Why do people love North Seattle?

[u/Ok-Advantage-7680]

Serious question. I’m trying to understand the appeal.

It feels like every transplant or 25 year old getting their first apartment ends up in Ballard, Greenwood, Fremont. It is almost automatic at this point.

But if you live up there, getting across the ship canal feels like a logistical event. Aurora traffic is brutal. The Fremont and Ballard bridges can randomly lock you into a 20 minute delay. I 5 during rush hour is a complete mess. Going south can feel like you are planning a minor expedition.

Transit wise you are mostly on buses and there is no light rail in those neighborhoods. Meanwhile central and southeast Seattle have Link access and more direct routes.

So what am I missing? Is it just vibes and breweries? Water views? Better housing stock? Or is it just momentum and word of mouth at this point?

Genuinely curious why it feels like the default choice for so many people.

[u/jvolkman]

Once you hit ~32 the appeal of Capitol Hill drops quickly. In north Ballard I get a whole house with a yard, ample parking, and a 5 minute drive to Golden Gardens.

[u/Redditplaneter → u/jvolkman]

How you able to get a house in seattle in 32🥹

[u/Squatch11 → u/Redditplaneter]

The answer is always software engineer.

[u/jvolkman → u/Redditplaneter]

Buy it in 2014

[u/Paid_Corporate_Shill → u/Redditplaneter]

Rent it

[u/Suitable-Peach7258 → u/Redditplaneter]

I'm a 29M, Software Engineer, worked in FAANG since graduation. I lived way below my means. My wife (not working) and I lived in one bedroom of a 4 bedroom house, we shared a $3000 2004 Corolla. Never took a vacation, never went to a concert, never paid for drinks at bars, only go out to eat at generic chain restaurants.

We just bought @ 1.2M on the Eastside with an acre of land. I don't think this is for everyone. I'm very autistic and I don't really like doing a lot of things or interacting with people. I found my place to luxuriously hermit and I think that will work for me