Yes, I can highly recommend Seattle. This poll more or less confirmed for me that I'm living well above where I (likely) would be in SV by staying there.

Don't blow up the spot. You're gonna ruin it for yourself.

You forgot to mention the dreaded rain 6 months of the year. Cold, wet, miserable.

Ah, right, yes.

It's miserable here. Six months of hellish rain and steel grey skies. Don't let anyone fool you. Never move here. Worst mistake of my life.

Yea, true unless you hate clouds ;) I just moved to the Bay Area after two years in Seattle: great place, eh weather.

Just curious: and what is your estimation of salary ranges for Java SWE in Seattle? How many sexy start-ups/companies there(I think not too many). Can diff in salary between Seattle and SF be covered by $500-$1000 savings on apartment rent?

Just looking at Microsoft/Amazon/Google salaries in Puget Sound, they are in the same ballpark as the results of this poll.

Another difference: WA state has no state income tax.

Guess I just need to find some contacts in Seattle then! Sorted :)