Moving To Seattle Metro And Looking For Nepali Communities?

by Pramod Poudel

There has been a significant influx of people from Nepali origin in Seattle metro in recent years. If you are planning to move to Washington, especially around Seattle, and looking to know more about Nepali communites, you should read this before taking that step. 
 
Demographics of Nepalis in Greater Seattle: In terms of geographic distribution, Nepali families and individuals are spread across the Seattle metro. There are pockets of Nepali concentration in cities like Kent, Renton, Shoreline, Lynnwood, and SeaTac. These areas offer relatively affordable housing. Significant clusters of Nepali origin population exist in Seattle’s city neighborhoods (Northgate, the University District etc). Tech hubs like Bellevue and Redmond (attracted by jobs in companies like Microsoft and Amazon) also holds smaller groups of Nepali origin population. A portion of the community also lives in Snohomish County (cities like Everett and Lynnwood and Bothell) and Pierce County (Tacoma, JBLM and Olymica/Lacy area), though the heart of the diaspora is in King County. Overall,  the Nepali diaspora in Greater Seattle is growing and becoming more organized. The diversity of backgrounds range from young IT, business, healthcare professionals, immigration lawers to second-generation kids born in Washington.

Nepali Communities and Organizations: Greater Seattle’s Nepali community is supported by several active organizations that help newcomers adjust, preserve cultural heritage, and bring people together. The cornerstone is the Nepal Seattle Society (NSS), a non-profit, non-political organization established in 1999 . NSS’s mission is “to unite all people of Nepali origin in the state of Washington, to preserve and promote Nepalese culture, and to foster relations with friends of Nepal.” From its early days, NSS has been organizing social events, Nepali holiday celebrations, and community projects. It serves as a primary network for Nepalis across the region, coordinating summer picnics, Nepali artist events to Nepali language classes. NSS membership and events are open to anyone interested in Nepali culture, and it provides a Facebook group like Nepal Seattle Society and Nepalese Seattle Helping Hands as first point of contact for people planning to move to Seattle metro or any newly arrived families looking to connect with the local Nepali community.

Nepali Community Center Initiative: Recently formed organization called Washington State Nepali Community Center (WSNCC), is working hard toward establishing a dedicated community center for Nepalis in the metro city. As the community has grown, leaders identified the “goal of establishing the first Nepali community hall in Washington State” to host cultural programs and provide a gathering space . Fundraising and planning are underway for this center, which aims to be a hub for cultural preservation, language classes, and community support services. The community center initiative reflects both the pride in Nepali identity and the practical needs of a growing diaspora – a place to celebrate festivals, hold meetings, and empower community members through workshops and resources. Don't forget to like the Facebook group to get latest updates on its activities. For any kind soul who would like this project to be a success or is considering Washing state their home, please also consider donating through their website

Diversity Within the Community: In addition to these organizations, there are groups reflecting the diversity of Nepal’s cultures. For example, the Northwest Tamu Society brings together community members and has organized events like Lhosar celebrations . Similarly, the Seattle chapter of the Newah Organization of America (NOA) is working to promote Newari culture. There’s also a Northwest Sherpa Association, among others and their Facebook group can be found here. These sub-groups host their own cultural nights, religious observances, and community support networks. Importantly, they often collaborate with NSS for big events and charitable initiatives. For hiking enthuiast, there is Nepal Seattle Hiking Community which is very active through out the year conduting hiking to snow-shoeing activities. Their Facebook group is very active and brings lot of free events. For arts and music enthusiast, there is Dabuli, which is doing a great work to bring Nepali music and arts at the international stages. They often brings musical and arts classes for kids for free. Their Facebook page can be found here

Connecting with the Community: Beyond formal organizations, Nepalis in Seattle stay connected through informal networks and social media. For sports enthuist there is great soccer community lead by Seattle FC. Lots of eveing and morning soccer happens in Bothell, Kent, JBLM area. Seattle FC also conduts kids soccer training every summer. For cricket enthuiast, Everest Warrior is creating its own name. NSS through Seattle Nepali School and South Seattle Nepali school teaches Nepali language to young kids. South Seattle Nepali School, starting with year 2025, also teaches robotics and coding classes for the kids. There are many active Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and volunteer-led initiatives. One of the active Facebook group brought forward by NSS is Nepalese Seattle Helping Hands. Similary there are few others like United Nepalese in Seattle, South Seattle Nepalese Group, Nepalese Around JBLM and many more. You will find lots of newcomers making connections and asking questions before or after coming to Seattle metro in these groups. Overall, several community organizations in Seattle are doing an admirable job of fostering a close-knit atmosphere. New comer will find a warm welcome and plenty of avenues to get involved, whether through volunteering, attending events, or joining as a member of groups like NSS.

