Today we substitute Californians with Chinese, but same old same old. I'm a Seattlite living in Beijing, and you don't see me messing with their real estate market (I wouldn't go near it with a 10 foot pole).
Maybe if you beat the bushes hard enough. The companies offering positions without non-competes are going to be rare as the employers labour law council will include it if they can get away with it. It will also very likely be non-negotiable and the documents you get on your first day of employment will be offered up as "sign or be fired".
It's much better for the employee if there is legislation prohibiting non-competes as you can choose any employer to work for.
Just saying. Might not be Seattle that's the problem.
As to traffic, I commute via boat, which is rad, since there are dolphins and orcas sometimes. Seriously!