Things To Know About Moving From the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest

No move will ever be perfect. It doesn’t matter if you’re relocating to a famous city or a humble town in the countryside. One thing remains certain: you’re going to have to make trade-offs on aspects like quality of life, budget, the environment, weather, culture, or the people around you. And if you’re moving from the East Coast to the Pacific Northwest, there’s a ton of changes you’ll have to expect. But fear not, for you’ve come to the right place. Imperial Moving, one of the best moving companies in NYC, shares everything you need to know about your upcoming relocation.

The Weather’s Different

Of course, it is! No surprise since you’re used to the climate from the other side of America. But how exactly different is the weather in the PNW? Well, Seattle’s gray skies can’t be denied, for sure. Even if rainfall isn’t heavy enough to pose a danger, it’s consistent enough to cause inconvenience.

However, the Emerald City isn’t the only one struggling with rainy weather. Generally, the Pacific Northwest is one of the wettest regions in the country. That area includes the entire Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho. Precipitation levels in some areas average 7 feet — just 2 feet less than the Amazon rainforest!

If you’re a sun-worshipper, living here will be challenging. You’ll have to add vitamin D supplements to your expenses since many days, the sun barely peeks through the clouds. But if you’re an indoor person who loves snuggling up in bed, this place might feel like paradise!

You Get to Enjoy a Beautiful Environment 

Persistent showers aren’t that bad. You see, centuries of wet climate have molded the landscape and given birth to plenty of natural attractions you won’t find anywhere else. Hike along Mt. Rainer National Park’s diverse trails that provide views of massive waterfalls, ancient groves, and campgrounds. Not to be outdone, Mount St. Helens offers paths where you can explore the ruins of the last eruption on May 18, 1980. Not a fan of trekking? You can enjoy vast greenspaces of thick forests in North Cascades National Park. If you’re a water-lover, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with Puget Sound’s striking waterfront, relaxing shores, and memorable ferry rides. Honestly, all the parks and attractions on the East Coast don’t hold a candle to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty.

Expect a Dip in the Cost of Living

There’s no denying that the East Coast is home to some of the country’s most expensive cities, such as Washington, D.C, NYC, and Boston. With the insane prices in those areas, almost anywhere else will provide a breather for your budget. Pair that with the fact that most of the cities in PNW feature living costs that are 10-20% lower than the national average. However, don’t expect everywhere to be cheaper. According to bestplaces.net, Seattle is only 8.6% cheaper than NYC. On the other hand, Portland is 20% more affordable than Seattle but still 30% higher than the national average.

Not as Diverse as East Coast

When it comes to ethnic diversity, New York City is the king, which is no surprise given its history as an immigrant city. Big Apple’s influence attracts people from all over the globe. Some people are even willing to settle in nearby areas as long as they have quick access to the Capital City of the World. This makes the majority of the East Coast diverse.

So, when you move to PNW, the lack of diversity might come as a culture shock. You’re going to miss bars filled with people from different cultures, talking to strangers, and meeting other races. Almost 60% of the Washington State population is non-Hispanic white, while it’s nearly 75% in Oregon.

Your Fears Will Change

You constantly live in fear of lightning storms, hurricanes, and tornadoes on the East Coast, right? Good news! You won’t have to deal with such hazards anymore in the Pacific Northwest. The bad news? You’ll now have to watch out for earthquakes and wildfires. Yes, you’ve read it right. Thanks to climate change, even the wettest areas of the country are now vulnerable to wildfires.

Additionally, Washington’s Mount St. Helens is still an active volcano. Oh, and did you know? Mt. Rainer is also a volcano, as well as Mt. Hood near Portland. All in all, there are about 14 volcanoes in the region. Although most of them have been inactive for over a century, the threat of an eruption is still very much real.

Excellent Dining & Drinking Experiences

Fantastic food scene? Check! With vibrant flora, good precipitation, and abundant seafood, restaurants in the region have easy access to fresh organic ingredients. There’s no reason they can’t make amazing dishes with that!

Love drinks? Check! Thanks to the gloomy weather, coffee is the perfect pick-me-up anywhere in PNW. In fact, you’ll find almost 278 coffee shops in Seattle and 248 in Portland. Plus, craft breweries are everywhere, supplying the region with quality beer. SmartAsset even ranks Portland as the Best City for Beer Drinkers! Not to mention, the PNW is known for its wine scene; Washington State is the 2nd biggest wine producer in the country.

There are Plenty of Amazing Places to Live 

Moving is no small undertaking. One of the biggest considerations you have to make is the place you’re moving into. It’ll affect your quality of life, from expenses to job opportunities and amenities. Luckily, the Pacific Northwest has no shortage of amazing cities, but that’s what makes the decision tricky. Which one is the best for you? Well, here are some of the most popular areas you should look into:

• Westlake: Westlake started as a small community with less than 400 people when Boeing first arrived. Now, it’s a large suburban area in the greater Seattle area that continues to grow steadily. Located just 9 minutes north of Downtown, the place offers easy access to all of the big-city amenities and opportunities while providing breathtaking scenery of Lake Union.
• Bellevue: Looking for a high quality of life, clean surroundings, and plenty of activities for your kids? Then this city is meant for you. Some of the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Bellevue, WA, features low-crime rates, excellent school districts, and lush parks everyone can enjoy. Every year the city hosts many festivals that give your children a chance to interact with their peers while having a fun-filled day.
• Seattle: Who could forget the ever-famous Emerald City? Located off the coast of Puget Sound, Seattle is the largest city in PNW, with over 700,000 residents. This metro is primarily known for its economic prowess, being on par with the likes of NYC, San Francisco, and Austin. On top of that, enjoy the enchanting coffee culture, a beautiful backdrop of water, mountains, and forests, and a rich history waiting to be discovered.
• Arlington: With most of the cities above in Washington, Arlington offers a refreshing change of scenery. The city rests in the northwest corner of Oregon, offering breathtaking views of the Cascade mountains, a fresh country atmosphere, and a fantastic music scene. If you want a peaceful way of life away from the city noise, this is definitely a place worth checking out.
• Steward Gulch: Stewart Gulch isn’t a place you hear mentioned often, but if you want to live in a natural paradise, this is where you should go. With a lower crime rate than that of the U.S average, you can live freely knowing your family is in good hands. Couple this with the affordable housing market, dozens of wonderful attractions, and friendly people. You won’t be disappointed moving there.