That state income tax(or lack thereof)... It's like having $1-2k every month of free money. That almost pays for the anti-depressants and full-time counseling I'd need to move back to the PNW :)
Also, your traffic sucks... really, really badly. I grew up in the PNW and whenever I'm back I cringe at the mess it has become. With all that money flowing around, you'd figure they'd invest in some infrastructure. I know they're trying but it's really not enough.
I recently traveled to Bellevue, having not been to WA for at least a decade. Downtown Bellevue blew me away. The density was lower than that of SF, but retail shops are still all well within walking distance. More importantly, I felt comfortable walking about _at night_ the first day I'd arrived. The air didn't smell like pot or excrement, and I was never harassed or solicited by $INSERT_PC_TERM_OF_CHOICE.
A simple salad also didn't cost fucking $15.
Every time I'm in SF I couldn't wait to GTFO, and whenever I walk outside, it's always power-walk from point A to B, eyes straight ahead.
Why does anyone live in SF?! Why do _I_ even go there? sigh I semi-seriously considered moving, but a) the weather's too cold for me, and b) non-competes are valid in WA.
Also, your traffic sucks... really, really badly. I grew up in the PNW and whenever I'm back I cringe at the mess it has become. With all that money flowing around, you'd figure they'd invest in some infrastructure. I know they're trying but it's really not enough.