Moving/Retiring in W. Washington (Seattle, Vancouver: crime, house, tax)

[luv2camp]

I'm new to these posts, but have learned alot so far! We are planning on moving from Boise, Idaho to Western Washington to be closer to kids/grandkids (in Portland and Seattle). We are retired and would like to be somewhere between Vancouver and Olympia and would appreciate any suggestions or things we should think about. I realize we are going from a hot, dry climate and will have a big change in the winter, so if there are any areas that have better winter days than others that would be nice to know.

We would like a house on around an acre (to park toys) around $275-300k outside the bigger cities.

Thank you to all who contribute and help on this forum!

[StealthRabbit]

I think there is adequate discussion and some by this topic name, so won't 're-hash' - sounds like you've done some forum searching, but continue on that.

basically, Longview is central, but not desired by many due to significant drug problem. There are small towns within ez commute to there that are fine, but you need to find one that fits. It would be handy to use a 'rain map', crime stats, and a tax levy data sheet when searching.

Centralia is a bit depressed losing high end jobs (mine)
Chehalis is blooming a bit, and doesn't have impact fees, yet...
Napavine held promise for me until they implemented impact fees... (a surcharge on changing uses of land). Morton is a ways off the path but is a decent town.
Woodland has become pretty spendy, I'd stay on the Cowlitz County side of the border, Clark County has potential for adding a lot of fees since it is largely Urban and will be eventually be adding a Light - rail / commute tax.

It can be handy to be within striking distance to Portland and the Oregon beaches.

You can find what you are looking for in the $300k price range.

[KidBlue]

Just a comment on Morton. I visited there last year to check it out. It's a very small town and about a 40 minute drive into Centalia for larger stores, etc. But, it was one of the most beautiful areas I've ever seen in my life. You might want to check out the area between Chehalis and Morton. It will be a wonderful drive, if nothing else!