From Texas To Washington (Vancouver, Bellingham: 2013, layoffs, high schools)

[BeoPine22]

Well It seems my parents are gonna split. And that leaves me and my mother probably winding up from the panhandle of Texas to Washington state. At the moment we are lookin' at Bellingham. Anything I should know? What is the best HS in Bellingham? Will I have a freak culture shock? And what is there for a teen to do there?

[Hemlock140]

You are going from one of the most conservative states to probably the most liberal, and that happens to be one of the more liberal cities here with the Western WA College, that cranks out a lot of teachers. If you can handle that, the next extreme difference is the weather, with about 35 inches of rain a year, and winter low temperatures in the 30s or below, summer not mostly less than 80. Other than that it's a great little city, with a salt water harbor and short drive to Vancouver BC Canada.

[StealthRabbit]

Sorry for family issues... not ez for kids.

Bellingham is likely a great choice. plenty to do, lots of options for school and fun & close to Canada. Rents are a bit high due to colleges, can live nearby affordably. I assume you have family or connections and know the area and weather


Outdoor activity will be best. running, biking, sea kayak, skiing / sno-/ kiteboarding / soccer, climbing, orienteering.
Art will be good hobby as well. drama, music, visual arts ...


High School... what grade level?
consider the WA option of attending College instead of HS grade 11 & 12 (must test early / spring 2013)
Whatcom Community College :: Running Start

[Dthraco]

I made a similar move...from DFW up there.

Much different than Dallas/Fort Worth. Bellingham is more laid back, and much less materialistic. It's 90% Caucasian. There is a great music scene for underage and college kids. TONS of stuff to do outdoors. Parks, the ocean, snowboarding up at Mt. Baker. Compared to Texas which is mostly flat, you will be greeted with mountains and lush greenery. Because it's so much further North the amount of daylight changes from summer to winter with it not getting dark in the summer till 10pm. This lines up nicely with the better weather patterns. +1 on the amazing opportunity to attend college classes while still in high school. I graduated HS in Texas and never had that opportunity.

The down sides are that there are many many cloudy days and lots of rain about 9-10 months of the year. You don't need sunglasses or A/C. The average temp is 60. You get used to it though.

Sorry for your parents situation, but hopefully you enjoy the change in lifestyle. I know I did.

[BeoPine22]

Thanks! Also, if y'all know, hows the High School baseball and football up there?

[skrude1]

Originally Posted by Dthraco

The down sides are that there are many many cloudy days and lots of rain about 9-10 months of the year. You don't need sunglasses or A/C. The average temp is 60. You get used to it though.

I recommend sunglasses for when the sun reflects off of wet pavement into your eyes.

Also, one thing you may find interesting. We don't have that tax law where your wage is adjusted because you earn tips. You earn minimum + tips.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by BeoPine22

Thanks! Also, if y'all know, hows the High School baseball and football up there?

OK I hear, But WET. I will guess Lynden or Ferndale Will be less competitive if you need to "make-the-team', Bellingham will probably have a fair bit of competition (larger school / more competitive to make the team, and play higher ranked schools. Many HS soccer players have found quite a niche in Football, especially for kicking fieldgoals and wide receivers.

[BellevueNative]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

OK I hear, But WET. I will guess Lynden or Ferndale Will be less competitive if you need to "make-the-team', Bellingham will probably have a fair bit of competition (larger school / more competitive to make the team, and play higher ranked schools. Many HS soccer players have found quite a niche in Football, especially for kicking fieldgoals and wide receivers.

Ferndale and Lynden actually have good football programs. Jake Locker, former UW quarterback, went to Ferndale. Both of those teams I think make it to the state playoffs fairly regularly.

OP, you'll find the high school sports culture here very different from what you have in Texas. And by that I mean that people here really don't care that much about high school sports. We have other stuff going on. All the high schools have football and baseball, of course, but you won't get thousands of people at the high school football games. Baseball isn't played year-round here because of the weather, so our teams probably aren't as strong as Texas, where they can at least practice year-round in dry weather.

[5thgenokie]

Originally Posted by skrude1

Also, one thing you may find interesting. We don't have that tax law where your wage is adjusted because you earn tips. You earn minimum + tips.

That is awesome! Does that incline people not to give tips though you think?