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24 items every Seattleite needs to survive in the Emerald City

by Christina Ausley, Seattle P-I, SeattlePI

Seattle is a city of ever-damp lawns, snow-fearing locals and coffee-conscious techies. But more than just about anything, Seattle is a city of growth.

The Emerald City nabbed the number two spot out of the 50 largest U.S. cities when it came to fastest-growing population in 2018, just behind Fort Worth, Texas, according to recent census data. In the same year, Seattle's population grew by more than 15,000.

So despite a Seattle chill while making friends around the block, we are here for you, dear transplant, newbie, and California sun-lover embarking on a cloud-covered hideaway.

You are not the only one confused by a lack of umbrellas, by the multitude of different colored garbage bins at the end of your driveway, by your coworker ditching the button down for a jersey on Fridays. You are not the only one desperate for a bit of sunlight, unsure of whether or not to bring your jacket before heading out the door (bring your jacket!) and surprised by how quickly coffee grinds fly off of grocery store shelves.

Scroll down for all the items to nab this winter and declare yourself an official Seattleite.

Kraken gear
Celebrate the city's newest NHL team, the Kraken, alongside the latest sportswear from the Kraken storefront. 
CLAIRE MAULDING, SPECIAL TO THE SEATTLEPI

Celebrate the city's newest NHL team, the Kraken, alongside the latest sportswear from the Kraken storefront. 

An ice scraper for winter frosts, even if it didn't snow like the weather channel frantically warned
Welcome to Seattle, where pretty much everyone will immediately empathize with you and welcome you with open arms if you respond to the frequently asked, "But, were you here for the SNOWPACOLYPSE?" with a disgruntled "yes." While the Emerald City isn't often painted white, anticipate winter frosts delaying your leave for the grocery store by a couple minutes to reheat, unless you have your handy ice scraper safely stowed away.
Paul Vasarhelyi // Shutterstock

Welcome to Seattle, where pretty much everyone will immediately empathize with you and welcome you with open arms if you respond to the frequently asked, "But, were you here for the SNOWPACOLYPSE?" with a disgruntled "yes."

While the Emerald City isn't often painted white, anticipate winter frosts delaying your leave for the grocery store by a couple minutes to reheat, unless you have your handy ice scraper safely stowed away.

A Facebook account
No, not just for the latest politically-charged Facebook post. In Seattle, just about every neighborhood boasts a Nextdoor Facebook page so you can stay up-to-date on all things in your 'hood, from lost pets to upcoming yard sales.  With a Facebook account, you can also join your neighborhood's "Buy Nothing" page where you and your neighbors can list free items up for grabs, including some spare water proof items for the winter.
Ben Margot/Associated Press

No, not just for the latest politically-charged Facebook post. In Seattle, just about every neighborhood boasts a Nextdoor Facebook page so you can stay up-to-date on all things in your 'hood, from lost pets to upcoming yard sales. 

With a Facebook account, you can also join your neighborhood's "Buy Nothing" page where you and your neighbors can list free items up for grabs, including some spare water proof items for the winter.

Reusable straws
Be forewarned, this sustainable city doesn't dole out straws like it does rain jackets. Unless you particularly enjoy sipping from a semi-limp paper straw, don't forget your reusable straw to tuck into your happy hour cocktail as Seattle ditches the plastic tubes.
Paul Buckowski/Times Union

Be forewarned, this sustainable city doesn't dole out straws like it does rain jackets. Unless you particularly enjoy sipping from a semi-limp paper straw, don't forget your reusable straw to tuck into your happy hour cocktail as Seattle ditches the plastic tubes.

An Amazon Prime account
True, it's not necessarily a necessity, but it definitely helps when you're not in the mood to battle traffic or long lines at the grocery store. The Seattle-based company reigns rather supreme over the Emerald City, doling same-day, one-day and two-day delivery to thousands who support one of the city's largest companies. 
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

True, it's not necessarily a necessity, but it definitely helps when you're not in the mood to battle traffic or long lines at the grocery store.

The Seattle-based company reigns rather supreme over the Emerald City, doling same-day, one-day and two-day delivery to thousands who support one of the city's largest companies.