Serious Observation: Women's Height In Seattle.... (2015, high school, university)

[JasonJYoung]

During my time living here in Seattle, I've noticed that many women appear to be quite tall and athletic. This is quite refreshing to be honest.

Maybe my observations aren't unusual, but I've rarely noticed this living and traveling the U.S. Midwest, Southern States & Latin America. The opposite is more prevalent with stature and obesity. I'm sure it's a combination of things: culture, lifestyle, diet, etc. Then again, how would this affect height? European influence in Seattle?

**Forgive me if this comes off as a sweeping generalization, as it's not my intention **

[Hemlock140]

How long have you been here? From April-October Seattle has a lot of tourists from other states and countries, so any
observations of this nature can be thrown off. Seattle had a large influx of Scandinavians which was as high as 8% of the population in the early 1900s, and many settled in the Ballard area. They are typically some of the taller people in the world, which I suppose could have had an effect over generations, but with so many recent immigrants from other states/countries since the 1980s that has to be diluted. Younger residents are very much into outdoors and exercise,
which could account for the more athletic builds, compared to the more rotund residents found in other places. As I walk to work in the mornings 5:30-7am Alaskan Way is full of joggers all year, rain or shine.

[josie13]

I've often mused about the height of the young women I see walk out of my child's high school at the dismissal bell while I wait for my child in the parking lot. Many towering lovely young girls, much taller than the girls I grew up with. And they're not even finished growing!

[Yeledaf]

Wealthy people tend to be taller, on average. Seattle is a very rich town.

[Ira500]

Things come big in the Northwest.

[Iconographer]

Seattle resident here. 5'4".

[JasonJYoung]

Well, traveled back and forth to Seattle for 18 months before becoming a permanent resident in June 2015. So my observations are surely skewed .

Again, I'm just not used to this yet. It really became apparent the more time I spent around Green Lake and The University District. Gulp.....that's about all I better say on the matter.

[CrazyDonkey]

Mainly northern European stock (Scandinavian, English, German, etc.). Fewer southern European/Mediterranean types (Italians, Spanish, Greeks, etc.). Better nutrition - milk (calcium), protein, etc. Asians bring down the average, but even they are having taller children, due to diet changes (more milk and meat).

[JasonJYoung]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Mainly northern European stock (Scandinavian, English, German, etc.). Fewer southern European/Mediterranean types (Italians, Spanish, Greeks, etc.). Better nutrition - milk (calcium), protein, etc. Asians bring down the average, but even they are having taller children, due to diet changes (more milk and meat).

Very logical, yet funny response as I read it the first time (especially this: "bring down the average"). Speaking of........ I did a double take walking campus because there were Asian males taller than me (I stand a little over 6'1").

I know a lot of people complain about Seattle and some of the misgivings with population influx, but outside of maybe Chicago in the Midwest.....this is such a culturally rich city.

[AmFest]

Let's see.

1. Outdoorsy/athletic tend to be taller simply due to exercising at an early age
2. Viking roots
3. Many wealthy families. Wealthier = better physique due to natural selection, nutrition, etc.
4. Healthy diet
5. Always reaching up to catch any sun out of desperation
6. Always reaching up to catch breaths in crowded parties, also out of desperation