Perhaps the most significant challenge is that a city like Seattle doesn't offer much on the "budget" side. A large city with high costs can provide diversity and choice in both accommodation and food, but there is no cheap option for the basics.

The Big Dark is us and defines what Seattle is. We may be intimidating to outsiders, but that only gives visitors a chance to commune with the city as it really is, not as sold in some brochure. Welcome, embrace the gloom, find the little hidden treasures of the city, and revel in the microscopic good things, and you will realize that the Big Dark is just one of those things that make Seattle very uniquely and enigmatically itself.

Seattle is known for its booming tech industry, natural beauty, and high quality of life. But it's also a city with significant income inequality. So what does it really take to be among the wealthiest residents in the Emerald City? Let's break it down.

The story behind Seattle's naming provides a fascinating glimpse into the area's Native American heritage and early pioneer history.

Most neighborhoods in Seattle are generally safe to walk around, even at night. The downtown core near Pike Place Market and popular attractions like the Space Needle and Seattle Center are heavily trafficked and tend to be secure.