Just North of the ever-popular expat destination of San Francisco is another gem of a city for expats thinking of moving to the USA from the UK. Seattle is famed for having a high quality of life, economic stability and high employment rates in big companies such as Microsoft and Amazon.
There are numerous reasons why The Emerald City has such a good reputation for housing successful start-up businesses and major corporate players alike. One such reason is that it’s a favourable place to live. The economic ethos of the city is heavily biased towards businesses with green credentials, making Seattle an inspiring and forward-thinking place to do business. Forbes recently ranked Seattle as the 9th best city for business in the USA.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Seattle has the 5th highest median family income in the USA, with an average family income of around $85,600.
Outside of work there is plenty to do in and around Seattle, with the Seattle Seahawks being a contender in the NFL and averaging a home attendance of 68,174. However, if football (or ‘soccer’ as it is known in the USA) is more your thing, your local team will be the Seattle Sounders who placed 4th in the Western Conference in 2013. Alternatively you can follow local baseball team The Seattle Mariners.
The Seattle Symphony Orchestra is one of the most recorded orchestras in the world and performs regular concerts at Benaroya Hall, which also hosts concerts by a range of artists, ranging from Jason Mraz to Loudon Wainwright III. Seattle also has famous roots in rock music history, being the home of Nirvana and Pearl Jam, as well as being called home by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and record producer, Quincy Jones.
Other cultural highlights in Seattle’s calendar include the 24-day Seattle International Film Festival, the Bite of Seattle Food Festival and the Native American pow wow gatherings. The Seattle Art Museum is also worth a visit if you find yourself on First Avenue, which is quite likely to happen – as it is also home to the world-famous Space Needle.
If you’re moving to the USA, find out how our international removals team can help to arrange packing, storage and transportation on your behalf.
 

Information correct at time of publication