I read a recent article in the Seattle Times that unpacked a survey by The Langston Co., which found young Seattle residents are “unsatisfied with nearly everything about the city.”
It’s quite a punchy and lugubrious headline, but it didn’t come as a surprise. Since moving to the region over three years ago, I have come to understand that almost everyone has an opinion about Seattle that they want to share, even if I didn’t ask for it. The mere mention of the city can be provocative. Cited in the survey results are demerits I’ve heard from countless others, including traffic, the stale social environment, and the rising cost of living.
Despite moving out of the city last year to Tacoma, I do like Seattle and enjoyed my time as a young Seattle resident. Capitol Hill was an effervescent place to come of age. However, I also agree that the city can, at times, be insufferable. It’s unforgivably expensive and rapidly growing beyond recognition. Since moving to Tacoma, that has only become more apparent. And for much of my social circle, it beckons the question: Is living in Seattle worth it?
Many of them felt it was not, and moved away to places that more closely align with their aspirations. A dissipating social network only made it easier for me to follow suit (although I remain nearby).
But my move is not vindictive, nor do I wish good riddance to Seattle. I still work and spend time in the city. I still enjoy being here. And while the city’s built environment and social fabric are changing, I must remember that I, too, am changing.