Is there a Walden-like city...in Washington? (Vancouver, Camano: home, median income)

[AlliHarker]

Right...quick and simple because nobody really enjoys reading blabs.

City preferences:
(1) Liberal
(2) Artistic
(3) Younger population
(4) Low - Moderate income
(5) Smaller town - (as in under 10,000) Won't rule out something a little larger though

Easiest way to explain what we want is to compare it to the concept of Thoreau's Walden. Granted, not to that extreme, but very similar. The group includes artists, philosopher, writer, student, etc. We decided upon Washington for the same reasons as most others...we enjoy the outdoors, outdoor activities, serene areas, water, woods, sitting in a cafe, photography, and in addition to that...the more eccentric something is the more we love it.

Just curious...

Thanks much.

[LMB]

I'm sure these towns in western WA won't hit all your criteria (especially the low-moderate income part), but they are the first that come to mind. These are all strong arts communities with woods, water and serene areas.

Langley, Whidbey Island
Camano Island
San Juan Islands
Vashon Island

[wythors]

The San Juans are probably the closest to that. I've spent time on Orcas and Lopez and they both fit the bill nicely.

[scirocco22]

San Juans does sound like it may be a fit. However, as Lynn said, the low to moderate income part may make you look at the other alternatives she mentions.

[chris]

Younger population - better reconsider your options, maybe Portland/Vancouver.

There's not a lot of what you're looking for in Washington beyond one street towns with assorted art galleries, and it's primarily retirees. That's what I think of when I think of places like Langley and most of the Islands.

I'm sure someone will suggest Port Townsend, but that's also one-two streets with a big old paper mill south of the town, fairly isolated, but definitely the lower-middle income range you are looking for. Really an interesting mix of people for sure.

Also, most of Portland will be considerably more liberal than places you'll find in Washington (imo of course).

I think Washington does an excellent job of luring folks here with the OP's ideaology, but in the end, unless you're independently wealthy, it can be a subpar experience. There is no shortage of eccentric people though.

[AlliHarker]

Thanks for the replies...
My friend has the urge to check out Leavenworth. Any thoughts on that?

[scirocco22]

Leavenworth leans to the conservative side politically. I believe over 60% republican. I personally wouldn't consider it "Walden-like," either. It's a touristy town with a median age of over 40 and median income of a little over $40,000/yr.

[LMB]

Originally Posted by chris

Younger population - better reconsider your options, maybe Portland/Vancouver.

There's not a lot of what you're looking for in Washington beyond one street towns with assorted art galleries, and it's primarily retirees. That's what I think of when I think of places like Langley and most of the Islands.

Hey Chris, doncha know age is just a state of mind? I know several young artists & writers who make their home on the islands, preferring a simpler more laid-back life. The "kids" seem to enjoy hanging out with the old hippies as much as their own age group. Retirees are getting younger all the time. Many early retiree boomers are starting second careers doing what they enjoy (often arts related), working from home away from the city. The islands are very popular with these folks, and they aren't exactly the Bingo crowd.

I still say for that small town artsy Waldenesque lifestyle the OP is seeking, the San Juan's, Vashon and south Whidbey have got it goin' on. Camano has a very active arts scene as well as woods and water, but it might be a bit too rural. Should be checked out though. Port Townsend could fit the bill too, but the islands seem more Walden Pond to me.

Lynn

[Fat Freddy]

I'm sure that all this talk of Artsy-fartsy, Upscale Yuppie, Tourist towns being Walden like would have had Thoreau groaning, rolling his eyes, and saying "How little they understood."

[LMB]

Originally Posted by Fat Freddy

I'm sure that all this talk of Artsy-fartsy, Upscale Yuppie, Tourist towns being Walden like would have had Thoreau groaning, rolling his eyes, and saying "How little they understood."

You might be right, FF. Everything has to be qualified for our current times. Even so, we looked at several properties in these areas last year that were much more Walden Pond than touristy and yuppie! Have to get off the beaten path and into the back roads though--the word "road" being used somewhat loosely here. There are still plenty of real artists & independent thinkers out there where the artsy fartsy crowd fear to tread.

Lynn