Best area for a young guy to relocate to? (Seattle: lease, contractor)

[isaackko]

So, I'm graduating from College in December, and am looking to move up to WA from Hawaii and start my career. I'm a mechanical engineer, looking to work for a consultant or contractor doing HVAC design, etc.

From what I can gather, the jobs are everywhere from Olympia up to Seattle/Bellevue, but I'm not sure what place is best to live (in terms of crime, traffic, etc.).

I don't want to get shot by a gangster, or get shot by some old redneck (I'm a White/Yellow/Brown person).

Obviously, I need a job first though

[Jennibc]

Traffic can be tough so it would be better to secure that job before you get into a lease. IMO Seattle is going to be the most fun place for a young guy, however, if you end up working in Olympia and living in Seattle, you will spend so much time on the road each day that you won't really have the time to enjoy the city.