Can a midwest girl survive and thrive in Seattle?

[Biciclista]

it is pretty grey here in the winter. But we come to love our (normal) winters here because you can ride all winter. (this winter has been very different, it's been colder than normal and very snowy)

I don't have any trouble with SADD, but many people do. You'll find a lot of TE friends here already waiting for you here in Seattle.

[cobalt]

Thanks Bici, that's really nice to hear!

Do you have a lot of hills or is it flatter? We have flat with some small hills. I am so bad at hills but I suppose that comes with practice.

My daughter and brand new son-in-law just called and while they were looking at Chicago, they are not also looking at Austin, Seattle and San Francisco. We lived in San Jose so I know that I am not going to San Fran. but we might end up on the same coast which would be nice.

[salsabike]

I love it here. I love the weather, including the winters which are typically 40 degrees-ish and grey, with occasional sun. I ride all year round. I find the cool winters invigorating and the non-humid summers a true pleasure. Honest. I couldn't be happier. I grew up in Albany NY so am well acquainted with hot humid summers and frigid 5-month long snowy/icy winters. That's why I'm here.

PS We have LOTS of hills. You'll build the skills.

[Drtgirl]

Hi, I'm a midwest gal (Michigan) and have lived in Seattle for almost 5 years now. Whether you like the pacific northwest or not depends on your personal preferences. Honestly, I can't wait to move out of here. I like warm weather and the *few* weeks we have in the summer is not enough for me.

The riding is much better here than the midwest. Yes, you can ride all year-if you have fenders and raingear! It can be quite hilly in spots but there are also flat rides too. You can also find tons of people to ride with- Seattle is a very bike-friendly town.

PM me if you have any questions.

[cobalt]

I woke to find more help, you are the best, thanks!

I don't like the sun, I hide from it and once it's over 75 I want fall to come. So, that is why Austin is scary to me and Seattle not so scary. Once we zero in on job possibilities I'll have a better idea of where we might be going.

We turned 50 a day apart and just decided that we didn't want to wait til we were 65 to make a move. It's nice to take charge after being moved so many times with my husband's company. We both work full time so I love the idea of taking things down a few notches, smaller house, more biking etc.

I will have lots of questions in the coming months, thanks so much.

[solobiker]

You will have to let me know what you think. DH and I moved away from cold and grey northwestern NY winters to the great state of CO. We have been out here for about 13 years and love it, but we miss the water. When we moved out here our 2nd choice was Washington. I am not sure if I could handle the lack of sun. But being near water again would be great.Good luck.