Everything Bostonians need to know about relocating to the Pacific Northwest: tech opportunities, cost comparisons, weather reality, cultural shifts, and expert moving tips.
Thousands of New Englanders are making the cross-country move. Here's what's driving the migration.
Amazon, Microsoft, and hundreds of tech companies offer significantly higher salaries than Boston's market. Senior engineers commonly earn $200k-$400k+ total comp.
Washington has no state income tax versus Massachusetts' 5%. On a $150k salary, that's $7,500+ saved annually—essentially a free vacation budget.
Tired of shoveling snow and scraping ice? Seattle gets only 4 inches of snow annually versus Boston's 44 inches. No more brutal Nor'easters.
Mountains, ocean, and forests within 30-60 minutes. World-class hiking, skiing at Snoqualmie Pass, kayaking in Puget Sound, and Mt. Rainier views.
Seattle's booming tech scene offers faster career growth. Work on cutting-edge projects at scale—cloud computing, AI, e-commerce innovation.
Escape the East Coast grind for a more laid-back Pacific Northwest lifestyle. Better work-life balance, stunning natural beauty, and new adventures.
Both cities rank among America's most expensive, but the differences matter. Here's the financial reality.
Seattle and Boston have nearly identical overall costs of living. While Seattle housing is slightly higher, the lack of state income tax makes a huge difference for higher earners. A tech professional earning $150k+ will likely come out ahead financially in Seattle, while those earning under $75k may find Boston more affordable due to better public transit and walkability.
From blizzards to drizzle: What to expect when trading East Coast weather for the Pacific Northwest.
Reality: Brutal winters with Nor'easters, hot humid summers, but beautiful fall foliage and four distinct seasons.
Reality: Constant drizzle Oct-May but almost no snow. Spectacular summers. 226 cloudy days—bring your vitamin D!
Intense, passionate fanbase. Sports are life. Deep rivalries with Yankees, Lakers.
Newer teams, still building legacy. NO NBA team (Sonics left in 2008—sore subject).
Seattle sports culture is much less intense than Boston's. You won't find a bar on every corner packed for every game. The Mariners haven't won a World Series (or even made playoffs consistently). Don't expect the same fervor—it's more casual. Many Bostonians keep their Sox/Pats/Celtics allegiances.
Verdict: Can easily live car-free
Verdict: Car recommended for most
Most Bostonians moving to Seattle are surprised they need a car. While Capitol Hill, Fremont, and Ballard are walkable, most neighborhoods require driving. The good news? Parking is easier and cheaper than Boston, and you can actually use your car for weekend adventures to mountains and coast.
Pro tip: If working at Amazon or Microsoft, their campus shuttles are excellent. Live along light rail for easiest commute.
Real talk from Boston expats now living in Seattle. Here's what you'll crave from the East Coast.
Seattle pizza is... fine. But nothing compares to a North End slice or proper New Haven apizza. You'll find yourself defending pizza honor constantly.
The North End spoiled you. Seattle's Italian scene is improving but lacks that authentic East Coast Italian-American culture and multigenerational restaurants.
No vibrant autumn colors. Evergreens stay green. You'll miss those stunning New England fall drives and crisp October air.
Boston to NYC is 3.5 hours. Seattle to anywhere is a 5+ hour flight. Visiting family and friends becomes expensive and time-consuming.
Yes, Seattle is coffee heaven. But sometimes you just want a regular coffee from Dunkin' that doesn't require explaining your order for 5 minutes.
Boston's blunt, tell-it-like-it-is culture versus Seattle's passive, "let me think about it" politeness. The Seattle Freeze is real.
Seattle's oldest buildings are from the 1890s. You'll miss walking past structures from the Revolutionary War era and cobblestone streets.
Boston sports are religion. Seattle has fans, but it's not the same all-consuming passion. You'll keep your Sox/Pats gear forever.
Boston's compact, walkable layout versus Seattle's spread-out hills. You'll need a car and miss walking to everything.
Mountains 45 minutes away. Ocean 30 minutes away. World-class hiking, skiing, kayaking. Mt. Rainier visible on clear days. Boston's outdoors pale in comparison.
This is where Starbucks was born. Dozens of world-class third-wave roasters. Coffee culture is sophisticated and everywhere. You'll become a coffee snob.
Seattle's Asian food (especially Vietnamese, Japanese, Chinese) is phenomenal and authentic. Better dim sum than Boston's Chinatown.
