Navigating Geographic Identity: Seattle vs. Surrounding Suburbs

Whether you live just outside Seattle or within the city itself, the way you identify geographically can often depend on personal preference and the context in which you're speaking. This article explores the nuances of identifying as a Seattle resident versus specifying your actual location, which is frequently a practice embraced by those in neighboring suburbs and towns.

The Personal Preference and Context

Many individuals who reside in nearby suburbs or towns might choose to identify as Sacramento residents if they frequently visit the city or if their postal address is associated with it. Others, however, may prefer to specify their exact location, such as the suburb or town where they live, to provide greater precision.

Personal Story at Lake Tahoe

I recently found myself on a mini tour bus journey around Lake Tahoe. When the bus driver asked where everyone was from, I heard a couple from Bellingham identify themselves as Seattle residents. My comment that I would also call Seattle home because I live in Vancouver, Washington was met with a look of confusion. Bellingham is about 90 miles north of Seattle, yet they chose to associate themselves with a larger, more recognized city. It’s a reminder of how Seattle’s prominence can overshadow nearby communities.

Misconceptions and Assumptions

My journey through various responses regarding my geographic identity further highlighted the misunderstandings that can arise. People from different parts of the United States, especially those east of the Mississippi, made assumptions about my location based on my Seattle affiliation instead of my actual residency in Vancouver, Washington.

Example Responses:

Food and Travel Enthusiasts: “Vancouver, love poutine!” “How did you get across the border during the COVID?” State Curiosity: “Washington, do you go to the Smithsonian often?” “Oh, so you work for the government.” Geopolitical Confusion: “Washington is a state now, so there's no district anymore.” Food Lovers: “Near Portland, bet you eat lots of lobster!” “You don't talk like a Maine guy at all!”

These examples underscore the common misconception that many people might identify with a larger, more prominent city rather than a smaller, geographically distinct suburb. The ease of associating with Seattle, famous for TV shows, is a significant factor in how others perceive your location.

The Importance of Specificity

However, many individuals living in and around Seattle adhere to specific geographic boundaries for various reasons. For instance:

California: If I’m in California, I tell people I’m from Seattle to avoid the potential confusion that might arise from mentioning a smaller city like Federal Way. Seattle: When in Seattle, I might identify as being from Tacoma instead of Federal Way. This is because many Seattle residents don’t have a good perspective of the Seattle area and have never heard of Federal Way, but they do know Tacoma. This practice of simplifying one’s geographic identity can be strategic and practical in certain contexts.

Conclusion and Reflection

The decision to identify as a Seattle resident or specify one's actual location is ultimately a matter of personal preference and context. It's a blend of identity, convenience, and communication. Whether you live in Seattle or its suburbs, your geographic identity can be more than just a place—it can be a story that you choose to tell based on who you are and where you belong.