Advice for a transplant
 

What's up every1.

Born n' raised in Jersey but have been in South Florida for the past 9 years. I'm about to move to the Seattle area in a few weeks, still not sure of which area but most likely West Seattle.

Anyhow, just looking for advice on how to take care of my car, where to and where not to drive. I see most folks in the area drive the speed limit, is that true ? Johnny Law tough on speeders ?

Anyhow, can't wait to get myself behind the wheel and on some Pacific asphalt.... Florida driving sucks, two main highways, shi- load of traffic and and wayyyyyy to many old farts clogging the road.

http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/e...t?oid=21567038

http://www.kpluwonders.org/content/w...e-so-hard-melt

http://www.seattlerex.com/the-worst-...-dissertation/

Dont:

1. Drive anywhere. Seriously. That's what the city wants. That's what a portion of the city's inhabitants want. That's what will keep you out of traffic.
2. Try to drive across the West Seattle Bridge into Seattle any time between 7:00AM and 9:00AM.
3. Drive more than 10mph over the speed limit.
4. Expect people to move out of the way if you're driving faster than them.

Do:

1. Buy coffee three times a day, every day.
2. Wear a turtle neck and hipster glasses.
3. Avoid Bellevue traffic anytime between 12:00AM and 11:59PM.
4. Attend the monthly 86 Sessions meet.

When I drove in Seattle. It sucked. It's not really a lowered car friendly environment. Traffic sucks.

I dunno about the hipster glasses and turtlenecks but what Locust said x1000.

Oh, watch out for Prii (Priuses?) and Smart fourtwos. Pretty much self explanatory there...

West Seattle is a good area, nice decision. You'll have fun with the back roads here in Washington. :)

In addition of Priuses.... Watch out for Bicyclists........... they don't look for you. You have to look for them and they are everywhere.

Stay away from Kent, you must never go there. Or any of the outskirts for that matter. lol.

Watch out for camera at school zone. you have to go under 20MPH. Even if you over only 1 mile i.e 21mph. You will get a ticket in the mail with picture of your car as proof.

A Liverpool fan! :thumbup:

West Seattle is tucked up into a corner against the water.
Nowhere to go except through the city to get to the mountain roads.

Should probably determine where you will be working first, then try to find a spot on the outskirts close as possible to work.
Driving from one end of town to the other and back every day will definitely turn you into a morose moss covered hipster.

YNWA :cheers:

yeah downtown seattle isn't the most lowered car friendly place, but i've enjoyed some easy going night cruises around the city. Def check out Alki beach, def check out some great driving roads we have (joins seattle cars and coffee facebook group) and slythen on here has a group he likes to run with. make sure to try the seafood, try some street fare, check out the EMP museum and totally come out to our eightsix sessions run by @HATED1 and his short and fiery second in command @Missy

also, don't ever cross missy. you will end up in a body bag.

Thanks for all of the info everyone, much appreciated.

How about parking... I really don't want nor sure if I can afford a $200 a month charge to park in a garage. How safe is street parking ? I know the usual pitfalls of dings and scratches may come from parking on the street but are break ins and theft that bad ?

Also... how is the White City area ? The most affordable places to live I see are around there but the stories I've read makes it seem to be full of lowlife's ?

I'll fudge you up yo..

Parking in West Seattle is ok. Never had trouble with street parking. Just don't leave shiny things in your car and you should be ok (rule applies to any part of the country).

You mean White Center? I've switched between White Center/South Park area all my life. Honestly, its not as bad as it seems. However, I never walk around at night. That's when incidents could happen. Make sure you lock your doors and all that jazz. If you want more peace of mind, stick with West Seattle. That's why its a bit more expensive :P

If you wish, I can show you around the immediate area once you make the move here. Pretty much know the place like the back of my hand.