Relocation to western Washington? (Seattle, Vancouver: rent, home, employment)

[Redsasquatch]

My wife, our young daugther, and I are thinking about relocationing to Washington. We are looking for an area that is reasonably priced to live and yet is safe to raise children in. I am an emt and an aspiring firefighter so it would be ideal if it were near an academy.

[Sobefobik]

These are very broad guidelines and apply to many cities in Western Washington. The only firefighting academies I could find with a quick search are those below. Of the two, I would go with North Bend (Yakima isn't considered Western Washington). North Bend is actually a really beautiful place, but it can be expensive. Tell us more what you're looking for because I can't give you too many specifics with what you've asked.

Washington State Patrol Fire Training Academy
North Bend, WA 98045
425.453.3000

Washington Fire Mechanics Academy
Yakima, WA 98901
253.735.0284

[nevaeh2morrow]

You might look at the Snohomish County Area. It is much less expensive than the Seattle area but yet an easy drive to Seattle. Everett, Marysville, Lake Stevens are nice areas. All of those areas would be good areas to work in your emt field also.

[Hemlock140]

My son is an EMT in Everett, they seem to hire a lot of people, and more yet if they get a new contract with another city. Also, he's a
volunteer with the fire department. Volunteering is a great way to get experience that will help when there's an opening and they do get paid when going out on calls. He's with rural metro, but there's also AMR and Tri-Med. You do need a state license.

[StealthRabbit]

Vancouver / Hockinson / Camas WA (decent CHEAP communities, Camas and Hockinson preferred for Schools) Close to your home!! http://www.bigfootencounters.com/art...-ordinance.htm
http://www.bigfootlunchclub.com/2009...rdinances.html

Fire Academy and opportunities in Portland. (hope you are a minority, that is your ticket to a job in this industry)

This is a good district to get employment Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue: Home
or Port of Portland - Fire Department

This place has been hiring like crazy as they expand, it is a good job
http://www.lifeflight.org/

I too have family with 10 yrs in the SW WA EMS service.

[Redsasquatch]

So we are going to move into Snohomish county. Which town is best? We need something that has a good school district for when my daughter is ready for school. More immediately we would like an area that is friendly and pet accomidating community with activities for my wife and daughter to participate in, ie a mommy and me class or other activities where we can meet people and make friends

[Hemlock140]

If you want safe neihborhood for kids and good schools watch out in Everett, there are some, but more that are scary. Same goes for Marysville, especially on or near the reservation.

Lynwood is a little better, but Edmonds and Lake Stevens are probably the best, then Mill Creek and Bothell a little behind them.

Monroe and Snohomish have safe neighborhoods but the schools are not great.

Like most areas of the country, rent and home prices in the areas with the best schools are going to cost more.

[Redsasquatch]

We saw a place on west mall drive in Everett, is that an ok area?

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by Redsasquatch

We saw a place on west mall drive in Everett, is that an ok area?

just the usual burglaries, drugs, and lots of vehicle prowls. Not the worst party of Everett but I'd pass on it. Way too close to Casino Rd. which IS the worst area.

[Redsasquatch]

So we are going to start looking into the lake Stevens area but just so we know what are the good areas of Everett?