Best cities to consider moving to??? (Seattle, Vancouver: real estate, crime, brokers)

[Sandiego84]

My husband and I are looking to move somewhere new, somewhere we can enjoy life and where we live. We have been considering moving to Washington for some time now, but need some help figuring out cities that may suit us the best. We have two young children 3 months and 4 years. What cities should a young family just starting out consider moving to? We would like a home with about an acre or two, with the city not too far away. What about Vancouver, WA? What is the area like? How are the schools? What about crime?
Thanks in advance for Any help...

[earls]

Don't know why no one has responded to your question yet - so I will. - I think Vancouver would be a good choice Actually north of Vancouver. Close to Portland, Airport a LOT better than SEA.
Schools are as good as any I guess but a Christian School or Home school would be better. I don't think crime should be a major concern. Find a city that may appeal to you and check with Real Estate agents from major brokers on-line and you can see available properties. Agents will always say schools are good but be more cautious on your concern for crime. You can tell when touring area prior to purchase look for clean yards, Homes in good repair, shopping areas are clean and not run down. - Just like S. D. My son lives down there and for a while lived close to Stadium and never had problems like you are concerned with. We have been up here since 1994 and don't have problems either. OH yes you might if time allows want to check out areas you are interested in during Winter! Hillsides give nice view but remember we get snow and down there they get more ice because of river. If you buy vacant land try to get one with well already dug and pre approved Septic design.

[ness]

Originally Posted by Sandiego84

My husband and I are looking to move somewhere new, somewhere we can enjoy life and where we live. We have been considering moving to Washington for some time now, but need some help figuring out cities that may suit us the best. We have two young children 3 months and 4 years. What cities should a young family just starting out consider moving to? We would like a home with about an acre or two, with the city not too far away. What about Vancouver, WA? What is the area like? How are the schools? What about crime?
Thanks in advance for Any help...

I wouldn't recommend home schooling if you're moving someplace new 'cause school is where your kids will meet other kids. Also....where you can meet fellow parents. There is a site called greatschools.com that I have used when researching areas.

[Leap of Belief]

Home prices have sky rocketed in most urban areas in WA state. There are a few places that still maintain a great small town feel - I think Centralia is one of those place AND it remains affordable. The downtown area is under going huge improvements as investors are taking the historic buildings and rehab-ing them. The nature of the area is great and you are 1/2 way between Portland, OR and Seattle, WA - a perfect location. If you need big city stuff you can go north about 25 minutes to the capital city Olympia.



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[kc2sweet4ne1]

I'm going to have to agree with LEAF. My daughter has excelled in the Centralia school district, the town is great--not too big--- not too small. Everything you need is here. I love that we are only a hop and a skip away from both the beaches AND the mountains. It's a great place to be!

[Kelly Pierre]

Hi there,

We lived in Vancouver and loved it! The Cascade Park area is especially nice. Good Schools too. Good luck!

[Sandiego84]

Thank you all so much.
I have been so nervous about moving so far away, especially not knowing the area. But all information is making the moving process so much easier.

[Balco9]

Originally Posted by ness

I wouldn't recommend home schooling if you're moving someplace new 'cause school is where your kids will meet other kids. Also....where you can meet fellow parents. There is a site called greatschools.com that I have used when researching areas.

You might rethink that after what happened in Beslan back in 2004. I keep hearing it's coming to the US...
Check at glennbeck.com and look up exposed: The Perfect Day
It's pretty frightening stuff and had me concerned as a parent.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by ness

I wouldn't recommend home schooling if you're moving someplace new 'cause school is where your kids will meet other kids. Also....where you can meet fellow parents. There is a site called greatschools.com that I have used when researching areas.

There are many ways to meet others beside school...(4-H, sports, church, gardening / hiking / conservation / photo clubs...)

We homeschooled and moved 5 times (3 international) and our kids haven't had to succumb to therapy yet, tho maybe soon. (both graduated *** laude from WA Universities last year). Of course they lived under the threat of 'Dairy Farm Boarding School', so were very glad to leave home . When we had our fruit farm I was very happy to be able to hire a few homeschool kids, as they were much more adept at carrying on conversations with adults. They would usually become field managers because they were used to figuring out how to do stuff rather than be told every step in the process. But they were hard to get, as many have their own businesses and hire their friends in summer.

There are many good areas around Vancouver (and Chehalis / Centralia too) Both have good Homeschool networks, as well as acceptable public schools. You just need to stay plugged in, whatever you choose. We always volunteered as a family (whole family, including dad, mom, and kids) one day per week in the public schools. Many of those kids are not too familiar with families, and they really appreciated my kids taking time to work with them in reading, science and math. Bringing home the lice wasn't much fun tho... but part of the price of giving to others.

Good luck, you'll be fine, just enjoy the journey (it won't always seem fun...)

[Pittgal]

Originally Posted by Sandiego84

Thank you all so much.
I have been so nervous about moving so far away, especially not knowing the area. But all information is making the moving process so much easier.

People on this board will help you in the right direction. This place helped me so much when we moved here last year from PA. We are in a great area out here thanks to all the advice I got from this board!! Good luck!