7 ms·

I have no insight into Seattle. This is a genuine honest question. Why is Seattle growing? The news appears to illustrate it as a drug infested homeless encampm

I have no insight into Seattle. This is a genuine honest question. Why is Seattle growing? The news appears to illustrate it as a drug infested homeless encampment. The Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone and the related killings did not help that narrative. So honest question, what's really going on there?

jshmrsn 3y ago
Amazon is based in Seattle, Microsoft is based nearby. Google, Apple, Facebook, etc. all setup offices there as a result. There’s a concentration of wealth, talent, and offspring startups.
- wonderwonder 3y ago
  Thank you for an unemotional, factual response, much appreciated.
coding123 3y ago
That is exactly what I saw when I drove through.
seattleman 3y ago
It's a beautiful city with a temperate climate, nearby mountains and ocean, thriving arts and music scenes, good schools, sports, unique and walkable neighborhoods, and a bunch of other things that people look for when they decide where they want to put down roots. Yes, there is a drug problem, and parts of the city are quite bad, but if you walked around Capitol Hill today you'd probably enjoy yourself and feel quite safe!
- deleted 3y ago
  [deleted]
panarky 3y ago
When you find that your news sources don't match what's actually happening in the real world, it's time to check on the agenda of those news sources. It's also a good idea to look at macro trends and not get distracted by anecdotes with high emotional or political payloads. My experience: A desirable place to live. Mild climate, beautiful scenery, a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities, top-ranked universities. A growing job market. The job market in Seattle is growing rapidly, with a number of new businesses and industries opening up in the area. This has created a lot of new job opportunities, which has attracted people from all over the country and the world. A strong transportation system. Seattle has a well-developed transportation system, which makes it easy for people to get around the city without a car. The city has a light rail system, a bus system, and an extensive network of bike paths and trails. A vibrant arts and culture scene. Seattle has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of museums, theaters, and concert halls. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Seattle culture is welcoming and accepting, attracting people from all over the world. This diversity creates a rich cultural tapestry that can be found in the city's restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods.
- wonderwonder 3y ago
  I mean Capitol Hill really was seized and people were killed and stores were looted. Crime really is escalating along with the homeless population. Plus there is a drug issue. So the news I am consuming is not the issue. Thus the answer is that in spite of these things the city is growing, hence my question. No need to lob insults in some sort of misguided political crusade. Thanks!
  - dghlsakjg 3y ago
    You keep citing a protest from more than three years ago and a trend of rising crime and homelessness that is affecting Seattle, as well as almost every major city in America. It seems like you aren’t actually curious why people move to Seattle, and just want to believe what you already think you know. The person responding to you had not a hint of personal attack or insult, they merely pointed out that your news did not match reality. It is a good idea to evaluate your sources if that is what is happening.
    - wonderwonder 3y ago
      If you look at the comment I was responding to, they posted in an attacking manner. I was responding to that. I agree it was 3 years ago, but all those people likely still live there and it was a pretty damn big deal. Several city blocks were seized and lawless. So again I clearly communicated that this is what the news I saw was conveying and then asked for the reasons it was growing as this is all the info I have. No idea why everyone is incredibly insulted that I asked a question.
      - seanmcdirmid 3y ago
        > but all those people likely still live there and it was a pretty damn big deal You aren't going to get much sympathy for your position from those people who lives in Capitol Hill, they tend to be very young and very left in their ideology. Yes, FoxNews showed that picture of the teleporting guy with the gun (before they started marking such pictures as illustration), and yes, the homicide rate was slightly above average during the CHAZ. Most of us who live in Seattle never actually experienced it (I didn't), and when I finally got around to visiting Capitol Hill during the pandemic, it was long over and a perfectly normal place (albeit with slightly more restaurants closed).
sedev 3y ago
The news is wrong. Especially about the CHAZ. Source: live here.
dghlsakjg 3y ago
The news you are getting is wrong is the simplest explanation. It has a homeless problem, just like every large city in America, maybe worse than some, definitely better than some. The CHAZ was a protest 3 years ago. That area is now basically indistinguishable from before, which is to say that it is a counterculture hotspot in the city, but still very safe. There are two colleges within a block of where the CHAZ was that are thriving, and it is a great place for shopping, a night out, seeing a show, etc. It is a city where housing is much more affordable than many parts of California, but you can still get access to major career opportunities. There are beaches in the city, and skiing, hiking, glaciers, etc within an hour or two. The cultural scene is thriving. People think that big lefty cities are dangerous without having ever been there. If I asked you which of the following cities has a higher murder rate than Chicago which would you select: Cleveland, Las Vegas or Kansas City. The answer is all of them have a murder rate 30% higher than chicago. The point is that the news likes to pick on certain places, but you should look to more reliable sources.
- wonderwonder 3y ago
  If the question was "Which city has the most murders", the answer is Chicago... by a lot. So you can use the numbers to paint whatever picture you like.
  - dghlsakjg 3y ago
    Yes Chicago has the most murders, but in the real world the denominator matters, and we both know that. You asked your question claiming it was “genuine and honest” but you are hitting talking points in your reply to my comment and others that line up with a very specific agenda. I rather doubt it is coincidence. Please stop trolling.
    - wonderwonder 3y ago
      Friend, I honesty was not trolling. Look at the posts to which I responded. All of them appear emotionally unstable and outraged that I would dare ask a question that mentioned some of the advertised negatives about their city and then asked what positives are clearly out weighing these negatives as the city is growing. By the same token, you seem upset that your witty trick question about murder rates is upended by the fact that through sheer weight of numbers, Chicago dominates. No matter how you choose to look at it. I am responding very forcefully to banal and mindless attacks from people that just don't want to answer my question in the spirit it was intended. Look through the replies. So far out of a dozen, only one answered unemotionally and logically. edit: 2 now
seanmcdirmid 3y ago
As a Seattle resident, I'm all for bad news discouraging growth. Unfortunately, I can't convince out-of-towners that it rains 400 days a year here and that all the sidewalks are filled with fentanyl tents. Seriously though, Seattle has its problems. We really should fully staff the police department, throw more people into jail (before they kill someone), and just enforce laws on shoplifting and such. That being said, it is still a very nice place to live, and in spite of its problems is still a top tier city compared to other cities in the USA (but you never heard that from me, read the first paragraph).
- wonderwonder 3y ago
  lol, I did forget about the rain. I've always though Seattle must have great suburbs with the wealth and climate. Is crime something you see a lot of down town, or if you are not looking you really dont notice?
  - seanmcdirmid 3y ago
    Seattle has an above average property crime rate and a below average violent crime rate. This is always how it has been, since my parents met in the city in 1960s, at least. First, Capitol Hill isn't really downtown, it is off to the side I rarely go there unless I have to go to a hospital or something (and even then, that is more first hill). So when you mention Capitol Hill, you aren't really talking about downtown. As for Downtown, it has a lot of unhoused neighbors (think Skid Row in LA), but that was true in the mid-90s when I worked at 3rd and Pine McDonalds (aka Crack-donalds, residents will know the place). They don't do anything, you are more likely to experience property crime in Ballard or Capitol Hill then anything in downtown (well, that isn't completely true, a lot of unhoused people are victims in crime to other unhoused people in downtown, but other people are mostly unaffected). Downtown is also full of cruise ship tourists these days, and the market, which again, you won't notice much crime if you ever need to go there at all (which you don't need to go there, since there isn't much there for residents anymore). You do see people shoplifting at Target a lot though, the security guards will just watch them as they walk out with a bunch of stuff (Downtown is a bit better on this now, but I saw someone walk out with stuff at the Ballard Target the other day, Ballard being nowhere near downtown).

