Best New York City to Seattle Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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New York City to Seattle Movers

Moving from the bustling streets of the Big Apple to the tech-infused, coffee-loving atmosphere of Seattle is an exhilarating chapter waiting to unfold in your life. Leaving behind New York City's iconic skyline for Seattle’s majestic Mount Rainier and vibrant Pike Place Market symbolizes more than a change of address; it's a journey into a contrasting cultural and environmental landscape. Recognizing the magnitude of this coast-to-coast relocation, it's crucial to entrust your move to professional movers who stand out for their reliability and excellence, ensuring your peace of mind during this significant transition.

New York iconArrow iconWashington icon

Best New York City to Seattle Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
JP Urban Moving9.85A+Authorized For HHGContact
Metropolis Moving9.72A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Flex Moving and Storage9.68NRAuthorized For Property, HHGContact
Seattle Moves & More9.54A+Authorized For HHGContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.33NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Seattle to New York City guide.

5 Best New York City to Seattle Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

JP Urban Moving Logo
Exceptional9.85/10
based on 4,145+ data points

About JP Urban Moving

JP Urban Moving is a small family-owned business in Brooklyn with over 15 years of experience. Its goal is always to give you the best custo...Read More >>

Services

  • Local NYC Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving, Business Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2096754 / 882954

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved120,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Metropolis Moving Logo
Exceptional9.72/10
based on 2,535+ data points

About Metropolis Moving

Metropolis Moving is a top-rated, licensed, and insured Brooklyn mover serving the greater Tri-State area, including all of Long Island and ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Commercial moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2781573 / 926286

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved96,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Flex Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,380+ data points

About Flex Moving and Storage

With its domicile in Astoria, New York, Flex Moving and Storage carries a decade long European establishment. The company's range of service...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Long distance moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3610638 / 1229716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
S
Exceptional9.54/10
based on 1,243+ data points

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 1,571+ data points

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

New York City vs. Seattle Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've compared the most popular neighborhoods in New York City, NY & Seattle, WA, highlighting their similarities. This guide aims to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using what you already know as a baseline.

New York CitySeattleHow They're Similar
Upper East SideQueen AnneHistoric homes, arts scene
WilliamsburgBallardVibrant nightlife, indie shops
SoHoCapitol HillFashionable, eclectic mix
Greenwich VillageFremontBohemian vibe, arts community
MidtownDowntown SeattleUrban center, shopping
ChelseaBelltownTrendy eateries, galleries
Financial DistrictPioneer SquareRich history, architecture
HarlemColumbia CityDiverse community, cultural events
TribecaMadronaUpscale, peaceful neighborhood
Lower East SideGreenwoodEclectic bars, vintage shops

For those who are drawn to the artistic and historic charm of New York City's Greenwich Village, Seattle's Fremont could be your new favorite spot. Known as "The Center of the Universe" by locals, Fremont offers a mix of quirky shops, artisanal eats, and a range of outdoor sculptures like the famous Fremont Troll. Similarly, if the upscale and bustling vibe of SoHo is what you’re leaving behind, you'll find Capitol Hill in Seattle teeming with fashion-forward boutiques, live music venues, and an impressive array of dining options. Another notable comparison is between NYC’s Financial District and Seattle’s Pioneer Square, where the convergence of old and new creates a unique charm, grounded in rich history and modern urban activities. In Pioneer Square, you can explore the underground city tour or enjoy the contemporary art galleries, paralleling the diverse experiences found in NYC's dynamic neighborhoods.

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Things to Do in Seattle

  • Visit the Space Needle for iconic city views.
  • Explore Pike Place Market's unique shops.
  • Relax at Green Lake Park.
  • Discover art at Seattle Art Museum.
  • Enjoy a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island.
  • Watch a Mariners baseball game at T-Mobile Park.
  • Hike in Mount Rainier National Park.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York City to Seattle

Moving from New York City, NY to Seattle, WA is a significant life decision that comes with its unique set of advantages and drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection between New York City, NY and Seattle, WA , highlighting both the good and bad attributes of this relocation. Understanding these aspects will help you make an informed decision suited to your lifestyle and preferences.

