Pacific Northwest - Seattle/Portland

Sup boys.

Working at a BB right now, just entered analyst 2 stage. Seeing if anyone works in high finance in the PNW and can offer some insight as to how recruiting is, how the firms are, and how the culture in the area is. I've recently visited Seattle multiple times and loved it - although not a huge fan on the political stance most people have, but whatever. Same with Portland, but I have not been there although I heard it is pretty cool.

I'm open to working in high finance in any capacity, not set on PE strictly. Although open to PE, REPE, CorpStrat/BusDev, and perhaps HFs.

Thanks fellas

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Seattle has satellite offices for GS and BMO, and Cascadia Capital, Meridian Capital, and D.A Davidson  are the only other notable banks. Lots of tech VC and CorpStrat/BusDev opportunities. IMO it's not worth it to live there if you're in finance. The culture is very different than NY/LA/Chicago, people don't know what banking is and all the smart people are in tech. You will get paid below street, still have a very HCOL, and limited career opportunities. 

The upside is it's the best city for proximity to outdoors, but I would easily take SF over Seattle, as the outdoors are nearly as good there and you have real opportunities in finance. 

Politically, Seattle is very similar to SF. You should consider Denver if that's an issue, still very liberal but more reasonable. 

I can't think of a single reason why you would live in Portland over Seattle. 

SF > Vancouver BC > Seattle > Denver >>>> Portland 

 

Seriously some of the worst cities for dating / social life out there. Go to LA / San Diego / Denver if you want to enjoy the outdoors but also have a career

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