re: what is the ot's opinion of Seattle?

I've been there five times and I love it. If you get a chance, take a city tour with one of the tour companies. Seattle has many unique neighborhoods and cool areas.
Several of the distinct areas have their own little "downtown" areas with tons of cool local restaurants and bars. They have alot of great local beer up there too.

Place is super clean and people take care of their houses and yards, etc.
They protect their outdoor areas and it is beautiful.

I was there last month and I have never seen a city in person that was booming the way Seattle is. There is new construction and renovations everywhere. Place is off the charts right now.

Of course the weather isn't ideal from October thru May.

And let me beat the rednecks to the punch.... Despite their ignorance, Seattle isn't some liberal granola chick fruit cake city.