Renting in Seattle Metro: One of the most common questions asked by people who plan to move to Seattle metro is about housing and rental. They are either looking for a shared rental or an rental apartment for themself. You should always be cautious not to fall into scam or in bad person's company when you plan to share a rental. You can always post your rental question on Facebook groups like Nepalese Seattle Helping Hands, or Seattle Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets or any other Facebook group. For someone moving for a new job, many times the company you are joining also provides their own local resoruces for searching rental housing. So don't hesitate to ask your HR or hiring manager your question. For the brave hearts and who like to do their own research, Zillow rental is also a very good starting point to search for available rentals. For rental price researching, you can use their rental trend tool. While doing your research, try to play around by changing to cities nearby and your criteria to get a better comparables. Seattle Metro is one of the expensive metro to live in and don't be surprised to see your big chunk of monthly budget gone on the rent.  

Nepali Groceries and Restaurant: As with the increase in population of Nepali diaspora, there also has been significant increase in Nepali owned businesses. Among various businesses, Nepali groceries, restaurant and food truck are the most common one. Mayuri is one of the popular store that you will find in Seattle, Bothell, Bellevue and Issaquah. Similary there is one in Olympia called Nameste Bazaar. To serve your Nepali palate, there are several Nepali restaurants like Annuparna Cafe, The Everest Kitchen, and Indian-Nepali Kitchen . Kathmandu Momocha, 

Living in Cities around Seattle with Significant Nepali Communities:
Seattle metro is composed with multiple cities which are equally significant and provide lots of convenince and aminites to any newcomer. Below are some of the cities in and around Seattle metro with Nepali communites and related events.
 
Seattle Metro: There is a huge Nepali population around this area and nearby cities. Seattle metro is also near to many Nepali community based kids events like North/South Seattle Nepali School. It is very accessible to many hindu temples, like in Bothell or Kent, or ISKON in Issaquah. They host lots of religious and kids related activities. Seattle metro is accessible to almost all great activities for kids and any Nepali events. Future Nepali community center is being planned in nearby area. There ia a high possibility that any neighborhood in and around will likely have people from Nepali origin. There are some amazingly great schools and school districts in Seattle Metro. Seattle neighborhood like Northgate, University district host many people from Nepali origin. Nearby cities with large Nepali origin population are Shoreline, Bothell, Lynwood, Renton, Kent. 
 
Tacoma and Puyallup: There are decent Nepali communities in these cities but would require pre-work to contact them and finds specific neighborhood. Tacoma and Puyallup are near to JBLM (which has a huge army base)/Lakewood, which has lots of veteran Nepali families. It is 30-45mins drive to South Seattle Nepali School if you plan to attend any activities done by the school. It is 50mins-1hr30mins drive (depending on traffic) to Seattle and you get access to any events happening in Seattle. 
 
Yakima: It has some Nepali population around. If you want to skip Seattle rain and Seattle metro cost of living, this is the best place to be but still be within 2 hrs drive of Seattle. Small city with small Nepali population and therefore you will find less Nepali events. Yakima is within good proximity for many outdoor activities like hiking and ski. Summer is generally warmer here. 
 
Snoqualmie/North Bend: You can consider this as outskirt of Seattle and within Seattle Metro. It's about 30-45 minutes drive to Seattle. It's population has recently been growing. You will need to drive to Seattle for any Nepali events. You will find lots of nearby outdoor activities and it is great for hiking enthusiast. It is at perfect for winter ski at Summit resort. There are no/less known Nepali population just in this area but many Nepali live near Issaquah and Sammamish, which is 15mins drive towards Seattle. 
 

Marysville/Lake-Stevens: You can also consider this as outskirt of Seattle and within Seattle metro. It is about 40mins-1hr drive to Seattle. These cities has seen a booming population after Covid-19 due to many company offering work from home, affordable housing cost and proximity to Seattle. You will find many new build homes with affordable pricing in these cities. It is near to Canada border and very close to popular Seattle premier outlet mall. 

 
My recommendation: If cost of living is not your 1st priority, I would recommend you to an city in Seattle metro. You will be at the center of everything and good proximity to majority of events, any Nepali to non-Nepali community envents. Here is why I love where I live: I have 8yrs and 5yrs kids and I live in Renton Highlands (nearby city to Seattle). It's been blessing not to drive that long in crazy city traffic to any events for kids and for adults outdoor activities. Airport is just 16mins drive. Issaquah school district is one of the best school district in Washington for kids education. It is within 20-25mins drive, even in traffic, to Bellevue/Redmond where you can find finest soccer clubs for kids. Yes, my son is an avid soccer fan and a player. It's just 20mins drive to South Nepali school for Nepali and Coding classes for kids. ISKON and Hindu Sanatan Temple are nearby for religious events. Best of all, it is 12mins drive to Poo-Poo point, which one of the greatest short hike near Seattle.
 
About me, I am a husband and a dad and have been serving Seattle metro residents as a passionate real estate broker through my company SeattleMetroProperties.com. If you are planning to move to Washington or in Seattle metro, I can help you with the information and connection you will need. Feel free to contact me at my cell phone 425-473-2793. I would prefer a text so that I can jump into a call, at mutual convenient time, with whatever information you need. If you are looking to gain insights into real estate investment education, and would like to know current trends in Western washington real estate, consider joining my Facebook group Nepalese Real Estate Investment. Connect with me on Facebook
Pramod Poudel

"My job is to deliver top-notch service and exceed your expectations for all your real estate needs!"

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