If you are moving to Seattle from another state, there are many things you need to know about the city before you get there. Living in Seattle can be a terrific experience, but it also can be a lot different from where you are coming.

Here are some of our tips for first-timers moving to Seattle:

1. Bring a Raincoat With You

You may have heard that it rains a lot in Seattle. This is true. It rains about 152 days a year in the city. But on the upside rarely does it rain really hard. Only about 5 days a year does it rain more than one inch, so its 37.18″ annual rainfall is actually lower than much of the country.

Also, because it rains so often, the city landscape is quite green and pretty.

2. Get Out of the City Now and Then

While there is always plenty to do in Seattle, including lots of great street festivals, do not forget to spend some time outside of it. There you will find lots of natural beauty. For example, Mount Rainier National Park is only 90 miles from Seattle.

This 369-mile park is especially beautiful in the spring when the wildflowers bloom.

3. Learn Not To Honk Your Horn

Believe it or not, it is actually illegal to honk your car’s horn in Seattle apart from emergencies. Even if you manage to avoid getting a ticket for it, you will likely receive some nasty stares if you do.

On the upside, you will not have to suffer through a barrage of sound if you pause when the light turns green.

4. Do Not Jaywalk Ever

Jaywalking is not the smartest thing to do anywhere, but you really do not want to jaywalk in Seattle. The ticket is $56 and cops will issue you one. You will also look completely out-of-step with everyone else in town if you jaywalk. People in Seattle are notorious for waiting at the light at all times of the day, even if there is no traffic whatsoever.

5. Use Public Transportation

Traffic in Seattle is really bad. It is the 9th most congested city in the United States, and this situation is not likely to improve. Fortunately, Seattle has pretty decent public transportation, with a large network of streetcars, buses, and light rail.

What’s more, the city is planning on expanding this network in the future.

6. Introduce Yourself to the Magic of Pho

The winters in Seattle can be relatively cold and utterly dreary, with little sun and lots of clouds. People in Seattle compensate for this by drinking lots of terrific coffee and by eating lots of pho.

If you are unfamiliar with pho, it is a slow-cooked and nutritious Vietnamese soup packed with noodles, meat, and fresh vegetables. A bowl of this every day will keep you sane through the entire winter.

7. Consider Breaking Away from the Metro Bustle

The hustle and noise of city life are not for everyone. For some, suburbs and small towns offer relaxing places of refuge. They provide a healthy environment to raise your family away from the pollution and stress surrounding the Seattle metro area. That being said, here are some great places to consider settling down to:

• Woodinville: Woodinville is a gorgeous city nestled near the Cascade foothills between Seattle and Everett. The community welcomes people of all ages from all walks of life. There’s also plenty of parks for memorable weekend trips, as well as good performing schools to nurture your kids.

• Bellevue: Located just a short 15-minute drive from Downtown Seattle, Bellevue offers plenty of perks, including a strong housing market, great location, and outdoor adventures. Known for its affluence, the city has no shortage of restaurants and shopping opportunities. In addition, you also get to enjoy every season surrounded by colorful sceneries, from the Botanical Gardens to clean parks and well-preserved sanctuaries. If your family loves to explore nature without sacrificing urban amenities, Bellevue might just be the perfect paradise for you.

• Mercer Island: A small island on Lake Washington with over 25,000 residents, Mercer Island is a place of beauty and interest. You get to enjoy top-tier school districts, attractive housing options, safe neighborhoods, and a ton of charming amenities. It may seem expensive on paper, but if you search hard enough, it’s not impossible to find a deal that lets you enjoy the quality of life here.

• Auburn: As a young family, choosing an area to settle down in has its perks and challenges. Fortunately, Auburn is one place that ticks all the boxes. On top of it being fun, diverse, and beautiful, you also get to enjoy an affordable cost of living compared to Seattle. To make it even better, it’s only half an hour away from Emerald City, so you still get to grab great work opportunities.

• Federal Way: Tired of the traffic and expenses in Seattle? Federal Way is the cheap alternative you’re looking for. Just twenty minutes south of downtown, you get to escape the hustle and bustle while still providing a comfortable place for your family. Enjoy affordable homes, excellent schools, and unique attractions to hang out and do picnics too! You can’t miss out on this one.