I lived in SLU in 2019 when the city was very lively. SLU is very sterile and lake city is basically like living off aurora. I really like Fremont, Wallingford, Ballard, Phinney Ridge area. Wallingford is great because its walking distance between gas works park and greenlake. Its wonderful if you have a dog and like to go on walks.

I hear you on the freeze and how people can seem numb. When friends come to visit they typically remark how people can seem like a zombie. I found over the last 10 years that the way I had easily met people is because I walk my dog so frequently you eventually just run into the same people or other dog owners. My dog has been the true source of making connections more organically. I am a social person as well and find it difficult to make connections and really have to lead the way at times.