period. The service is reliable and fairly predictable, and comfortable, but it isn't quick, especially over the 520 bridge. The problem is that the 520 bridge, which is the older of the two floating bridges spanning Lake Washington, was built without dedicated HOV lanes (unlike the newer I-90 bridge to the south), so buses have to fight with regular auto traffic across that bridge in either direction. If you decide to take a bus from Seattle, you're probably better off taking a bus route over the I-90 bridge as opposed to 520, though it can be a longer route. Here's the page from King County Metro for the Overlake area to give you an idea of the frequency of service between downtown and Overlake: http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/.../overlake.html

I can't speak to Eastside neighborhoods, but if you're looking to rent in Seattle itself, I think you might like north Capitol Hill, which is an old section of the city with rows of mature street trees, narrow lots, and walkable business districts. This neighborhood is attractive, active, and has some of the best bus service in the region. Other worthwhile neighborhoods bordering downtown are Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Eastlake, and First Hill. There seems to be new multifamily housing construction going on in all of these neighborhoods, though as you note a lot of the new construction is being built for the condo market. Still, there is not a shortage of decent apartments, and I just read last week that rents have been largely unchanged over the past two years.

Best of luck with you and your husband's decision.

Thank you all again for your feedback - it is priceless!

Courtneycwo - trust me, the family and friends thing is very difficult for us. My parents are nearby and would most likely help tremendously. However, we actually have more family in Seattle - my husband's parents, sisters, and brother live there. They all have kids themselves and my in-laws take care of the grandchildren and my brother-in-law who is disabled so don't know how much they could help out, but we would have support. A big reason for me to move to Seattle is the job opportunities for my husband. He is into IT development and well Seattle is a much better place for this vs. Cleveland. Right now, he does have to travel M-Th every week and so him being home would be an advantage if we have kids. We would love to have kids but that has unfortunately not worked out for us, so it is not a certain that it will pan out but we are always hopeful. If we don't, Seattle would be much more fun!

We will definitely check out Capitol Hill area. Sounds interesting. We will be in Seattle over Labor Day weekend and hope to check out some neighborhoods to get a feel. Thanks again for all your help.

I grew up in Cleveland (Shaker Hts.), went to Ohio State for 2 years...meet some guys from Seattle (while in at a program from OSU in Mexico) who suggested I visit...I went to visit and the rest is history...

IMHO I think Seattle is one of the best places in the US to live (and I've lived in several others). To me, there's just no comparison between the two cities. Every time I've been back to Cleveland to visit, I can't believe I could ever have lived there. Seattle has it over Cleveland in every category...natural beauty, climate, culture, food, quality of life, etc. etc.

Believe me, if you do decide to move, even if it means having a smaller house, I don't think you'll ever regret it.

Thanks artlover... it is so nice to hear an ex-Clevelander's perspective - just what I needed. Having lived here in Cleveland for 30 years and moving to Seattle is scary but exciting. But, I gotta give it a shot. If we don't like it, we can always move again. But if I don't try, I will never know.... the hard part will be telling my family!

Thanks to you all for your advice!

How is the Queen Anne area? How about Belltown? We are looking for a place that is walkable to restaurants, activities, etc but not too crazy or loud. Thanks.

Queen Anne Hill is lovely and meets your criteria-it has a great neighborhood center-assuming you mean on top of the hill, and not lower Queen Anne. You might like Lower Queen Anne, and you can walk to a lot (even downtown) but depending on exactly where you are, it might be a bit crazy (you'll deal with all the traffic and noise from Seattle Center events, like festivals, Sonics games, etc). Belltown WILL be loud-it's basically the north end of downtown, and I've known many people who've looked at high rise condos there (sound rises!) and said, "If it wasn't for the noise..." But visit these neighborhoods when you come and see/hear for yourself-they do have a lot of good qualities.

Also check out the 15th Ave area of Capitol Hill. It's very urban, pedestrian friendly, close to downtown, etc, but also quite leafy and not crazy or loud.

I should clarify, in case you're looking at a map trying to figure out neighborhoods: Lower Queen Anne is the area around the Seattle Center. Queen Anne Hill starts north of Roy St. QAH's main street, with lots of restaurants, shops, groceries (even a Trader Joe's nearby!) is Queen Anne Avenue between Galer and McGraw.

shelja,
My situation was very different than yours--I WANTED to move away from my family :D! Good luck whatever you decide.

Oh, shelja - Sounds like Seattle is going to be a slam dunk for you :) How wonderful that your husband has so much family in town - that will be so amazing esp. when you bring little ones into the picture. Best of luck to you!

I've followed this thread with interest -- I love Seattle and I'm always wondering "what if I moved there ..."

So I'm curious: How is the economy faring there? good? great? better than most? or tanking?

I would say that Seattle is still going strong. The housing market does not seem to be experiencing the lull that is taking place in other parts of the country. ;)

Thank you all for your help. I will be coming to Seattle in a week for final interviews for a job I am really hoping to get. Keep your fingers crossed! Thanks again.

Ah! This thread is killing this born and bred Seattle girl, recently transplanted to Southern Arizona. I miss it terribly. Good luck with your move -- it really is a wonderful city!

I've lived in Seattle all my life, so the last thing I could offer is the sense of what it must feel like to move here. For that reason it has been interesting to read shelja's outlook and questions.

I really like the freedom she grants herself in terms of renting for the first year, and positioning herself within easy walking distance of restaurants and stuff.

It does sound like a nice match for the Queen Anne area.

I'm sure the bus system in Seattle is likely to be better than that of most other cities. Heck, just standing outside here during almost all months of the year is more hospitable than in many other cities.

Hmmmmmmmm, shelja hasn't really mentioned the rain, and I didn't notice anybody mentioning it to her either. The grey and gloomy skies will dominate the fall, winter and spring, but they'll make the periods of sunshine seem that much more wonderful!

I too agree that Shelja moving to Seattle from Cleveland is a no-brainer of a great idea, but it is fun to really listen to somebody's concerns and uncertainties along the path.

Good luck to Shelja!

I guess that I am the only Fodorite who lives in Renton, which is located at the south end of Lake Washington equidistant from Seattle and Bellevue. You will find prices a tad lower here than in either place. Good public transportation to both places. Check it out.

Northwestmale - I enjoyed your comments. The rain and gloom are of concern but you must realize that it snows from Oct/Nov - March/April typically in Ohio so the winter dominates the better part of the year here and is pretty gloomy and depressing. Thank you though for raising that issue. Also, thanks for making me feel comfortable with renting and location. Your words were if nothing else reassuring!

We have considered Renton - it is actually where my husband was born and raised so he knows the area but maybe when we are ready to buy a home. For the first year, since we plan on renting, why not live somewhere more urban where we probably would not buy if we have a family. Thanks for the feedback...we will check out Renton at some point.

Thanks again fellow fodorites...

In my experience, midwesterners don't have problems with our weather. My whole immediate and extended family is from Ohio and Michigan and they never complain, and neither do my friends from other parts of the MW. It's the Californians who don't shut up about it (nor do they move back, they just complain contantly) WITH the notable exception of Suze on this board who likes the weather here. :)

Though native Californian, I came by way of the New England states - Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire - so maybe that's why I'm not a big cry-baby about Seattle's weather
;-)

Good to know that other midwesterners don't mind the Seattle weather. Like I have mentioned, my husband is native Seattlelite and well he loves the weather in Seattle, year around.

Hopefully, I get the job and then this might be a no-brainer :)

Good luck with your interview, shelja. Let us know how it goes. And count my husband as yet another Ohio native (Canton) who loves it here in Seattle.