Moving from Seattle to New York: Tips, Benefits, and Advice

You know what? Life can change in a flash. You might get a new job, want a fresh start, or seek out a bigger stage for your talents. Seattle is amazing – I still remember the crisp air by the Puget Sound, the smell of fresh roasted coffee drifting from local cafés, and the unique hush that comes over the city when the clouds settle over the skyline. But there’s no denying that New York offers a different energy, one that crackles in the air like electricity.

So, why uproot from the Pacific Northwest and try a city on the East Coast? For many people, it’s the sheer variety. Maybe you want to feel the pulse of the Big Apple or explore its five distinct boroughs. Or perhaps you have a passion for finance, theater, fashion, or journalism. That’s New York’s magic: endless possibilities. In my case, I’ve always been drawn to diversity in food, art, and music – something I discovered the moment I visited NYC’s Chelsea Market and then strolled down to the Lower East Side for late-night ramen.

On the other hand, you could be chasing a career dream. Tech, media, finance – these industries are full of opportunities in New York. My dad’s engineering career once took us from Georgia to Chicago, and I saw how a big city can propel a career in ways smaller places can’t. The same goes for New York. Yes, Seattle is a tech hub of its own with major corporations and exciting startups, but New York broadens your scope beyond the tech bubble. You’ll find advertising agencies, major news outlets, design studios, nonprofits – the variety is massive.

I still have a soft spot for Seattle’s natural beauty. There’s a hush to the forests around the city, and the fresh salmon at Pike Place Market? Tough to beat. But let’s be frank – they’re apples and oranges. New York runs at a faster pace. You’ll likely trade Seattle’s mellow ambiance for the city that never sleeps, a place where last-call can mean 4 a.m., and your “commute” might involve weaving through sidewalk crowds.

• Weather: Seattle is famous for gray skies and drizzle; New York’s weather can swing from sweltering summers to icy winters. If you’re okay with extremes, you’ll manage.
• Cost of Living: Both cities are pricey, but New York often takes the cake. Housing in Manhattan or Brooklyn can come with a jaw-dropping price tag. Then again, Seattle isn’t exactly cheap these days, especially around neighborhoods close to downtown or near Lake Union.
• Vibe: Seattle has pockets of counterculture and a strong sense of community, but so does New York – just in a bigger, more frenetic context. In Seattle, your favorite barista might remember your latte preference. In New York, you can find a spot that serves just about any latte imaginable, but you might wait a bit longer in line.

When you make a coast-to-coast leap, you’re not just relocating physically; you’re also catapulting yourself into a fresh environment that might challenge and surprise you. Benefits go beyond career opportunities – they can touch every part of your life.

Moving from Seattle to New York can be thrilling and nerve-wracking all at once. Let’s say there are 7 key things you should keep in mind before you hand over your beloved coffee mug to the movers:

1. Adjusting to Weather Extremes. Seattle’s rains can be dreary, but wintertime in New York might have you trudging through knee-deep snow. Summers are muggy, so keep some breathable clothes and a sturdy air conditioner in your future housing plan.
2. Cost of Living Might Shock You. Seattle isn’t cheap, but New York rents can still send you reeling. Be prepared for smaller spaces at higher prices, especially if you’re eyeing neighborhoods like Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights, or Astoria in Queens. Don’t forget groceries, transportation, and the occasional entertainment expenses (those Broadway tickets can be steep).
3. Neighborhoods Are Worlds Unto Themselves. In Seattle, you might identify as a “Capitol Hill person” or “Fremont person.” New Yorkers are even more fiercely loyal to their areas. Whether it’s the hipster vibe of Williamsburg, the hustle of Midtown, or the community-driven spirit of Washington Heights, take time to research where you’d fit best. Walk around the area at different times of day, and see how it feels.
4. You May Not Need a Car. Public transit in Seattle has gotten better, but in New York, it’s a lifeline. Between subways, buses, ferries, and bikes, you can survive – thrive, even – without owning a car. Insurance, parking permits, and tolls can be a headache. Many folks prefer rideshares if they absolutely need a car.
5. Social Scene and Networking. You’ll meet people from everywhere. This can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Keep your West Coast friendliness while embracing the East Coast directness. New Yorkers might come off as blunt, but they value authenticity and mutual respect.
6. Job Market Nuances. While Seattle is tech-heavy, New York is more diversified. The city thrives on media, finance, fashion, and creative industries. If you’re switching industries, brush up on how different fields recruit and interview in New York. Sometimes it’s less about your resume’s bullet points and more about who you connect with in your field.
7. Cultural Adaptation. Seattle’s vibe is casual, often cozy, and yes, a bit “introverted.” New York’s vibe can be bold and in-your-face. Don’t be surprised if strangers chat you up on the subway, especially if you’re wearing Seattle sports gear. Also, the coffee culture in New York is strong – though you might miss your local Seattle roaster, you’ll find new favorites soon enough.

So, how exactly do you make this journey happen? It’s a big one – roughly 2,800 miles across varying terrain. If you’re someone like my sister, who once moved at lightning speed for a photography gig, you might be tempted to toss everything in a rental truck and hit the road. But trust me, planning is key.

No city is flawless. Let’s keep it real – both Seattle and New York have strong points and weak points. Weighing them can help you decide if the move is right for you.

Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.

This is usually the biggest question, right? I get it – it’s not cheap to move across the country. Costs vary depending on distance, how much stuff you’re hauling, and the level of service you’re getting.

Full-Service Movers: You might spend anywhere between $3,000 and $8,000 (or even more) depending on the size of your home. The upside? They’ll pack, load, drive, and unload. A friend of mine once got a quote for $10,000 from a top-tier mover to move a large household.

Rental Trucks: If you’re DIY-ing it with a 20-foot truck, expect maybe $2,000 to $3,000, plus gas and lodging if you’re driving.

Shipping Containers: Options like PODS might charge around $3,000 to $5,000. You load the container, they haul it.

Additional Costs:

• Packing Supplies: Boxes, bubble wrap, tape – easily $100 – $300.
• Insurance: For peace of mind, consider moving insurance.
• Storage: If you need short-term storage, budget another few hundred bucks per month.
• Travel: Don’t forget plane tickets, pet travel, or lodging on your way across.

I recall one summer I helped a buddy plan his move to a small apartment in Brooklyn. He used National Movers to compare a few companies. After a week of back-and-forth quotes, he chose a company that charged about $4,500 for a one-bedroom move, which included packing assistance and loading/unloading. Not cheap, but the movers did a stellar job, and nothing got broken. That’s pretty priceless.