Best cities for our family (Seattle, Spokane: relocating, debt, jobs)

[henrysmom]

We are from So Cal (I know...nobody wants us!) and looking to more to the Pacific NW next year. I am an RN (jobs everywhere) and my husband is a psychologist/social worker. We have two sons, 5 and 4 and we are in our mid-40s, quiet. My concern is that we are a multiracial family..I am Caucasian, my husband is Black/Hispanic and one of my sons is biracial, the other is Chinese! We simply can't afford Seattle or the immediate surrounds. Looking for a place, preferably with a college somewhere near the water (or at least accessible for family weekend drives) where our family would be accepted, and at least not hassled and where we have some chance of finding jobs!. We've experienced no real issues with our family in So Cal, but have certainly had minor issues out of the state. Looking for any feedback and thanks! Kim

[the dufferz]

Henrysmom,

First off, there are jerks everywhere and anywhere you go who will pass judgement on the color of your skin, so I can't guarantee that you wont get hassled by somebody, but as a whole, Washington is pretty accepting, being a heavy concentration of asian, mexican, black, white and the occasional alien (the phrase UFO was first coined in Washington).

Anywhere you choose in Western Washington is going to be within an hour of major water and usually within a few minutes of some kind of water.

What would be helpful to know is what can you afford for housing? this will help determine how far away from the Puget Sound you would need to go.

Are you wanting a major univercity or a college? If a univercity is desired, that will narrow down the options.

So, give us some more details and we can give you some good ideas.

The dufferz

[henrysmom]

Well, we would like to stay not more than $350K for housing if possible, preferably lower. Could go just a bit higher if needed, but would have to incur some debt we really don't want to unless absolutely necessary. My husband is a psychologist and an LCSW, and generally speaking, would be easier for him to find jobs near universities, but not necessary. Agree that there are jerks everywhere, but to be honest, we've had very little problem in our 17 years together based on our racial situation...even in places you might expect trouble. And have met jerks even here in So Cal! Thanks for any feedback! Kim

[the dufferz]

Well, $350 for a family of 4 is possible in most areas outside the greater seattle area. My home is 1600 Sq. Ft. and would sell for $380. We live in Bothell (northern end of the county, 20 miles from Seattle).

I would first recommend looking at Olympia (state capitol)/Lacey; university there, nice housing and generally located in a place that is within striking distace of all sorts of water, both fresh and salt. Probably less traffic than you would find in CA, generally a good place.

2nd option would be Bellingham, again University, housing prices may be higher than the long term market will handle (long story, but it is a risk there from what I have read), some complaits about crime, but depends on the area you live in.

For something different, if you want the 4 seasons and a quiet area, consider Ellensburg (Central Washington) 2 hours form Seattle, University, affordable housing, a river, mountain lakes 30 minutes away. This is a university/Farming city.

The dufferz

[Mark S.]

I would steer clear of any of the major cities along the I-5 corridor -- Seattle, Olympia, Tacoma, Everett, Bellingham. It's way too expensive, traffic is terrible, and crime has gotten really bad.

Port Townsend and Port Angeles are both quite nice.

[Familyfarmgirl]

Henrysmom,

I'm from Cal. also, then moved to Oregon, then to the Bellingham, Washington area. We love it here ! Truth be told, a lot of people are from Cal. We moved in and discovered our neighbor was from the same town in Cal as I was. You are wanted, and welcome!

We picked Everson to move to. We wanted a "slower", more down to earth life for our kids (8 and 9). They go to a private christian school in Lynden, about 10 min away and my husband works in Bellingham and I work in Sumas. You will love the prices you find here; Everson is just now growing and building new homes...in your price range. Lots of mountains, trees, lakes and farms.

Your family would not have a problem here. Most are like us, we just want neighbors that are friendly and who's dog doesn't kill our chickens!

Look at Everson, you might like it. Good luck !

[DBM]

henrysmom,

I would second what the Dufferz wrote. Olympia would be a very good starting point. Good houses in good neighborhoods are available in your price range, it's on the water, and it has two colleges (Evergreen and St. Martin's). More importantly, it combines these factors with being relatively tolearant and accepting. Being the seat of state government, along with having Evergreen nearby, makes it one of the more tolerant cities of its size. This also highlights one of the main drawbacks to following Mark S.' advice -- as a general rule (and an oversimplification), the further you get off the I-5 corridor, the less diversity and social tolerance you will find. Urbanized areas everywhere tend to be more socially tolerant and diverse, and Washington is no different.

[diggitydot]

Another option with a good hospital and a university nearby is Salmon Creek, WA. There's the new Legacy hospital which is very close to the Vancouver campus for Washington State University. And you could definitely get a decent house in that area for $350K.

Here are some links for you to take a look:
http://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/

http://www.legacyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=38

And this next one is an ungodly long link, but it will give you a good idea of what you can get for your money in that area.

Moderator cut: URL Removed

[WendyK]

Spokane has plenty of lakes and rivers and very affordable housing. You can buy a nice house here for $350,000. There are universities, too, EWU, Gonzaga, Whitworth and WSU has a Spokane campus. I think you'll find that people in Spokane are very welcoming and friendly. Diversity is welcome and appreciated here. Great public schools system. I have worked with many people relocating from So. Cal and other parts of CA who are attracted to our housing prices, easy traffic, outdoor activities, great restaurants and shopping. Check it out!

[maevel]

Hi folks
We live in Lacey and are a multiracial family (white parents - 6 AA and bi-racial kids). You'd love the Lacey area because diversity is just normal here - no one would give you a second glance! On the downside, prices are going up (but a bargain compared to CA - we moved here in '93 from the Bay Area) and traffic is getting worse, but generally, it's a great place to live. For culture, you'd have to go to Olympia (10 miles) and the water is close by and it's lovely here. LOTS of rain, though, and not too many sunny days. But no scorching weather, either and the air is clean! Give us a look!
Maeve in Lacey!