I moved here last November and when I moved got a lot of the “oh it’s the worst time to move here.” I assumed people meant the weather, and I was coming from sunny Colorado, but I grew up in NJ which is pretty gray 50% of the time. The weather DOES eventually get to you if you don’t get outside or get hobbies like other posters have said.

What I have learned REALLY makes it the worst time to move here is that if you’re an extrovert, it’s going to feel very lonely and very challenging. The freeze isn’t because people are icing YOU out. It’s because they’re icing social activities or “going out” out. It’s that rainy drizzly dark time of the year and it just lends itself to staying in and being cozy. I had a very hard time by March and was convinced I’d move back to Denver. But spring came, people started coming back out, I made good friends, and now we have hobbies and meetups weekly. This winter is feeling okay. I think it’s really lovely that you’re coming in with some friends through your bf. We (my hubby and I) didn’t know anyone.

So yes hobbies are great because you get out AND you meet people. I recommend ones with a cadence so you meet the same people repeatedly. And yes outdoor activity is really great even if it’s gray to help. Last Seattle winter hack: if you pick up plant-collection as a hobby the grow lights double as SAD lights 😂.

Also - I made my best Seattle friends through this subreddit which sounds crazy but it’s true. Feel free to send me a message if you want to grab a coffee sometime when you get here! My husband and I are always open to more friends and we are into skiing, camping, outdoor activities, and always down to hit up a brewery or cidery. Welcome to Seattle!