Post by thedenverpost on Apr 26, 2020 13:39:49 GMT
Which is the best city to make a fresh start: Denver or Seattle?
I’ve spent time in both cities more than once but have never lived in either of them. I, too, am an avid hiker and outdoorsman. It’s a tough choice between those two cities. If I had to choose, I think I would choose Denver. There are two decisive factors:
1) Sunshine. Denver is a very sunny city. It rains a lot less often than in Seattle. This is especially an issue in the winter. Denver gets much colder than Seattle in the winter (though it also has relatively warm winter days), so there will be some snow in Denver in the winter. But Seattle gets endless gloomy, cloudy days in winter, with frequent rain showers, sometimes for weeks on end. For me, that would be very depressing. I would much prefer Denver’s winter sunshine.
2) Cost of living. Seattle’s cost of living is 12% higher than Denver’s, according to Expatistan.com. If the salaries connected with your two job offers are the same, the money will go further in Denver.
There are a couple of factors that might point the other way. Seattle’s waterfront location gives it a beauty that Denver can’t quite match. That said, the older parts of Denver have what I think is an attractive architectural style. Architecturally, Seattle is mostly an uninspiring hodgepodge. Another thing in Seattle’s favor is that it has that west-coast buzz. If you are in a tech field, Seattle is more on the cutting edge and might offer better career prospects. Denver is a fun-loving town, but just not as hip as Seattle, if that matters.
As for hiking, there is some spectacular hiking in mountains near both cities, but I prefer the hiking in the Rockies. Because of the drier climate, you get a lot more stunning vistas. In the Cascades near Seattle, you are going to spend a lot more time on muddy trails through towering forests.
Both mountain ranges get snow in the winter, so you can enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing or cross-country or downhill skiing. When it comes to downhill skiing, though, Colorado wins hands down with world-class resorts like Aspen and Vail.
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Where can I find a kinder, cooler America? And some healing?
American faces/places, humor, history, hope. And this month -- The Healers.
Anonymous
Answered July 9, 2015
I've never been to Denver so I can't compare. But I can tell you a bit about Seattle. You mentioned that you like outdoor activities, Seattle is actually a great place for that, but keep in mind that it's a lot colder and wetter than Dallas. If you decide to live here, get used to hiking in the rain and mud, especially in winter, but all that rain does keep the area green and picturesque. Plus, it actually stays fairly dry in summer (there is an occasional shower, but it's certainly not a daily occurrence). If you're a nature lover, you'll love the Seattle area.
That said, there is what's known as the "Seattle Freeze," which I think is a tendency of many Seattlites to be reserved around outsiders until they get to know them, which can come off as seeming pretentious, so in that regard Seattle may not be your cup of tea. That said, I think if you give them a chance 'thaw' you'll learn that many are very nice people.
1) Sunshine. Denver is a very sunny city. It rains a lot less often than in Seattle. This is especially an issue in the winter. Denver gets much colder than Seattle in the winter (though it also has relatively warm winter days), so there will be some snow in Denver in the winter. But Seattle gets endless gloomy, cloudy days in winter, with frequent rain showers, sometimes for weeks on end. For me, that would be very depressing. I would much prefer Denver’s winter sunshine.
2) Cost of living. Seattle’s cost of living is 12% higher than Denver’s, according to Expatistan.com. If the salaries connected with your two job offers are the same, the money will go further in Denver.
There are a couple of factors that might point the other way. Seattle’s waterfront location gives it a beauty that Denver can’t quite match. That said, the older parts of Denver have what I think is an attractive architectural style. Architecturally, Seattle is mostly an uninspiring hodgepodge. Another thing in Seattle’s favor is that it has that west-coast buzz. If you are in a tech field, Seattle is more on the cutting edge and might offer better career prospects. Denver is a fun-loving town, but just not as hip as Seattle, if that matters.
As for hiking, there is some spectacular hiking in mountains near both cities, but I prefer the hiking in the Rockies. Because of the drier climate, you get a lot more stunning vistas. In the Cascades near Seattle, you are going to spend a lot more time on muddy trails through towering forests.
Both mountain ranges get snow in the winter, so you can enjoy winter sports like snowshoeing or cross-country or downhill skiing. When it comes to downhill skiing, though, Colorado wins hands down with world-class resorts like Aspen and Vail.
1.7k viewsView Upvoters
Sponsored by The Attic
Where can I find a kinder, cooler America? And some healing?
American faces/places, humor, history, hope. And this month -- The Healers.
Anonymous
Answered July 9, 2015
I've never been to Denver so I can't compare. But I can tell you a bit about Seattle. You mentioned that you like outdoor activities, Seattle is actually a great place for that, but keep in mind that it's a lot colder and wetter than Dallas. If you decide to live here, get used to hiking in the rain and mud, especially in winter, but all that rain does keep the area green and picturesque. Plus, it actually stays fairly dry in summer (there is an occasional shower, but it's certainly not a daily occurrence). If you're a nature lover, you'll love the Seattle area.
That said, there is what's known as the "Seattle Freeze," which I think is a tendency of many Seattlites to be reserved around outsiders until they get to know them, which can come off as seeming pretentious, so in that regard Seattle may not be your cup of tea. That said, I think if you give them a chance 'thaw' you'll learn that many are very nice people.