Relocate to Flagstaff or Seattle? (jobs, health, new home)

[M.A.M.]

Hi

I'm hoping for some insight... My husband and I are looking at Flagstaff as a potential new home, we both have careers where jobs aren't so difficult to find. At this point in time we going back and forth b/t Flagstaff and Seattle- seems like a big difference I know- it would be great to hear from people who've lived in both places.

What is the political climate like in Flagstaff? We are both in our early thirties, no kids, liberal leaning- is there a crowd of people around our age, or is it mostly college students, and families with kids? Is Flagstaff a place you feel like you might "outgrow" after a few years? I like the idea of small town living with a good sense of community, but it there enough culture and activity to keep you going for awhile?

I love Seattle, it's a great city with a lot to offer, but I love the sun and the culture of the west and southwest- originally from california, have been living in south america the last few year.

Any ideas?
Thanks!

[esselcue]

Apples and Orange...both are great but very different. Flagstaff has seasons, some sun, some snow, some fall color, some spring rains. It is a college town but also has grown exponentially over the years and has everything I would think a person needs to stay active. It is also very beautiful there.

Seattle (been there but not lived there) is grayer weather-wise but seems a healthy place to be. I like that city, although I generally don't like "cities" much at all. There is more culture in Seattle, I believe, but it's much bigger than Flagstaff. Seattle is more liberal, from what I gather, but I could be wrong. I am not a very political person.

I suggest you visit both before making a move, and visit in different seasons to get a true feel for the areas.