Where to move in WA?

[Sandy Nelson]

Check out Olympia, if your in the area. Good schools, homes in your price range, definitely eclectic, located on the southern tip of Puget Sound and a nice mix of people. I'm not sure about distinct seasons, but we do get occasional snow in the winter, long sunny summers, and mild rainy spring and fall.
Sandy

[scirocco22]

"Long sunny summers?" and "mild rainy spring and fall?"

Just my opinion but that's not how I'd describe western Washington's weather, Sandy.

And Olympia is known for the having the MOST days of rain in the entire U.S.



--'rocco

[brightcopperkettles]

Originally Posted by jfreuden

I am a teacher, my husband is a physical therapist and we have young children. We're researching possibly relocating to Washington.

We're looking for a clean, laid back, ecclectic town where we can spend time outdoors hiking, camping and mountain biking. Ideally, we'd like to live somewhere near water (preferrably not a water treatment center). We'd like a town with a progressive vibe and a cool downtown area with a nice mix in age groups (i.e. not only retirees or college students). With our kids in mind, good schools are definitely a priority. We'd also love to have distinct seasons and avoid excessive amounts of dreary/rainy days. One last thing, for now anyway, we'd like to be able to buy a 3 bedroom house for $300k or under.

Whew, is my laundry list seeming unrealistic?

Does anyone have an idea as I've only taken a road trip through WA? I loved it then, and I think there's somewhere fitting that my family would love now.

Thanks for your help.

Honey, you have just described Asheville, NC, NOT anywhere in Washington State. Type in "Asheville, NC" in your Google searchbar, and check it out. I promise, you would LOVE it!

[Condar]

North of Spokane, Lake Rosevelt-- distinct seasons, Kettle Falls, Near the lake, Colville, county seat, good schools. Northport, small town on the river, but small town, all have nice housing in your range, Good Luck.

[jamesdmaniac]

Howdy!

Here's your choices in WA State (which I love)...wet in the West (but, if you don't mind wet, Olympia is great...the "banana belt" is dry but grey most of the time) and dry east of the Cascades (Spokane has amenities, but it's not "attractive"). And finally, folks, Camas is the "in-between" situation...more sun than most of the West, and all the amenities anyone could need within a short driving distance (Portland, OR). I moved here from Half Moon Bay, CA (which I also love), but this place (Camas) is much better!!

[CADRMNDANES]

What areas do you consider the "banana belt"?

[scirocco22]

I don't know if jamesdmaniac was referring to Olympia being in the banana belt for Olympia is definitely not defined as being in any kind of a banana belt. The "official" western Washington "banana belt" will include the region described in this thread:

Banana Belt Region

I've included a map in that thread.

--'rocco

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by CADRMNDANES

What areas do you consider the "banana belt"?

You did say in another thread, CADRMNDANES, that you were also considering Anacortes. Anacortes IS in the banana belt.

--'rocco

[CADRMNDANES]

Thanks! We are possibly driving up next week to see these areas.