Seattle/Tacoma/Vancouver Area Living (living in, price, move)

[AUalumWDE]

Hello all,

I am actually relatively new to this forum.

Title should give you a little bit of incite...I grew up in Atlanta and currently reside in Augusta, GA. I have really been considering making a move out of the South within the next few years; I've lived here all my life.

Some of the things that I find appealing about Seattle are

1) Weather...Rain isn't a big deal for me. Since its relatively mild (from what I hear) it seems like the perfect atmosphere. I know with the mountains been relatively close snow and skiiing are relative closeby (love snow, odd for a Southern man I know).

2) Job - I am currently a Quality Engineer here at a local manufacturer. Ultimately in my career I would like to advance to management, specifically Plant Management. I know several large firms have headquarters and plants there: Boeing, Universal Avionics, WaferTech etc. How is the manufacturing industry in the Seattle/Tacoma/Vancouver area?

3) Cost of Living - As many of you already know cost of living in the South is very appealing. Doing some research I have found that Seattle is rather pricey compared to the Southeast; overall though how is the cost of living and general lifestyle in the suburbs? I am single however plan to have a family at some point so that will also play a role eventually.

Any help and incite would be greatly appreciated!