Spokane or Seattle for young family? (Marysville, Deer Park: how much, home, find a job)

[MittenDweller82]

Hello All,

Sorry to add another thread about relocation, we are a younger family (I'm 30) investigating some pac NW cities. I have had some employment offers in the Seattle area, but I'm not huge on "big" city life, we live near Chicago now and hate it...that and it is impossible to get ahead with the cost of living here. To begin with, we would be looking for a 2bdr apt for 800-1000/mo (which is impossible here in Chicago). And hopefully a home not far down the road.


I have a degree in marketing and have significant experience, could anyone tell me my prospects of finding employment in the Spokane area? I know Seattle is much larger and obviously different, although I know I would like a more rural lifestyle with access to some larger city amenities. How is the public trans in Spokane....and just HOW much snow do you recieve there? I'm from lower Michigan and 1-2ft. snowfalls are common throughout winter.

I know the employment market is tough nationwide, but I would rather not make a move blindly without a job lined up, has anyone had experience moving to Spokane and finding work? I appreciate all of the information!

Kevin

[tindo80]

If you can find a job in Seattle, go for it there. It has more of everything.


If you like actual seasons, or want to live in a medium sized city, or want to start your roots in a place that may be expanding, Spokane is a good spot.

[chiaroscuro]

Originally Posted by tindo80

If you can find a job in Seattle, go for it there. It has more of everything.


If you like actual seasons, or want to live in a medium sized city, or want to start your roots in a place that may be expanding, Spokane is a good spot.

Agree. As for your job prospects, if you have a degree and experience you're 90% ahead of the game already, you should be golden, unless you have poor references or your breath stinks, then god help you.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by chiaroscuro

Agree. As for your job prospects, if you have a degree and experience you're 90% ahead of the game already, you should be golden, unless you have poor references or your breath stinks, then god help you.

Well last I checked the breath was good....in Michigan where I am from nothing guarantees a job period...I will come visit both Spokane and Seattle hopefully in a few weeks.

Thanks for the info

[Jey K]

MittenDweller82- direct mail sent.

[noah]

Spokane is a very tough place to find jobs, especially for professionals. Even in good times the market is tough. It can certainly be done but the Seattle market would be much easier to find a good job in.

[MittenDweller82]

Originally Posted by Jey K

MittenDweller82- direct mail sent.

Thanks for the letter it was very informative...positive rating.

[tankratt]

Hey Spokane is a better place to raise a family, we left the Seattle area five years ago and moved to Deer Park which is just north of Spokane. The Seattle traffic was a big factor in our move, we lived in Marysville, 25 miles or so north of Seattle and I drove into Seattle for work< a nightmare most of the time. But My company had an office in Spokane and I transfered out to that office and it was great. Seattle isd easier to get a job but Spokane is worth a try, and maybe they have multiple offices as well and transfer at a later date

[jessysunshine]

Yes, I would say Spokane would be the better choice, esp. after what you posted you enjoy for a style of living. Sure, you could probably get a higher paying job, but at the cost of what? I would not be able to stand living in Seattle, no matter how much I made, because of the traffic, crowds, rainy and dreary weather, high costs, etc. Not my style. Spokane has its own issues, as does every place, but I love Spokane and can deal with the "issues" because there are so many wonderful aspects to living in Eastern Washington.

Best wishes in your decision-making process, and let us know what you decide!