jshmrsn 3y ago

Amazon is based in Seattle, Microsoft is based nearby. Google, Apple, Facebook, etc. all setup offices there as a result. There’s a concentration of wealth, talent, and offspring startups.

wonderwonder 3y ago
Thank you for an unemotional, factual response, much appreciated.

coding123 3y ago

That is exactly what I saw when I drove through.

seattleman 3y ago

It's a beautiful city with a temperate climate, nearby mountains and ocean, thriving arts and music scenes, good schools, sports, unique and walkable neighborhoods, and a bunch of other things that people look for when they decide where they want to put down roots. Yes, there is a drug problem, and parts of the city are quite bad, but if you walked around Capitol Hill today you'd probably enjoy yourself and feel quite safe!

deleted 3y ago
[deleted]

panarky 3y ago

When you find that your news sources don't match what's actually happening in the real world, it's time to check on the agenda of those news sources. It's also a good idea to look at macro trends and not get distracted by anecdotes with high emotional or political payloads. My experience: A desirable place to live. Mild climate, beautiful scenery, a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities, top-ranked universities. A growing job market. The job market in Seattle is growing rapidly, with a number of new businesses and industries opening up in the area. This has created a lot of new job opportunities, which has attracted people from all over the country and the world. A strong transportation system. Seattle has a well-developed transportation system, which makes it easy for people to get around the city without a car. The city has a light rail system, a bus system, and an extensive network of bike paths and trails. A vibrant arts and culture scene. Seattle has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of museums, theaters, and concert halls. The city also hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Seattle culture is welcoming and accepting, attracting people from all over the world. This diversity creates a rich cultural tapestry that can be found in the city's restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods.

