It has been over 10 years since I moved to Seattle. Lately, I can't help but feel that living in Seattle has become more difficult than before.

When I first arrived, Seattle was a quiet and tidy city.

Even though it rained often, the neighborhood was safe, and it was common to say that the cost of living was much better than in California.

However, these days, it's hard to say such things. Every time I go grocery shopping, I find myself pausing at the checkout line.

The prices of basic ingredients have noticeably increased, and when you add in household items, it's incomparable to before.

Dining out has become something we only do on special occasions. After one meal, the total, including tips, adds up quickly.

The discussion about housing prices is even more frustrating. Buying a home in Seattle now feels like a distant dream for someone on a salary.

A few years ago, it was possible to consider a single-family home with a bit of a stretch, but now even a condo feels burdensome.

Property taxes keep rising every year, and with insurance and various repair costs added in, even homeowners don't feel at ease.

Renting isn't any better. Every time the lease is up for renewal, there's talk of rent increases, and if you want to move, the security deposit and first month's rent become a significant burden.

Whereas Seattle used to feel like an "expensive but worthwhile city," these days it seems to have become more of an "expensive city" without the value.

Traffic is another unavoidable issue. I-5 and 405 are always congested, even outside of rush hour. Roads that used to only slow down during accidents now feel routinely sluggish.

Public transportation is said to be good, but living here, it's hard to get around without a car. Yet, once you take the car out, you get caught in traffic again, creating a vicious cycle. Many days, half of my schedule is spent driving and waiting.

Of course, Seattle's advantages haven't completely disappeared. The nature is still beautiful, and the short summer sunshine is precious.

The natural environment isn't bad, and the neighborhood community is still alive. However, it's hard to deny that the ease and stability this city used to provide are gradually fading. The cost of living keeps rising, housing feels further away, and the roads are more congested.

Now, Seattle is still a place I feel attached to, but it doesn't seem as comfortable to live in as it once was.

So these days, I find myself wondering if the reason I'm still in this city is just to hold onto past memories.