Coastal living in western WA? Aberdeen?

[sandmanmrm]

I've lived in Aberdeen for just nearly a year and I don't regret it one bit. I moved here from Tacoma and I have to say that when I return to Tacoma the traffic now seems terrifying. If you want peace and quiet, anywhere in grays harbor county is just that. It's true there are not many stores but there are enough to sustain the basic needs of living. No lines at the gas station and the smallest Wal-mart parking lot I have ever seen (although never completely full) so I suppose it suits the current population. The business district of Aberdeen is similar to old down town Puyallup. Very charming to look at but it needs some fixing up. There are good and bad areas just like anywhere else. Not much to do except enjoy the nature walks, beaches, and if you feel like it you can pick up a big beautiful old fixer house extremely cheap. Be careful however, when looking at cheap homes. Look very closely at the foundation to make sure it is a good solid foundation. I spent two years looking at houses here and noticed that there are a few homes that have recessed a bit into the wet dirt. Before you know it you will need to prop your house up on one side. Also look closely at the roofs, there is still a lot of cedar shake in use here and I have actually seen composition shingles go right over the top of cedar shake. That is a disaster waiting to happen. Lastly look at basements for evidence of flooding, it happens a lot here. Other than that you can still get a good deal in this area but you must do your homework. There seems to be a bit of interest in the area recently from people in the Seattle/Tacoma according to the investors I have talked to. I have noticed in the past few years that there is a good amount of buying and fixing up going on in the area which is a pleasant sight to sore eyes since it seems about half the population here neglect to care for their house when it begins to weather. Maybe they haven't found the Home Depot yet...

[Lisa E]

My husband may take a job in Aberdeen/Montesano area. We are mid 30's, professionals with two boys, 6 and 9 moving from San Diego.

We drove around Aberdeen and Montesano and spent time in Ocean Shores a couple of weeks ago during a big wind storm that knocked the power out in Ocean Shores. We decided we couldn't live in Ocean Shores because of the severe windstorms and also it seems sort of isolated. But the hill areas around Aberdeen and Montesano seem nice. We liked downtown areas of both but the drive along the water between Aberdeen and Hoquiam is awful and not very desirable to live.

People seem to have such mixed feelings about Grays Harbor. I really feel that this would be a great job opportunity for my husband and I think overall it would be nice to live in the small town atmosphere. Montesano is where we are leaning. Anyone have anything to share about Montesano?

[boz428]

Hi

I have lived around the US and out of country; I have most recently been living in the Olympia area but will be moving to Montesano in January after having been transferred to Grays Harbor in October. I can say this without reservation: the people of Grays Harbor may be the kindest, most genuine people I have ever met. Of course, I have not met EVERYONE, but I believe this statement is true for the vast majority of people I have come in contact with or have come to know in the Harbor.

Before taking my current job on the Harbor, I had spent a great deal of time as a day tourist and sometimes as a camper throughout the county. Even in Western Washington, the natives have mixed feelings about the area. But I believe that is because they do not live in the area and simply pass through Aberdeen and Hoquiam. Certainly, from that perspective I and others have the wrong ideas and misperceptions about the county and its residents. Both of these largest cities in the county--if you only pass through on the major highways--may look run down to some degree and worn out. But if you get into the neighborhoods and if you spend time around the people you will find out these people, especially the natives and people who have chosen to live there for a long time, are a very good people; the housing is INCREDIBLE in its beauty and low cost; and if you have a good job, you will live well and be accepted with open arms.

I am a professional and have just spent 96 hours on duty dealing with the December 3 storm, the worst I have ever been through and according to my co-workers (most of whom have lived on the Harbor their entire lives) the worst ever to hit the Harbor. The community is devastated, but the compassion, community coming together, and the consideration of all people there for others (including simple things like sharing water and food and following basic disaster traffic laws) have been overwhelming.

In a world that has grown cynical, I am finding my faith in humanity is being restored simply by working in this community.

Realistically, once I get moved to the beautiful small city of Montesano, my standard of living will drastically rise due to the very affordable housing and other community amenities.

I recommend anyone considering moving to Montesano or other Harbor communities, do so. Yes, it is grey a lot of the time, yes the Harbor is a temperate seaport with wind and lots of rain, but for me, a native of Puget Sound it is not that much of a difference.....

San Diego is beautiful; the weather is great; but here, we have seasons, we have community, and we have an optimism that grows out of a rugged nature and a survivor mentality that has not spawned cynicism but rather hope and a wisdom that says together we can make this all work.

Hope this doesn't sound too much like a tourism ad, but I am astounded and I feel blessed that I have found a new home.

[wannadanc]

Originally Posted by Lisa E

My husband may take a job in Aberdeen/Montesano area. We are mid 30's, professionals with two boys, 6 and 9 moving from San Diego.

We drove around Aberdeen and Montesano and spent time in Ocean Shores a couple of weeks ago during a big wind storm that knocked the power out in Ocean Shores. We decided we couldn't live in Ocean Shores because of the severe windstorms and also it seems sort of isolated. But the hill areas around Aberdeen and Montesano seem nice. We liked downtown areas of both but the drive along the water between Aberdeen and Hoquiam is awful and not very desirable to live.

People seem to have such mixed feelings about Grays Harbor. I really feel that this would be a great job opportunity for my husband and I think overall it would be nice to live in the small town atmosphere. Montesano is where we are leaning. Anyone have anything to share about Montesano?

Just be glad you were not here this week - we have had a HUGE storm that has had a huge impact on every place you have mentioned, as well as south to Centralia, Chehalis, and such. Some places got 10 inches of rain in 24 hours, the mudslides isolated many communities, and the Interstate Hwy that goes south to Portland has 20 miles of it under 10 feet of water.

Other than that - this is a gret place to live - and I do mean that!!!

[bmsea]

Originally Posted by Lisa E

My husband may take a job in Aberdeen/Montesano area. We are mid 30's, professionals with two boys, 6 and 9 moving from San Diego.

We drove around Aberdeen and Montesano and spent time in Ocean Shores a couple of weeks ago during a big wind storm that knocked the power out in Ocean Shores. We decided we couldn't live in Ocean Shores because of the severe windstorms and also it seems sort of isolated. But the hill areas around Aberdeen and Montesano seem nice. We liked downtown areas of both but the drive along the water between Aberdeen and Hoquiam is awful and not very desirable to live.

People seem to have such mixed feelings about Grays Harbor. I really feel that this would be a great job opportunity for my husband and I think overall it would be nice to live in the small town atmosphere. Montesano is where we are leaning. Anyone have anything to share about Montesano?

My husband and I are also professionals in our early 30's. We moved to Westport from Seattle to escape the rat race when just before we had our first child. I think this is a great place to raise a family. It's not perfect, but people are generally down to earth, friendly, and real. Montesano is a great compromise, because you are really very close to better shopping and amenities in Olympia and Seattle. I travel to Seattle about every other week for work and it takes 2 - 3 hours depending on traffic (from Westport, subtract 40 minutes for Monte). When I lived in LA, I used to commute from West LA to Pomona every day and it took 1 - 3 hours depending on traffic. So I see the distance as nothing.

Good luck!