CONs
PROs
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • High living costs
  • Intense hustle
  • Less green space
  • Noisy environment
  • Harsh winters
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • More affordable housing
  • Relaxed pace
  • Abundant nature
  • Quieter surroundings
  • Milder climate
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • Less nightlife
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Car-dependent areas
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Emerging food scene
New York City, NY iconNew York City, NY
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse culture
  • Public transport hub
  • Iconic landmarks
  • Richer dining scene

When relocating from New York City to Seattle, you'll trade the buzzing streets and the unmatched skyline of New York for the lush, expansive landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Seattle, known for its vibrant tech scene, offers a balance between urban living and nature, with places like Green Lake, Discovery Park, and the adjacent Puget Sound providing ample recreation. The city's burgeoning food scene, with spots like Pike Place Market and Canlis, although not as diverse as New York's, promises rewarding culinary explorations. Seattle's milder climate also allows for year-round outdoor activities, something that's harder to come by in New York's extreme seasons. While you might miss NYC's ubiquitous subway and its cultural melting pot, Seattle offers a different kind of charm with its laid-back pace, tech-forward environment, and close-knit communities.

New York City vs. Seattle Food Guide

Food isn't just nourishment; it's a vital part of local culture and living experience. In this guide, we'll explore the comparison of the local cuisine between New York City & Seattle to help you get a taste of what your new home has to offer.

New York CitySeattle
Most iconic local food itemBagelsSalmon
Most popular meat dishNew York Strip SteakTeriyaki
Most popular street food itemPizza SlicesHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegan BagelsVegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Per Se
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving to Seattle from New York City, you'll notice distinct differences in the local cuisine that reflect each city's cultural and geographic idiosyncrasies. Seattle takes pride in its fresh seafood, particularly salmon, which can be savored in various restaurants along the waterfront or in iconic markets like Pike Place. The city's Asian influence shines through its most popular meat dish - Teriyaki, offering a unique twist compared to NYC's famed New York Strip Steak. Seattle's rising vegan scene, highlighted by offerings like vegan pho, can be explored in neighborhoods such as Capitol Hill and Fremont. Iconic spots like Canlis offer an upscale dining experience with breathtaking views, while Salumi delivers a more casual craft meat experience, showcasing the city's diverse and rich food scene.

New York City vs. Seattle Restaurant Comparison

Relocating to a new city can often feel like starting over, but finding familiar flavors can make the transition far smoother. Whether you're moving from New York City to Seattle, this restaurant comparison will guide you towards your new favorite eateries, echoing your old haunts back in the Big Apple.

New York CitySeattleWhat You'll Love
Le BernardinCanlisUpscale dining with meticulous attention to service and quality
Di Fara PizzaDelanceyAuthentic New York-style pizza with high-quality ingredients
Katz's DelicatessenGoldberg's Famous DelicatessenClassic Jewish deli experience
Joe's ShanghaiDin Tai FungRenowned for soup dumplings and traditional Chinese cuisine
CarboneIl Terrazzo CarmineAuthentic Italian fine dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere
Shake ShackDick's Drive-InIconic burgers, shakes, and fries with a cult following
Per SeThe HerbfarmA dining experience emphasizing seasonal local ingredients with a fixed-menu
Sylvia's RestaurantJuneBabySouthern cuisine with a focus on heritage and soul food
Russ & DaughtersBar MelusineNotable for its seafood and bright, welcoming atmosphere
Momofuku Noodle BarTroveUnique fusion of noodles and Korean BBQ techniques

When the craving for a slice of the Big Apple hits, Seattle's Delancey is your go-to, bringing authentic New York-style pizza across the country, with dough that's carefully fermented and ingredients sourced for maximum flavor. For those special occasions or simply to treat oneself, Canlis mirrors the sophistication and culinary excellence of Le Bernardin, emphasizing not just food but the overall dining experience. Meanwhile, JuneBaby and Sylvia's Restaurant offer a comforting embrace to those missing the heartwarming soul food of Harlem. If it's the diverse flavors of international cuisine you're after, both cities have you covered—from the soup dumplings of Din Tai Fung echoing Joe's Shanghai to the refined Italian dishes at Il Terrazzo Carmine reminiscent of Carbone's classic charm. These establishments not only provide familiar tastes but also serve as gateways to each city's unique culinary scene.

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Ready to start your move?

New York City vs. Seattle Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when considering a move. This comparison aims to elucidate how New York City and Seattle stand in terms of housing, walkability, and urban lifestyle, providing a clearer picture of what to expect from each city.

