Please Help: Should I relocate to Aberdeen, MD, or Seattle, WA (Baltimore: fit in, home)

[allison2011]

Hi:

I got two job offers and I have been strugging in choise one. One job is in Seattle Washington, with lower s[SIZE=3][FONT=Calibri]alary, another one is a government job in Aberdeen, outside of Baltimore, Maryland. I also need to include my spouse's job prospects in both locations. I have to make a decision this weekend. Which place would you suggest? I like Seattle better, but I love the government job since it pays more and fit into my skill better. But my spouse may have harder time finding a job in Maryland. Thank you for helping out. - Allison[/FONT][/SIZE]

[katydoes]

Hard to answer without more info but my vote is for MD just based on the part about your spouse finding a job because there are many large metro areas nearby: Baltimore, DC, Wilmington, Philadelphia... plus I'm biased, I like the east coast.

[End-User]

I'm not sure it's true that your spouse would have a harder time finding a job in Maryland. And I'd suggest you stick with the job that is more in line with your skill set if you'd have to relocate regardless of which job you pick. You may also want to consider which organization would have better chances for advancement.

[mrboltonman]

Seattle is a really cool city.

[davecj]

I agree I've always enjoyed my time in Seattle but Baltimore is home for me. I believe the taxes are less expensive in MD at least property-wise but it has been a very long time since I've compared the two.

[pnello]

I lived in Seattle for 4 years, very progressive area, very diverse without the self imposed racial segregration you see in Maryland. Taxes are acually a little lower, no state income tax, however like Maryland auto registration is costly. For a young career couple I think would choose it over MD.

Northwesterners are a different breed, very aloof until you get to know them, It may take you little longer to get a network of friends etc. Overall I would choose Seattle

[ReefAreCoolToo]

if I have a choice, I will choose Seattle anytime over Baltimore. In fact the whole MidAtlantic region just sucks!

[carroll4628]

Seattle isn't cheap. If you have a lower income I would think about where you would live and what your commute would be like. The traffic is horrible on I-405 on the east side, I-5 through the city, and either of the floating bridges. That being said, depending on your work location there are soooo many cool/unique/fun places to live around Puget Sound (between Tacoma and Everett). If you worked in Maryland, I would assume you'd try to find a place north of Baltimore (to limit the commute), but you surely wouldn't get the same feel. Are you planning on staying in either place for the long haul? If so, I'd take the higher paying government job in Maryland. If you just want to have a fun experience for awhile (don't have a family, more carefree), I'd definately go with Seattle.

[sl0622]

The general cost of living, and certainly housing, is more expensive in Seattle. Personally, I love visiting Seattle, it's so beautiful, but wouldn't want to live there full-time. Too dreary. Good luck!! And go with your gut - I'm sure it's telling you something...