Done with Juneau Alaska, considering Tricities (Seattle, Yakima: college, gated, camping)

[sickofjuneau]

I have lived in Juneau, Ak for 15 years, and I am done pretending that I love it just because everyone here seems to think it's great. The weather is horrible. Being a single person of faith is lonely, and you can't drive out of here. Even the ferry, the economical means of escape, is expensive. I have a great job, and some great friends. I do appreciate that. God has really blessed me here. But I seriously need change. I am considering relocating to the tri cities area, or somewhere in eastern washington. From the research I have done, it looks like a great place to live. I know that it is dry and desert like, but the pics I have seen seem to show some green.
Recently a friend who had driven through there was telling me that is was ugly...a hideous dry wasteland where nothing ever greens up. Looking for a second opinion here since I have never been there. I will travel to visit within the next year or so, but would like to hear some other perspectives. Anyone know of a great church with really good worshi?. I may consider going back to college there. And I am looking at Richland area to live. Thanks!

[tcres]

Originally Posted by sickofjuneau

Recently a friend who had driven through there was telling me that is was ugly...a hideous dry wasteland where nothing ever greens up. Looking for a second opinion here since I have never been there. I will travel to visit within the next year or so, but would like to hear some other perspectives.

Hmm... We have the Columbia, Snake and Yakima rivers flowing through the area. A lot of water to play in. Also the cities are irrigated so there are many trees in the cities. Outside of the cities the natural habitat is dry but is green in the spring. I've always thought the sagebrush was kinda pretty.

[Alaskan Mutt]

I use to live in Kennewick. My only problem was the heat. It often gets above 100 in the summer. Other than that it really was not a bad place to live. There are lots of places you can drive to, whether it be an afternoon drive or a week long vacation. I would always go camping at Mt Rainer or drive down into Eastern Oregon. Having lived in Alaska, including Southeast, most of my life I can relate to not being able to drive anywhere. Most people take for granted being able to take a 100 mile Sunday afternoon drive.

[pw72]

It is the polar opposite to Juneau within the Alaska/Pac NW hemisphere. However, there is some green in the Tri-Cities, and it does have more sunshine than just about any location in the PNW. Add on the relatively easy 3-hour drive to Seattle or Portland, and it is indeed a desirable place. (Proven by the fact that this is one of the fastest growing areas in the region.)

[YakimaGuy]

Originally Posted by sickofjuneau

I have lived in Juneau, Ak for 15 years, and I am done pretending that I love it just because everyone here seems to think it's great. The weather is horrible. Being a single person of faith is lonely, and you can't drive out of here. Even the ferry, the economical means of escape, is expensive. I have a great job, and some great friends. I do appreciate that. God has really blessed me here. But I seriously need change. I am considering relocating to the tri cities area, or somewhere in eastern washington. From the research I have done, it looks like a great place to live. I know that it is dry and desert like, but the pics I have seen seem to show some green.
Recently a friend who had driven through there was telling me that is was ugly...a hideous dry wasteland where nothing ever greens up. Looking for a second opinion here since I have never been there. I will travel to visit within the next year or so, but would like to hear some other perspectives. Anyone know of a great church with really good worshi?. I may consider going back to college there. And I am looking at Richland area to live. Thanks!

I live in Yakima and it's funny because I want to live in Juneau, I think....Tri-Cities is hot, cold, dry, windy, all of the above. We have 4 seasons, thats for sure. I have a plan for a few years to move up north, aka Alaska. mod cut:

[becky2836]

Well, all I can say is good luck! Juneau has it's benefits and endearing qualities. I have stayed for so long for that reason. And you may find that it is just the place for you. I go back and forth to be honest with you. Probably just being afraid of change. That's why I intend to check the Tri Cities area in depth over the next year. But personally, it is time to make a change in my life. And I am just feeling led to that area. But I can certainly tell you anything you want to know about Juneau.