Moving can be an overwhelming prospect, but it’s easier when you know what to expect. Before you consider your move to the Pacific Northwest, there are a few things you should know and expect from this region.
1. Some Sensational Cities
For newcomers to the Pacific Northwest, the main draw may be the funky, innovative, and alluring cities of the region. Specifically, people tend to flock to the cities of Seattle and Portland, both nestled between rugged mountains and surrounded by pristine bodies or water. If these cities speak to you, expect to enjoy beautiful green spaces, fantastic food, and a lively urban culture and nightlife scene. Take advantage of the numerous coffee shops, stores, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries, markets, and other venues to truly experience the soul of these exciting urban centers.
2. Health Conscious Citizens
Because central cities like Seattle and Portland are surrounded by natural beauty, the citizens in the Pacific Northwest are more likely to take advantage of opportunities to be active outdoors. Commuting via cycling is popular in these cities, as numerous bike paths make these urban areas especially accessible for bikes and pedestrians alike. If you’re more into water sports, this area offers plenty of opportunities for kayaking, canoeing or stand up paddleboarding. If hiking, walking, or running is more your thing, check out the city, state, and national parks that are within easy walking or driving distance.
3. Fun Food Options
For foodies, you won’t find more a lively and fun food scene than in the cities of the Pacific Northwest. Fresh seafood is a staple here, as fisherman have quick, easy access to the bounty of the Pacific Ocean. Crab and Geoduck clams are delicious options, as is the locally sourced Chinook salmon. If seafood’s not your favorite, this region also boasts a robust food-truck culture, with the trucks and carts of the area serving everything from tacos to donuts to funky fusions that will tickle the taste buds of even the pickiest eaters.
4. A Closer Connection to Nature
Boasting a plethora of parks and a wide variety of pristine ecosystems, your move the Pacific Northwest will get you closer to nature than you ever thought possible. Take your pick of the old-growth forests, breezy coastlines, and idyllic rivers, streams, and lakes, or enjoy nature’s rugged side by hiking Mount Hood or Mount Rainier. Take time to be at one with nature in any of the multiple national or state parks, or just take a short break from city life in parks like Seattle’s Kerry or Discovery Parks.
5. An Air of Arts and Culture
If culture is your thing, the Pacific Northwest is the place to be in terms of art, music, and museums. For those artsy people, consider the Seattle Art Museum and the Gresham Arts Festival; for those more into natural or local history, the Burke Museum of the University of Washington or the Oregon Maritime Museum. Lovers of pop culture should expect to great exhibits at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture, and those interested in music will be delighted by the renowned symphony orchestras of both Seattle and Portland.
6. Friendly, Funky Folks
Most importantly, what you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest is full of unapologetically weird and friendly people. A true melting pot, this area celebrates the diversity of its people with openness and welcoming attitude that makes newcomers feel instantly welcome. There’s no hiding the strangeness, but the people of this region believe that it’s their own personal uniqueness that makes a community stronger.