Where to move in WA? (Seattle, Tacoma: fit in, real estate, condo)

[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.

[scirocco22]

We'd also love to have distinct seasons and avoid excessive amounts of dreary/rainy days.

That restriction almost leaves out most of western Washington. Even areas in the "banana belt" on the Olympic peninsula (Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend) will not really have distinct seasons. You might still check them out, though.

I'm going to again suggest the towns just past the eastern slopes of the Cascades. Perhaps, Ellensburg (on the Yakima River, home to Central Washington U.), or Wenatchee (on the Columbia River. Wenatchee Valley CC). These towns will have much drier weather and much more sun. They'll have colder winters and hotter summers than the more populated areas of western Washington or the Puget Sound region.

Obviously, any location in the most populated area in the state --the tri-county area of King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties (the Seattle/Tacoma/Everett metro area)-- will have excessive amounts of dreary/rainy days.

What size of town are you looking for?

[lino]

Have you guys looked into anacortes, wa. This area really fits your description very well.

[scirocco22]

Good one, lino. I totally forgot about Anacortes.

Anacortes IS in the "banana belt."

No colleges in town. Here's the closest from C-D:

• WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (about 20 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; Full-time enrollment: 11,889)

• SKAGIT VALLEY COLLEGE (about 20 miles; MT VERNON, WA; FT enrollment: 3,420)

• WHATCOM COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 22 miles; BELLINGHAM, WA; FT enrollment: 2,656)

I haven't checked out real estate prices in town lately but it may be do-able. I'll take a look when I get a chance.

[jfreuden]

Originally Posted by lino

Have you guys looked into anacortes, wa. This area really fits your description very well.

So, the weather in Anacortes isn't drizzly year-round? We're planning a trip up in two weeks and are going to check it out then. Thanks for the suggestion.

[scirocco22]

Anacortes will have drizzly weather but not all year around. It's in the so-called "banana belt" but not quite as rain shadowed as Sequim, for instance. There will be rain but not as much measurable precip' as the Seattle/Tacoma area for instance.

Anacortes is purported to have between 245-300 days of sunshine. Central Washington locations usually tout over 300 days of sunshine.

[Macrina]

DO check out Anacortes! It's very nice in several areas and I think would fit at least several of your requirements. The trip in to I-5 (and Mount Vernon) is 20-45 minutes, depending on time of day, but it's a pretty drive. Keep in touch and let us know how your trip works out!

[kc2sweet4ne1]

Have you thought about Centralia? It's about perfect in terms of distances to places. You'd be about 2 hours from the beach, 2 hours from the mountains, 2 hours from Portland, 2 hours from Seattle. There are many bike riding trails and routes around here, as my husband and 2 kids (ages 4 and 8) bike ride a lot. The homes would definitely fit in your price range. We have retirees and colleges students with everything in between. I love it here. It really has a "hometown" feel, where on Friday nights half the town is at the local football game and on warm summer nights, families are enjoying music in the park.... (local bands playing and families dancing or lounging on their picnic blanket) If I didn't have to (being relocated), I would never leave. Moderator cut: indirect soliciting GOOD LUCK....

[Bo Knows]

Moses Lake- It fits most of your list.

Weather- All 4 seasons to the max. Hardly any rain and they boast 300+ sunny days a year.

A small community college - Big Bend Community

Schools are great.

Aprox 20,000 people and growing. The economy is booming and employment is great.

Housing has bumped up a little, but you will not have a problem finding a nice 3bed 2 bath for well under 300k.

[citydatauser]

I would recommend Port Angeles. Port Angeles has a nice down town area that they are improving. They are currently building a 14 million dollar transportation center; and plans are in the works for a large condo project and fixing up the landing mall.

Port Angeles has the Strait of Juan de Fuca as its front yard and the Olympic National Park as its back yard so there are a variety of trails and campgrounds to choose from in the area. There are also many breathtaking water and mountain views. Popular places around the area are Hurricane Ridge 17 miles to the South, and Lake Crescent 17 miles to the West, both in the Olympic National Park. Port Angeles has a water front trail which is now a part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. it goes all the the way to Sequim, eventually it will go to Port Townsend, approx 45 miles to the East; and possibly Forks, approx 60 miles to the West. Thats 100 miles!!!