Living in Seattle: the ultimate expat guide

Everything you need to know for a successful life in Seattle.

Guide updated bySylvan Thomson, on 29 November 2025

If you wish to move to the Pacific coast of the United States, Seattle may be the ideal destination. Largest city of the Washington State, it is an important economic, industrial, technologic and artistic center.

Skilled expat professionals can find great job opportunities: 500 of the biggest national companies have their headquarters in Seattle, such as Amazon or Starbucks.

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Working in Seattle

Boost your international career. Understand the local labour market, the legal framework, how to adapt your resume, apply to job offers and tips to find a job in Seattle.

Work in Seattle

Famous for being the home of Starbucks as well as the birthplace of grunge, Seattle has also made a name for itself as a forward-looking city when it ...

Accommodation in Seattle

Explore real estate or temporary rentals in Seattle. Find out more about renting or buying a house or a flat, real estate agents, leases and rental agreements.

Accommodation in Seattle

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. Its stunning sea and mountain views, excellent schools, a strong tech industry, and a robust ...

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About Sylvan Thomson

A New Zealander who has spent much of their life overseas, I am now based back in my home country with my American partner and child. I have lived in the UK, the Cook Islands, the USA and Australia and am especially familiar with the expat experience in the US, having spent 2016 - 2020 in America. In New Zealand I work as an employment case manager at the Ministry of Social Development and a freelance writer and editor. I enjoy outdoor adventures, nature, writing and literature, cooking, foraging, fishing, and drawing.

Join the Seattle expat community

Connect with +3M members

Share your experience and get insights from fellow expats