wonderwonder 3y ago
I mean Capitol Hill really was seized and people were killed and stores were looted. Crime really is escalating along with the homeless population. Plus there is a drug issue. So the news I am consuming is not the issue. Thus the answer is that in spite of these things the city is growing, hence my question. No need to lob insults in some sort of misguided political crusade. Thanks!
- dghlsakjg 3y ago
  You keep citing a protest from more than three years ago and a trend of rising crime and homelessness that is affecting Seattle, as well as almost every major city in America. It seems like you aren’t actually curious why people move to Seattle, and just want to believe what you already think you know. The person responding to you had not a hint of personal attack or insult, they merely pointed out that your news did not match reality. It is a good idea to evaluate your sources if that is what is happening.
  - wonderwonder 3y ago
    If you look at the comment I was responding to, they posted in an attacking manner. I was responding to that. I agree it was 3 years ago, but all those people likely still live there and it was a pretty damn big deal. Several city blocks were seized and lawless. So again I clearly communicated that this is what the news I saw was conveying and then asked for the reasons it was growing as this is all the info I have. No idea why everyone is incredibly insulted that I asked a question.
    - seanmcdirmid 3y ago
      > but all those people likely still live there and it was a pretty damn big deal You aren't going to get much sympathy for your position from those people who lives in Capitol Hill, they tend to be very young and very left in their ideology. Yes, FoxNews showed that picture of the teleporting guy with the gun (before they started marking such pictures as illustration), and yes, the homicide rate was slightly above average during the CHAZ. Most of us who live in Seattle never actually experienced it (I didn't), and when I finally got around to visiting Capitol Hill during the pandemic, it was long over and a perfectly normal place (albeit with slightly more restaurants closed).

sedev 3y ago

The news is wrong. Especially about the CHAZ. Source: live here.

dghlsakjg 3y ago

The news you are getting is wrong is the simplest explanation. It has a homeless problem, just like every large city in America, maybe worse than some, definitely better than some. The CHAZ was a protest 3 years ago. That area is now basically indistinguishable from before, which is to say that it is a counterculture hotspot in the city, but still very safe. There are two colleges within a block of where the CHAZ was that are thriving, and it is a great place for shopping, a night out, seeing a show, etc. It is a city where housing is much more affordable than many parts of California, but you can still get access to major career opportunities. There are beaches in the city, and skiing, hiking, glaciers, etc within an hour or two. The cultural scene is thriving. People think that big lefty cities are dangerous without having ever been there. If I asked you which of the following cities has a higher murder rate than Chicago which would you select: Cleveland, Las Vegas or Kansas City. The answer is all of them have a murder rate 30% higher than chicago. The point is that the news likes to pick on certain places, but you should look to more reliable sources.

wonderwonder 3y ago
If the question was "Which city has the most murders", the answer is Chicago... by a lot. So you can use the numbers to paint whatever picture you like.
- dghlsakjg 3y ago
  Yes Chicago has the most murders, but in the real world the denominator matters, and we both know that. You asked your question claiming it was “genuine and honest” but you are hitting talking points in your reply to my comment and others that line up with a very specific agenda. I rather doubt it is coincidence. Please stop trolling.
  - wonderwonder 3y ago
    Friend, I honesty was not trolling. Look at the posts to which I responded. All of them appear emotionally unstable and outraged that I would dare ask a question that mentioned some of the advertised negatives about their city and then asked what positives are clearly out weighing these negatives as the city is growing. By the same token, you seem upset that your witty trick question about murder rates is upended by the fact that through sheer weight of numbers, Chicago dominates. No matter how you choose to look at it. I am responding very forcefully to banal and mindless attacks from people that just don't want to answer my question in the spirit it was intended. Look through the replies. So far out of a dozen, only one answered unemotionally and logically. edit: 2 now

seanmcdirmid 3y ago

As a Seattle resident, I'm all for bad news discouraging growth. Unfortunately, I can't convince out-of-towners that it rains 400 days a year here and that all the sidewalks are filled with fentanyl tents. Seriously though, Seattle has its problems. We really should fully staff the police department, throw more people into jail (before they kill someone), and just enforce laws on shoplifting and such. That being said, it is still a very nice place to live, and in spite of its problems is still a top tier city compared to other cities in the USA (but you never heard that from me, read the first paragraph).

wonderwonder 3y ago
lol, I did forget about the rain. I've always though Seattle must have great suburbs with the wealth and climate. Is crime something you see a lot of down town, or if you are not looking you really dont notice?
- seanmcdirmid 3y ago
  Seattle has an above average property crime rate and a below average violent crime rate. This is always how it has been, since my parents met in the city in 1960s, at least. First, Capitol Hill isn't really downtown, it is off to the side I rarely go there unless I have to go to a hospital or something (and even then, that is more first hill). So when you mention Capitol Hill, you aren't really talking about downtown. As for Downtown, it has a lot of unhoused neighbors (think Skid Row in LA), but that was true in the mid-90s when I worked at 3rd and Pine McDonalds (aka Crack-donalds, residents will know the place). They don't do anything, you are more likely to experience property crime in Ballard or Capitol Hill then anything in downtown (well, that isn't completely true, a lot of unhoused people are victims in crime to other unhoused people in downtown, but other people are mostly unaffected). Downtown is also full of cruise ship tourists these days, and the market, which again, you won't notice much crime if you ever need to go there at all (which you don't need to go there, since there isn't much there for residents anymore). You do see people shoplifting at Target a lot though, the security guards will just watch them as they walk out with a bunch of stuff (Downtown is a bit better on this now, but I saw someone walk out with stuff at the Ballard Target the other day, Ballard being nowhere near downtown).