Relocating to Seattle
 

Hi, I have been offered a job in Seattle. I am a Southern California native but am ready for a change. What is this city like for a professional single woman in her mid 30's? Thanks.

Expect to be lonely, but have a great time anyway.

LOL! Yes, the dating scene is pretty awful here, but there are lots of great single women in your age group, so you won't lack for single friends to do things with. Professionally, I'd say Seattle is a pretty good place for a woman. <BR> <BR>It takes a while for transplants to be accepted (I moved out here from NY nearly 14 years ago), although the rabid anti-California bias that was prevalent a few years back seems to have diminished somewhat. <BR> <BR>Feel free to email me if you have additional questions.

John - Why would she be lonely in Seattle? Are there no single men and women in this city? I would assume that there would be a number of single men working for Microsoft - am I wrong?

Calling all eligible Microsoft men - where do you go to meet single women in Seattle? Or is it true that you're all taken and Seattle sucks for dating?

as you can tell from their name...microsoft men do not make good lovers.

Are you Microsoft men going to let Vanessa have the last word on your sex drives? Aren't there any decent eligible singles that enjoy dating in Seattle?

Hi Kathleen: <BR> <BR>I lived in Southern California for a few years and knew two people who grew up in Orange County, moved to Seattle, then moved back to Orange County. Why? Both people told me that the RAIN was more than they could take! When you grow up in sunny place and move to an overcast, rainy one, it can be quite a shock on the system. so just be prepared for that.

Kathleen, we have a number of single female professional friends in their 30s, some in their 40s, and it doesn't seem to us that they're suffering. I think the area offers a lot of opportunity for professional women, both in the work climate and the social climate. One can be as engaged or isolated here as anywhere else. <BR> <BR>The area is big enough and diverse enough that I'd be surprised if you didn't find things to satisfy your personal and professional interests, and, by the way, there's no state income tax, either, (sales tax, yes, but not a lot higher than Calif.) <BR> <BR>Seattle has more performing arts events per capita than anywhere except NYC, has the highest movie attendance and book reading rates in the country (yeah, probably because of the rain), and of course the mountains and the water and all that are right here. And many flights per day to So. Cal. if you need a smog fix.

I sure wish all the southern California newcomers who descended here in the past few years would admit the weather not only is gloomy but is going to STAY gloomy and go back to the sun and warm weather they are endlessly yapping about missing.

As a Washington native (and a professional single woman in her late thirties), I'd like to say that Seattle is diverse enough (in every way INCLUDING its weather) to be whatever one wants to make of it. Although there has been some hostility toward Californians, it's usually directed at those who insist on remaining Californians while living here. Be a Washingtonian (drive politely, smile at people on the street, try to enjoy the diversity of our climate, etc), and you'll be fine.

I've lived here for 11 years now - originally from Pennsylvania. Yes, there is rain, but not that much - it keeps your skin looking healthy and soft. Yes, the dating scene is the pits (I've just put a personal ad in the Weekly and am meeting men this way), yes, the city is vibrant, alive, lots to do, and absolutely GORGEOUS!! There are quite a few single groups here as well that you might want to join. e.g., Mountaineers, Events and Adventures, Sierra Club (not so much a singles group, but there seem to be quite a few single people in the group). Get out and explore the city. Politics and volunteering are also very big here and pretty open to newcomers. Good luck. If there is anything I can assist you with as you make your move, please feel free to email me.

Get a dog, drink coffee, say hi to people, buy sweaters, a gortex jacket and volunteer or get a part time job to meet people. If you are active and like to hike, mountain climb, windsurf or ski - you'll have a great time. When the weather is gloomy, find a fireplace and relax with a book. Have fun!