Welcome to Washington, the land of evergreen trees, tech giants, and coffee that’ll wake you up faster than a Mt. Rainier eruption. If you’re trying to figure out who’s truly from here, you’ll need more than just a map of the Puget Sound or an umbrella for the rain. Here are 10 foolproof ways to spot a true Washington local—quicker than you can say “Seattle coffee.”
They’re Always Talking About the Weather, but They’re Not Complaining.
In Washington, the weather is a thing, but locals don’t complain about it—they just roll with it. If you hear someone say, “Yeah, it’s a little gray today, but it’ll clear up in an hour,” you’re talking to a local. They understand that rain is part of the charm (and the growth of all those lovely evergreen trees).
They’ve Got Their Own “Secret” Coffee Spot.
If you ask a Washington local where to get the best coffee, they won’t direct you to the nearest Starbucks (which is actually more of a tourist spot anyway). Instead, they’ll tell you about some hole-in-the-wall café you’ve never heard of, serving a brew that’s been perfected over decades. And they’ll expect you to savor every sip with the seriousness of a wine connoisseur.
They’re Wearing a Flannel—Even in July.
Flannels aren’t just a fashion choice in Washington; they’re a way of life. Whether it’s summer or winter, you’ll see a local sporting a flannel shirt like it’s a uniform. They’ll pair it with jeans, boots, and a well-earned sense of pride that they are so Pacific Northwest.
They Know the Difference Between Seattle and the Rest of the State.
A Washington local will make sure you know that Seattle is just one part of the state—there’s a whole other world beyond the city limits. They’ll happily give you the rundown of what’s cool in Spokane, Tacoma, and the wine country of Walla Walla, all while explaining why Seattleites can be a little, uh, different from the rest of the state.
They’ve Hiked at Least One Mountain (And Have the Instagram Photos to Prove It).
Washington locals are outdoor enthusiasts—and they’ve all hiked at least one of the many iconic mountains in the state. Whether it’s a photo at the top of Mount St. Helens, a hike around Mount Rainier, or an epic trek in the North Cascades, they’ll show you their Instagram highlights and remind you how “incredible the view was, but so worth it.”
They’ll Explain the Significance of the “Seattle Freeze” Without Missing a Beat.
Washington locals are famous for their “Seattle Freeze,” which refers to how friendly people seem to be on the surface but often take a while to warm up to newcomers. A true local will explain it like it’s part of the state’s charm, with a nod of approval that you’ll eventually fit in if you just hang around long enough.
They Have Strong Opinions About Pike Place Market.
Ask a local about Pike Place Market, and be prepared for a very specific opinion. They might love it for its historic charm and local vendors—or they might grumble about how “touristy” it’s gotten in recent years. Either way, they’ll know where to go to get the best fish and the perfect bouquet of flowers, all while avoiding the long lines.
They Can’t Understand Why Anyone Would Live Anywhere Other Than Washington.
A true Washingtonian is passionate about their home state. If you ask them about moving, they’ll look at you like you’ve asked them to leave paradise. They’ll describe the rain (which they love), the mountains (which they love), and the fact that they can drive two hours in any direction and end up on the coast, in the mountains, or among vineyards (which they really love).
They’ll Correct You If You Call It ‘Washington D.C.’
Never, ever refer to Washington as “Washington D.C.” to a local. They’ll gently (or not-so-gently) correct you with a smile, as if you’ve just made a major faux pas. “No, no. This is Washington. The capital is D.C.” And they’ll make sure you never forget it.
They’re Always Talking About the Rain, But Never Seem to Mind It.
It rains a lot in Washington, but a local won’t bat an eye when the gray skies roll in. In fact, they’ll probably tell you how it’s just the perfect weather to cozy up with a book, sip hot cocoa, and watch the clouds roll by. They’ll also casually mention how the rain makes everything so green and beautiful, and how it’s part of what makes the state special.
And there you have it! With these 10 signs, you’ll spot a Washington local faster than you can grab a cup of artisan coffee or take a hike in the Cascades. Just remember: embrace the rain, get cozy in that flannel, and never question the locals’ passion for their mountains and coffee. In Washington, it’s all about nature, coffee, and staying laid-back in the midst of it all.
