Expat's Guide To The Best Seattle Suburbs To Move To

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Expat’s Guide To The Best Seattle Suburbs To Move To

Moving to a new city like Seattle can be nerve-racking, especially for expats who have to deal with complex moving logistics and tons of paperwork on top of finding the right location and property to call home. So, to ease this process, we’ll explore the best Seattle suburbs that cater to various lifestyles and preferences. We will also take into account community vibes and amenities so you can make an informed decision.

Why Magnolia Might Be Your Ideal Retreat

Magnolia is located northwest of downtown Seattle and is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its panoramic views of Puget Sound and majestic Mount Rainier, this place offers a picturesque setting. So, if you are craving natural beauty, this is the right place for you. Beyond its stunning vistas, Magnolia also has a friendly community where neighbors become friends and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. The neighborhood’s small-town charm is evident in its quaint streets lined with local shops and cafes. In addition, access to Discovery Park, one of Seattle’s largest urban parks, further enhances Magnolia’s allure, providing endless outdoor recreation and exploration opportunities.

Seattle offers a lot of opportunities for any profession

Beyond the City Limits: Discovering Bellevue’s Appeal

Situated just east of Seattle, Bellevue will impress you with its busy urban center and diverse cultural offerings. Renowned for its stable economy and active downtown, Bellevue exudes an energy that attracts residents from all walks of life. Families are drawn to the city’s top-rated schools and safe, family-friendly neighborhoods. Also, professionals appreciate the abundance of job opportunities in industries ranging from technology to healthcare. Next, Bellevue’s cosmopolitan atmosphere is complemented by its wealth of recreational amenities, including parks, shopping centers, and dining establishments. Thus, expats seeking a dynamic yet welcoming community will find themselves right at home in Bellevue.

Unlocking the Best Seattle Suburbs: Why Redmond Stands Out

Redmond is often hailed as one of the best Seattle suburbs. This place will captivate you with its unique combination of innovation and community spirit. Situated on the east side of Lake Washington, Redmond is renowned as the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.” It has a bike-friendly environment and a strong sense of camaraderie among residents. Also, it is home to tech giants like Microsoft, offering ample job opportunities in the technology sector. As such, it is a magnet for professionals in the industry. In addition, Redmond’s prosperous downtown area beckons with its eclectic mix of shops. There are also lots of restaurants and entertainment venues, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.

Because of its prosperity, Redmond is one of the best Seattle suburbs for living.

Shoreline Might be Perfect for You

Shoreline is an exceptional choice for expats due to several key advantages tailored to enhance their living experience. Firstly, the city’s picturesque waterfront setting offers homeowners stunning viewsof Puget Sound and provides easy access to various water-based activities, creating a lifestyle that combines tranquility with adventure. Also, due to its affordability, Shoreline can be a perfect place for any expat looking to become a homeowner.

In addition, if you plan to call Shoreline your new home, plenty of professionals can help you relocate. However, you should engage movers in Shoreline that also offer cost-competitive shipping solutions. As such, you can let the moving company handle the complex logistics of international shipping of large items.

Edmonds: A Culinary Gem on the Puget Sound

Situated along the shores of Puget Sound, Edmonds isn’t just a scenic retreat. It’s also a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. Edmonds offers a delightful array of dining options that showcase the region’s bounty. From cozy cafes serving artisanal pastries to waterfront restaurants specializing in fresh seafood, the city’s culinary scene reflects a commitment to quality and innovation. Also, you can enjoy farm-to-table fares, international cuisine, and everything in between, all while taking in the stunning views of the Sound. With its emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and creative culinary talent, Edmonds invites food enthusiasts to embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.

The Emerald City will stun you with its beauty

Mercer Island: Island Living with City Convenience

Mercer Island, nestled in the heart of Lake Washington, offers expats a unique island lifestyle with all the conveniences of city living. Surrounded by the lake’s shimmering waters, Mercer Island has a tranquil and scenic setting that feels worlds away from the urban hustle and bustle. Residents enjoy access to waterfront parks, hiking trails, and panoramic city skyline views. Also, despite its island status, Mercer Island is just a short drive or ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, providing residents with easy access to urban amenities and cultural attractions. Expats looking to move will find Mercer Island an ideal destination to call home.

Kirkland: Where Affordability Meets Quality Living

Located along the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland offers residents a unique combination of affordability and quality living. Despite its prime location and fun atmosphere, Kirkland remains accessible to a diverse range of homeowners. With various housing options, from cozy apartments to spacious family homes, Kirkland caters to different budgets without compromising on the quality of life, and that’s why many choose to move here.

Conclusion

Seattle is an ideal destination for expats, offering a diverse and welcoming environment catering to unique needs and preferences. With its colorful cultural scene, stunning natural landscapes, and expanding job market, this city provides expats with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether seeking urban excitement or suburban tranquility, choose one of the best Seattle suburbs to move to.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.