The Emerald City is a glorious gem nestled between the Olympic Cascade Mountain Ranges. It is a city defined by water. No, not the rain. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always raining in Seattle -- it actually rains more in Atlanta, Boston, Miami, and New York. The water that defines Seattle are the rivers, lakes and canals that adorn the city's steep green hills, creating communities of distinction all along the water's edge. From floating homes to stately mansions, funky fishing boats to posh yacht clubs -- all exist side by side.
Magazines including "Fortune" and "Money" rate Seattle as one of the best places to live and work in America. It's also a great place to go to school. The educational opportunities for four-year schools and graduate programs include Antioch University Seattle, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, and the University of Washington. Two-year schools include the Art Institute of Seattle and the North Seattle, Seattle Central, Shoreline, and South Seattle community colleges.
The city is a blend of urban sophistication and easygoing charm with access to spectacular outdoor recreation. Whether your passion is fishing, boating, skiing, hiking or golfing, it's all within a short drive from Seattle. Don't want to leave the city? No worries! You'll find plenty of parks, hiking trails, bike paths, golf courses, tennis courts, boating clubs, and fitness clubs all within the city limits.
So, what makes Seattle so great? The people. Visitors say everyone here is "very nice", but the answer to why Seattle is so great is more complex than that. It's about diversity.
The city has a vibrant and diverse ethnic mix and the rich cultures and communities that arise from this wonderful diversity contribute greatly to Seattle's charm. It's also about Seattle's unique culture of pioneers. Ours is a prime geographic location poised at the brink of global trade. Starbucks, Boeing, Microsoft, PACCAR trucks, Nordstrom, Nintendo -- these are just a few of the local companies that have become successful global icons for quality and service.
Seattle is also a wonderful city for the arts and has become a major cultural center. The Emerald City is home to 29 professional theater companies, 56 fringe theater companies, 15 symphony orchestras, five art museums, 190 galleries and more glassblowing studios than any other city except Venice, Italy! If you like professional spectator sports, Seattle has teams for your every interest -- the Mariners for baseball, the Supersonics for basketball, the Seahawks for football and the Thunderbirds for ice hockey. Are you a fan of horse racing? Emerald Downs is just a short drive from the city. Did I miss anything? Ah, boating! Known as the world's boating capital with mile after mile of shoreline, Seattle has more boat owners per capita than anywhere else in the nation. Whether you like to yacht, motor, sail, or kayak, it's all here.
Wondering about the weather? If you don't like extreme heat or cold, Seattle is perfect. The average daily temperature runs between 44-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Yes, there are many days where the skies are misty and gray, but we also get our fair share of sun. And when we do, Seattleites become even "nicer"! The climate has a distinct impact on the Seattle culture. The Emerald City's overcast days and long winter nights have made it a haven for film lovers and book readers. Hollywood often tests films in Seattle and residents' per-capita book purchases are among the country's highest.
Seattle is a unique and exciting visitor destination as well as a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts, book lovers and movie buffs. No visit to the Emerald City is complete without wandering about Seattle's first neighborhood, Pioneer Square. The heart of Seattle, this National Historic District features over twenty city blocks of historic buildings, over thirty galleries, some of the city's best restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
North of Pioneer Square and just above the waterfront, is the country's oldest continually operating farmers market. Since 1907, Pike Place Market has been a Seattle favorite. It's a maze that will amaze! There's floor after floor and booth after booth of fresh seafood, flying fish, fresh cut flowers, produce, baked goods, and crafts. Local street performers, artists, and musicians further enhance this sensory wonderland.
Other not-to-be-missed major attractions include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Experience Music Project (EMP), Chinatown - International District, Seattle Aquarium, Pacific Science Center, Space Needle, Washington Arboretum, and the Woodland Park Zoo. Harbor tours where you can see homes of the rich and famous, Seattle's houseboat community, or the Locks are easily available and run year-round, rain or shine.
Seattle is everything you've ever heard about it and more. If you haven't been here, come. If you live here, be grateful. And if you're moving here, remember to "Stick with Stone" for your real estate needs. You'll be glad you did.
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