seattle2bay

We witness a lot of folks who moved from the Bay Area to Seattle.

I would like to hear from people who made opposite move on their own (not "forced" by a new job):

1. What did you like/not like about it?

2. How did it impact your monthly budget/finances?

3. Did you get more opportunities?

4. Was it easier to create a new social circle than in Seattle (infamous Seattle-freeze)?

5. Did you move your entire family? If so, how did you like schools, day/care availability/price, etc.

I am considering this move with a family, keeping the same job. Seattle area became increasingly expensive over the last few years almost matching Bay Area (except for housing, but close), but I feel it is still sub-par to Bay Area when it comes to weather, no. of opportunities, access to VC capital, even education.

What do you think?