Since Buddy and I have begun traveling a bit more, I thought it would be fun to highlight different locations from a ‘Could we live here’ perspective. There are other factors to consider when seriously contemplating a move, but you may find these details helpful in planning a vacation adventure!
I’ve included the three ‘A’s:
Accessibility Navigating the area
Activities Things to do
Affordability Cost of living
And just for kicks and giggles, I will include Five Fun Facts about each location. It may be just the information you need for your next trivia game!
SEATTLE, WA.
Accessibility
My first impression of Seattle is that it is a culturally diverse and hilly city with a beautiful coastline! The downtown area is very accessible by walking, bus, or rail and the various ferries can transport you into a different world of the nearby surrounding islands. No matter the area, Seattle and its neighboring communities never seem to lose their woodsy or seafaring appeal.
City traffic, one way streets and designated bus lanes can be a little daunting for the ‘suburban’ driver; but transportation options like Uber and Lyft can get you in and out of the immediate city limits with ease. It is also not uncommon to see many of the locals getting from place to place on their ‘gently used’ bicycles.
Of course, weather must be considered in the accessibility factor- it rains alot(!) and snow is not uncommon, although not typically in significant amounts during the winter months(Nov- March). It’s wise to have a jacket or sweater available as well as an umbrella for that unexpected change in weather.
Activities
What can I say about a city that has over 400 stunning parks, approximately 40 museums, and a city shoreline that is home to the famous Pike’s Market? And there are more interesting and culturally diverse places to eat than I have ever experienced! Definitely a ‘foodie’s’ paradise!
Seattle has a colorful and very interesting history; the building architecture- both old and new- frame the sky. Two unique architectural icons are the Space Needle and Monorail built in the 1960’s for the World’s Fair – scenes straight out of a cartoon from The Jetsons! 
A must see is Victorian Pioneer Square with its underground city and stories of a raunchy origin. And who can miss a few fish getting tossed at the famous Pike’s Market? At almost every turn, modern architecture commercial/residential high rise boxes pop up indiscriminately in many of the neighborhoods.
The immediate areas surrounding downtown Seattle are often experienced like witnessing a walking carnival; each having their own unique personality and character with an obvious liberal appeal in dress, attitude and décor.
Affordability
Seattle aint cheap- at least in the city and surrounding neighborhoods! A one bedroom loft will cost an average of $2000 according to 2016 stats. But the good news is that Happy Hour eating can be a real bargain for those on a tighter budget! There are plenty of activities that are free or minimal cost. Just be prepared to have a little extra cash on hand if you want to visit the various ‘tourist’ attractions.
Five Fun Facts about Seattle
Seattle as we know it today had much financial backing from ‘Seamstresses’ who helped rebuild the city after the great fire of 1889.
Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks Coffee!
The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the Seattle World’s Fair and was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.
Seattle is home to more houseboats than anywhere else in the United States.
Jimmy Hendrix was born in Seattle.