Wanting a brand new city. Vancouver, maybe? (Seattle, Spokane: skyscrapers, estate)

[Balco9]

Why opt out of Spokane???
Seems like a great place for schools, open space, good retail, good medical, good restaurants, a nice downtown, low traffic, lots of lakes, 4 seasons, and clean air....
Just curious to why leave. I would love to relocate to Spokane if it wasn't for my wife.

[girlonthemove]

Thank you for the great advice diggitydot!

Balco9:
I want out of Spokane because I am bored with it. I need a change of scenery. I'm planning on changing jobs no matter what, and the job market isn't that great here. So it's the perfect time for me to see what else is out there!

[Julie_Baldino]

I personally don't think the commute is that bad from the Camas/Washougal area to Downtown Vancouver or the Portland. My husband commutes daily from Washougal to Hillsboro with no problems. As an agent I drive all over Clark County from Washougal with ease. I think it takes some time to locate the best routes and get aquainted with the back roads.

I grew up and Portland, and still go there a lot for concerts, dining, shows, etc... but have found that once you get used to the peace of being in a rural area(like Washougal), that you really like being home. When you do need something that you cant find here, you plan your trips into Vancouver and kill two birds with one stone.

Works for me. And when the day is done, I can't wait to get back to my beautiful(and affordable) river view, trees, fresh air, and wildlife outside my door. I wouldn't live anywhere else!

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by Julie_Baldino

I personally don't think the commute is that bad from the Camas/Washougal area to Downtown Vancouver or the Portland. My husband commutes daily from Washougal to Hillsboro with no problems. As an agent I drive all over Clark County from Washougal with ease. I think it takes some time to locate the best routes and get aquainted with the back roads.

I grew up and Portland, and still go there a lot for concerts, dining, shows, etc... but have found that once you get used to the peace of being in a rural area(like Washougal), that you really like being home. When you do need something that you cant find here, you plan your trips into Vancouver and kill two birds with one stone.

Works for me. And when the day is done, I can't wait to get back to my beautiful(and affordable) river view, trees, fresh air, and wildlife outside my door. I wouldn't live anywhere else!

I have to agree with this. Unless you live out in the sticks in either Camas or Washougal, it only adds a few minutes to a drive into Portland. Granted, it depends on which part of Portland and what time you're trying to commute, though.

Camas and Washougal both have freakishly low crime rates (compared to other Clark County communities), some really great residents, exceedingly active and effective city governments, easy proximity to lots of outdoor activities, some very cool shops, an art museum, Camas has a gorgeously remodeled library (I could die happy there!), and some of the most affordable housing around. Well, unless you're looking at the Parade of Homes subdivisions.

[Kim Emmons]

You can't beat the nightlife of Seatte. If you want culture and choices you need to explore the Seattle area. I live 30 minutes south in Maple Valley. This is a great town where everyone is friendly and involved in the community. If you want small town and the night life of the big city, Maple Valley is a good place to check out. If you want more info I would be happy to oblige.

[Kim Emmons]

I forgot to mention. I grew up in Spokane. I understand what your talking about. I needed to leave as well and I am now so happy in Maple Valley

[girlonthemove]

I'm not really looking for that small of a town to live in, and I don't really want to live in/near Seattle. That's why I was thinking of Vancouver, because it is not much smaller than Spokane, but still very close to a "big city." Thanks for your advice!

I've heard from people that I grew up with that have left Spokane that they'll never move back. It's time for me to see what I'm missing out on! :P

[st33lcas3]

Originally Posted by girlonthemove

I've heard from people that I grew up with that have left Spokane that they'll never move back. It's time for me to see what I'm missing out on! :P

Spokane is fine for families that don't like to do anything such as visiting zoos or experiencing things only a big city can offer. It's great for retirees as well.
In between those extremes though, it sucks.

It's a big world out there, move away. You won't be disappointed.

[Swan Dive]

Originally Posted by Topaz

Vancouver is an extremely friendly, non-pretentious place. Some people call it "Vantucky" to make fun of it, but there are some very nice parts of Vancouver and it is such a quick drive to Portland to take advantage of everything the larger city has to offer. One thing to consider is whether the type of work you do would make it easy to find a job. If you live in Vancouver and work in Oregon, you owe the Oregon income tax even though you live in Washington State.

are you kidding vantucky? i have been here 8 years it easy the unfriendliest city I have ever seen or lived in?

[Topaz]

Originally Posted by Swan Dive

are you kidding vantucky? i have been here 8 years it easy the unfriendliest city I have ever seen or lived in?

From where did you move before you moved to Vancouver? We had lived in Seattle for 10 years so Portland and Vancouver/Camas looked super friendly in comparison.