ComparisonNew York CitySeattle
Typical Architecture StyleArt Deco, ModernCraftsman, Contemporary
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to subway, views of the city, luxury amenitiesGreen space proximity, mountain views, eco-friendly features

While both New York City and Seattle boast dynamic urban lifestyles, the finer points of their real estate landscapes present a fascinating contrast. NYC, with its iconic art deco and modern skyscrapers, emphasizes luxury amenities and the classic hustle and bustle, making every square foot count, especially with views that overlook the city’s vast skyline. Seattle, on the other hand, champions the Craftsman and contemporary styles, where the emphasis lies in harmonizing with the environment. This includes proximity to green spaces and incorporating eco-friendly features, aligning with the city’s more laid-back yet environmentally conscious vibe. The difference in median home prices and rent reflects the market’s response to these urban paradigms, encapsulating the distinct characters of these two metropolitan hubs.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA

1. Ballard: With its numerous off-leash dog parks, Ballard is ideal for your furry friends to run free and socialize.

2. Green Lake: Known for the pet-friendly Green Lake Park, you and your pet will enjoy the scenic 2.8-mile trail and ample green space for play.

3. Queen Anne: This neighborhood is packed with pet-friendly cafes and shops, plus it offers easy access to Kinnear Park's off-leash area, making it a perfect spot for pet owners.

New York City vs. Seattle Weather Considerations

When considering a move from one city to another, understanding the variation in weather conditions is essential. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather in New York City and Seattle will contrast, providing you with insights on what to expect. Whether you're curious about sunshine days, annual rainfall, or air quality, this guide has got you covered.

Summer icon
85°F / 66°F

New York City, NY

75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
39°F / 26°F

New York City, NY

47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
49.9

New York City, NY

37.5

Seattle, WA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
25.8

New York City, NY

4.6

Seattle, WA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNew York CitySeattle
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In moving from New York City to Seattle, you will notice a distinct difference in weather patterns, particularly concerning sunshine and precipitation. Seattle experiences fewer days of sunshine annually but has milder summers and warmer winters compared to New York City. Although NYC sees higher overall rainfall, Seattle's reputation as a rainy city is due to its more frequent, yet lighter, showers. Also, while NYC battles more with air pollutants due to higher population density, Seattle offers better air quality on average. Understanding these distinctions will help you adjust and plan for your relocation smoothly.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from New York City to Seattle

When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the financial landscapes of both locations. This comparison will help you understand how your financial health might change. Moving from New York City, NY to Seattle, WA involves significant adjustments in cost of living , taxation , and income levels .

ComparisonNew York CitySeattle
Avg. Household Income$67,997$110,781
Cost of Living Index185.8121.4
State Income Tax4% to 8.82%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.88%0.99%
Avg. Sales Tax8.875%10.1%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, RetailTechnology, Aerospace, Maritime
AffluenceHighVery High
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighSignificant

While the average household income is notably higher in Seattle compared to New York City, the cost of living is as well, marked by a cost of living index that exceeds the national average by a significant margin in both cities. Notably, Washington state does not impose a state income tax, which could be a financial boon for those moving from New York. However, this advantage might be offset by higher sales and property taxes in Seattle. The top industries in Seattle are more tech and manufacturing-focused, reflecting the city's evolving job market and potential for high-income opportunities in these sectors.

New York City vs. Seattle Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from New York City, NY to Seattle, WA , it's helpful to take a quick glance at the essential differences in the political and religious makeup of both cities. This comparison provides you with a snapshot of what to expect in terms of the typical ideologies and beliefs of the residents.

New York CitySeattle
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic leaningLiberal/Democratic leaning
Local PoliticsFocus on social justice, housing, and public transportation initiativesEnvironmental sustainability, social justice, and tech industry regulation
ReligionDiverse religious populationLess religiously affiliated overall

Both New York City and Seattle are characterized by their liberal/Democratic leanings, which reflects in their local politics and the issues that resonate with their residents. However, while New York emphasizes housing and public transportation initiatives, Seattle is particularly focused on environmental sustainability alongside social justice. This focus in Seattle is intertwined with the city's significant tech presence, lobbying for responsible tech industry practices. New York's religious diversity reflects its larger population and extensive immigrant history, whereas Seattle stands out for having a higher percentage of residents who identify as secular or unaffiliated with any religion. This could influence your experience of community and social values in both locations.

New York City vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Embarking on a move from New York City, NY to Seattle, WA? This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between New York City & Seattle will help you understand what to expect from your daily commute and navigate through traffic more efficiently.

ComparisonNew York CitySeattle
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)4128
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?YesIt's tougher but possible

While New York City has a much higher average commute time and significantly more traffic congestion, it also boasts unparalleled public transit availability, making it possible to live comfortably without a car. In contrast, Seattle offers a relatively easier drive with lower congestion levels and shorter commute times, but lags in public transit options compared to New York. This means while you can still manage without a car in Seattle, it might not be as convenient as in NYC. Each city presents a unique commuting experience, shaped significantly by its infrastructure and geographic layout.

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