I am surprised by new things in Seattle every time I go there (which isn’t often given my high tech in’s), and this trip was no different. What was reinforced was the number of expensive, often over-priced shops, boutiques, restaurants and coffee bars.
You’d find this wonderful little diner and coffee would be as you expected in a one-horse diner, $1.50 but a hamburger was $10-15 and a pretty basic meal was anywhere between $15-25. Boutiques would tempt you with quaint gadgets and knick-knacks or jewlery and the tags would surprise at $150, $250 or even higher. Printed bags without an ounce of leather in the street market were $175 and higher.
I was told by several people that they get away with it because of the volume of Microsoft and first tech wave billionaires although what about Seattle’s other industries? Housing costs still remain lower than the Bay Area however, and while rent is also less expensive, a friend pays $1500 for a one bedroom on the outskirts and while it has a ton of great light, hardwood floors and a modern kitchen, it is 2.1 miles from the center with no garage and limited storage.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