You're at the center of the tech world. Amazon, Microsoft, cutting-edge startups. Boston has tech, but Seattle IS tech.
Advice from Bostonians who've successfully made the move to Seattle.
The gray skies are real. Take vitamin D supplements (2000-4000 IU daily) and consider a light therapy lamp for winter mornings. This prevents seasonal depression that catches many off-guard.
Combat the Seattle Freeze by joining hiking clubs, sports leagues, tech meetups, or hobby groups within your first month. Don't wait—proactive socializing is essential here.
Invest in a good waterproof jacket (Arc'teryx, Patagonia) and waterproof boots. Locals don't use umbrellas—they're considered touristy. Embrace the drizzle culture.
Capitol Hill (young/vibrant), Fremont (quirky/artistic), Ballard (trendy/breweries), Queen Anne (family-friendly), Bellevue (suburban/tech). Visit before committing—neighborhoods have distinct personalities.
Unlike Boston, you'll likely need a car in Seattle. But the upside? Easy access to Cascade Mountains, Olympic National Park, and weekend road trips. Embrace it.
Seattleites live for outdoor adventures. Learn to hike, get ski/snowboard lessons, try kayaking. This is how people socialize here—not bars and sports like Boston.
Cross-country moves (3,000 miles) require planning. Book professional movers 6-8 weeks in advance. Summer is peak season—prices spike. Consider shipping a car if you own one.
Join Seattle-based Boston alumni groups (BU, BC, Harvard, MIT clubs). Maintain your Sox/Pats fanhood. Schedule annual trips home. Don't let homesickness fester.
Common questions from Bostonians considering the move to Seattle.
Overall costs are nearly identical—both cities rank among America's top 10 most expensive. Seattle housing is slightly higher (median rent $2,400 vs Boston's $2,300), and gas is more expensive. However, Washington's lack of state income tax saves 5% versus Massachusetts' flat tax. For tech professionals earning $100k+, Seattle often works out cheaper due to higher salaries and tax savings. For lower earners, Boston's superior public transit makes it more affordable.
A full-service cross-country move from Boston to Seattle (approximately 3,000 miles) typically costs:
Factors affecting cost include volume of belongings, packing services, insurance, and moving season (summer is most expensive). Book 6-8 weeks in advance for best rates. Consider shipping a vehicle separately ($1,200-$1,800).
Capitol Hill most closely resembles Boston neighborhoods—walkable, diverse, good restaurants/bars, young professionals. Similar vibe to Allston/Brighton or Cambridge. Fremont has quirky, artsy character like Davis Square. Ballard offers a brewery scene reminiscent of Somerville. If you want suburban family-friendly areas like Newton, consider Bellevue or Redmond.
Avoid immediately moving to distant suburbs—stay urban for first year to build social connections and explore the city properly.
Probably not. While Boston's MBTA allows car-free living for most residents, Seattle's public transit is far more limited. The Link Light Rail only serves specific corridors (airport-downtown-UW), and bus coverage is spotty.
Exception: If you live in Capitol Hill, downtown, or near light rail AND work remotely or at companies with campus shuttles (Amazon, Microsoft), you can potentially go car-free. But 80% of Boston transplants end up buying a car within 6 months. The upside? Better access to mountains, hiking, and weekend adventures.
The Seattle Freeze (social coldness) is real but conquerable. Bostonians are used to direct, upfront communication—Seattleites are polite but surface-level. People say "we should hang out sometime!" but never follow up.
How to combat it: Join activity-based groups immediately (hiking clubs, running groups, tech meetups). Don't wait for invitations—be proactive. Many transplants report it takes 12-18 months to build a real friend group.
The tech industry's transplant-heavy culture helps—many Seattleites are also from elsewhere and understand the struggle.
Honest answer: Most Bostonians who move for tech jobs love Seattle and stay 5-10+ years or permanently. The career opportunities, higher pay, no state tax, and outdoor lifestyle are transformative.
You might struggle if you: Hate gray weather and need sunshine for mental health; rely on walkability and hate driving; need instant social connections; can't live without authentic Italian/pizza; miss East Coast proximity to family.
Success rate: About 70-80% of Boston transplants are happy long-term. The 20% who return usually cite weather, distance from family, or the Seattle Freeze as reasons. Give it at least 18 months before making a final judgment—first winter is hardest.
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