Newcomer's Guide 2018

Everything you need to know when you’re new to Seattle. Also in this issue: Seattle's best restaurants, neighborhoods, doctors, and dentists.

In this issue:

Arts & Culture

Lit Life

7 Iconic Seattle Books to Read Right Now

Essays, fiction, and graphic novels: Beloved Seattle-based authors have books across the board.

09/21/2018 By Stefan Milne

Music Manual

7 Albums Every New Seattleite Should Listen To

Yes, Macklemore and Nirvana, but also Shabazz Palaces, Tacocat, and Chastity Belt.

09/21/2018 By Stefan Milne

Pop Culture Fix

The Essential Guide to Seattle Music, Books, and Film

Catch up on the works you’ll hear locals reference all the time.

09/21/2018 By Stefan Milne

Must-See Movies

A Beginner's Guide to Seattle Film

A bingeworthy list of Seattle-set rom-coms and indie flicks.

09/21/2018 By Stefan Milne

Eat & Drink

Grocery Games

A Pike Place Market Shopping Crawl

Yes, locals do buy stuff here.

09/21/2018 By Allecia Vermillion

Libation Listicle

5 Essential Seattle Bars

Think Seattle is all Rainier and aquavit? Well, maybe—but we're home to craft beer and destination cocktails too.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Caffeine Culture

Seattle's 4 Archetypal Coffee Shop Experiences

A user's guide to our city's favorite obsession.

09/21/2018 By Darren Davis Illustrations by Mike Holm

Dining Guide

16 Restaurants That Define Seattle Dining

Our food scene is equal parts high-end and handheld.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Editor's Note

Welcome Home

So You've Moved to Seattle

It's not easy being new in town. We're here to give you the info every new Seattleite needs right away.

09/21/2018 By James Ross Gardner

Home & Real Estate

Shade Index

Dubious Seattle Apartment Amenities

These perks are a little too extra.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Apartments So Extra

Seattle's Top 25 Perk-Packed Apartment Buildings

It would be easy to confuse Seattle’s newer crop of apartment complexes with posh hotels, between the expansive fitness centers and the manicured roof decks ...

09/21/2018 By Cassie Sawyer

Real Estate Heaven

The 25 Hottest Neighborhoods in Seattle

Where every Seattleite wants to live right now.

09/21/2018 By Darren Davis

News & City Life

Bumbershoot Blunder

Debunking a Few Seattle Myths

What exactly is the Seattle Freeze? And why does nobody carry an umbrella?

09/21/2018 By Allison Williams

Weed 101

A Crash Course in Legal Marijuana

Recreational marijuana's been legal since 2012, and dispensaries continue to flourish. Now what?

09/21/2018 By James Ross Gardner

Football Fever

What the Heck Is Blue Friday?

Why Seattleites wear jerseys on Fridays.

09/21/2018 By James Ross Gardner

Seattle Lexicon

How to Pronounce Puyallup

How to really say local place names, including one that rhymes with “cocaine.”

09/21/2018 By Allison Williams

Travel & Outdoors

Adventure Awaits

10 Best Hikes Close to Seattle

Hiking is the Northwest's signature pastime, and some of the state's best trails are less than an hour from downtown.

09/21/2018 By Seattle Met Staff

Hang Around Town

19 Urban Adventures for the Whole Family

Where to embrace the city sights, the great outdoors, or a rainy afternoon.

09/21/2018 By Allecia Vermillion