Jesus Christ, I knew Texas was a shithole red state (having lived in Houston and DFW my whole life), and I knew Seattle tops several lists as desirable places to live and effective progressive policy, but I wasn't prepared for just how good it is. It's like I moved from a developing nation.
- People are OUTRAGEOUSLY nice. Not the fake southern bullshit kind of polite where people grit their teeth. All my neighbors have welcomed me, everyone has been super friendly, people smile and say hello on the street, especially when they notice I'm proudly holding hands with my same sex spouse.
- The government offices/entities are super straightforward and easy to navigate. Getting a WA license was TOO easy, half of it was online, the DMV's have Saturday hours, no line, friendly workers, kind representatives on the phone. In Texas, the government workers are underpaid, grouchy people, the phone lines never answer, the DMV's are hours-long waits and people are mean and rude. The healthcare reps that helped me find out how to qualify for marketplace plans and Apple Care here were very helpful and kind. Polar opposite experience to people in Texas.
- The healthcare is phenomenal. UW Medicine has handled me so well and carefully compared to my providers in Texas.
- The weather is incredible. Seattle summers in the 70s compared to Texas summers? I'll take it. Plus the rain is nothing compared to Texas flash floods, hurricanes, hailstorms and tornadoes.
- The Asian food is lightyears past anything in Houston or DFW, just what the fuck at how good it is here.
- The city is super walkable even north in Ballard and Phinney Ridge. Usable, CLEAN, reliable public transit that is expanded and real, being paid for by real tax dollars (not wasted like in CA).
- Even the churches are super gay and immigrant friendly, with pride flags on every block, unlike the republican southern baptist bullshit in Texas.
- There are so many outdoor activities, lakes and mountains and beaches nearby everywhere. Blue skies today with farmers markets.
- The Coffee is so good (I approve as a Colombian).
- The economy and jobs here are great.
- Yes the state has its problems and it harbors white supremacists, but don't pretend that shit isn't in full force in Texas. This city is WAY more tolerant of "others."
- I feel safe as a gay man. My husband is a teacher and his fucking school district has a lesbian married Native American on the board.
- Strong union state. My spouse is getting well paid, his benefits coverage actually INCREASED this year, and the school actively advocates for LGBT families.
- My benefits through my employer are so much better here than in Texas.
Just so so much more I can't even describe how amazing my life has become here.
If anyone is hating their life in a southern/red state I suggest moving somewhere new to see if it makes a difference
- People are OUTRAGEOUSLY nice. Not the fake southern bullshit kind of polite where people grit their teeth. All my neighbors have welcomed me, everyone has been super friendly, people smile and say hello on the street, especially when they notice I'm proudly holding hands with my same sex spouse.
- The government offices/entities are super straightforward and easy to navigate. Getting a WA license was TOO easy, half of it was online, the DMV's have Saturday hours, no line, friendly workers, kind representatives on the phone. In Texas, the government workers are underpaid, grouchy people, the phone lines never answer, the DMV's are hours-long waits and people are mean and rude. The healthcare reps that helped me find out how to qualify for marketplace plans and Apple Care here were very helpful and kind. Polar opposite experience to people in Texas.
- The healthcare is phenomenal. UW Medicine has handled me so well and carefully compared to my providers in Texas.
- The weather is incredible. Seattle summers in the 70s compared to Texas summers? I'll take it. Plus the rain is nothing compared to Texas flash floods, hurricanes, hailstorms and tornadoes.
- The Asian food is lightyears past anything in Houston or DFW, just what the fuck at how good it is here.
- The city is super walkable even north in Ballard and Phinney Ridge. Usable, CLEAN, reliable public transit that is expanded and real, being paid for by real tax dollars (not wasted like in CA).
- Even the churches are super gay and immigrant friendly, with pride flags on every block, unlike the republican southern baptist bullshit in Texas.
- There are so many outdoor activities, lakes and mountains and beaches nearby everywhere. Blue skies today with farmers markets.
- The Coffee is so good (I approve as a Colombian).
- The economy and jobs here are great.
- Yes the state has its problems and it harbors white supremacists, but don't pretend that shit isn't in full force in Texas. This city is WAY more tolerant of "others."
- I feel safe as a gay man. My husband is a teacher and his fucking school district has a lesbian married Native American on the board.
- Strong union state. My spouse is getting well paid, his benefits coverage actually INCREASED this year, and the school actively advocates for LGBT families.
- My benefits through my employer are so much better here than in Texas.
Just so so much more I can't even describe how amazing my life has become here.
If anyone is hating their life in a southern/red state I suggest moving somewhere new to see if it makes a difference
