Seattle

 

Logging was Seattle’s first major industry, but by the late 19th century, the city had become a commercial and shipbuilding center as a gateway to Alaska during the Klondike Gold Rush. Growth after World War II was partially due to the local Boeing company, which established Seattle as a center for aircraft manufacturing. The Seattle area developed into a technology center from the 1980s onwards with companies like Microsoft becoming established in the region; Microsoft founder Bill Gates is a Seattleite by birth. Internet retailer Amazon was founded in Seattle in 1994, and major airline Alaska Airlines is based in SeaTac, Washington, serving Seattle’s international airport, Seattle–Tacoma International Airport. The stream of new software, biotechnology, and Internet companies led to an economic revival, which increased the city’s population by almost 100,000 between 1990 and 2020. Seattle also has a significant musical history. Between 1918 and 1951, nearly two dozen jazz nightclubs existed along Jackson Street, from the current Chinatown/International District to the Central District. The jazz scene nurtured the early careers of Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Ernestine Anderson, and others. Seattle is also the birthplace of rock musician Jimi Hendrix, as well as the origin of the bands Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Foo Fighters, and the alternative rock movement grunge.

 

Seattle has become well known as a technology hub, and this has brought with it many other challenges facing growing cities. Traffic can go from pretty bad to terrible in just a few minutes. Due to the many bodies of water, the traffic routes are limited. Thankfully, the city is implementing the Light Rail system which reaches from the North Seattle, all the way to Sea Tac Airport. Additionally, tech companies are allowing more work from home choices–most likely for two reasons: to keep their talent, and to help alleviate the commute times.

 

Affordability is an issue, like many other cities. The ability to have a flexible work schedule and variable office hours will help to avoid getting stuck in our traffic!

 

If you’re a food lover, you’re in luck! Seattle is home to many fantastic restaurants. High-end would be Canlis, Aqua & El Gaucho. If you’re looking for something great for date night try Terra-Plata where you can enjoy the fine culinary creations of nationally recognized Chef Tamara Murphy. For those craving southern fusion check out recently recognized by James Beard, Chef Kristi Brown at Communion.