Totally confused now (Seattle, Sammamish, Sequim: rent, houses, find a job)

[windrunner4484]

I've been reading alot of posts regarding various areas to move to. We are moving next summer and had picked Sequim for the weather and it has the best of both mountains and water. But I am concerned with some posts that say it isn't to diverse. We liked the area when we were there this summer. My husband and I will both be retired but he wants to find a job of some sort there. I just want a place with lots of peace and quiet (and lots of wildlife and trees). I'd must have a place with a decent library and, yes, some liberal views that care for all people. Too much to ask for? We will rent for awhile, then build. Don't want to hear alot of gunfire or atvs to mess up the quiet. Bad for the nerves, you know?

[mkarch]

Did you look at the city data page on Sequim? You're right, it's probably not a place people would describe as diverse ethnically or socioeconomically, but many of the small cities around here are like that.

[Hemlock140]

We have family there, and yes, you will hear a lot of guns from target and varmint shooting in the yards with acreage, ATVs, and tractors. They closed down the racetrack a couple of years ago so you no longer have that noise on Friday/Saturday nights. Definitely one of the less liberal places in the region, but still people are friendly and tend to take care of their neighbors when a need arises.

I spend a lot of time there and thinking about it now, I don't remember seeing many, if any minorities there. I suppose with much of the population there being retired, and many in the 75-85 range they are still old school pre-boomers. They also have a big "Irrgation Festival" in May with logging related events, not what you would consider a typical liberal event. Still, the people are friendly and get along well, I'd still recommend it.

[windrunner4484]

Thanks so much for your insight, both of you. I guess we'll keep looking. Maybe a golf course would be better for peace and quiet. We saw a house we like in Cle Elum but it gets too much snow up there. Rather have rain, instead. Also, I've been watching the fault lines and don't want to be on top of one. Any other places we should look?

[Hemlock140]

Whidbey Island, like Sequim is in the rain shadow and gets less rain. With the naval base at the north end you would find it also pretty conservative and with jet noise, but the south end is quiet. Here in Sammamish we have much more diversity, especially with a lot of recent immigrants from India, and a new library that's beautiful and has amazing views of the Seattle skyline and sunsets. We regularly have deer, rabbits and squirrels in the year, and often see eagles, hawks, owls, coyotes and racoons. Even a bear once in a while. We get a bit more rain than Seattle and because we are at 400-700' it snows more but still only 3-5 times a year. Look on Google maps at the satellite view and you will see that there is no shortage of trees. Still some woods left, with trails, and 3
recreational lakes.

[windrunner4484]

Been looking at alot of places. I read alot of posts and don't see anyone concerned with the faultlines that run through the penninsula and islands. Is there a reason for that? Sammamish sounds nice..animals around like I'm used to. Used to snow, too, but don't want alot of it. All the houses I like are not in the areas I like. Hmmmm. I wonder if in some areas of Sequim there is a place with CCR's that say no shooting? I'm sure I'm not alone in not wanting to hear it all the time. After all, bullets don't know to stop at the property line. Maybe closer to the water? Anyone with any ideas just chime in. And thanks, Hemlock140, for your input.

[PS90]

Originally Posted by windrunner4484

After all, bullets don't know to stop at the property line.

Uhhh, I don't know where you come from, but I highly doubt that there are too many moonshine-drunk rednecks shooting full-auto machine guns in all directions while waving Confederate flags and wearing Klan hoods in Sequim.

You'll be fine, even though there may be a few people who dare to own some of those nasty, evil guns.

[windrunner4484]

I come from Virginia and know what I mean, since I have some noisy neighbors now. Yes, in some people's hands guns are evil. I just don't care to hear it when I'm trying to relax. Sorry, just my quirk. I don't care if they own it. Just don't fire it. Go to a gun range. Just saying I want peace and quiet.

[Hemlock140]

The City of Sequim has an ordinance preventing the discharge of fireworks within the city limits except at a licensed range. Unforunately most people don't want to live within the city limits because most of the homes and lots are old and small, with a lot less wildlife and trees than the outskirts where Clallam County has no such rules.

Very few homeowner's associations in Sequim, pretty much limited to the newer developments of small homes built for the retirees looking for affordable, low maintenance homes.

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by windrunner4484

Maybe a golf course would be better for peace and quiet. We saw a house we like in Cle Elum but it gets too much snow up there. Rather have rain, instead. Also, I've been watching the fault lines and don't want to be on top of one.

A golf course looks very peaceful on the map, but you will hear mowing very early in the morning - and very frequently. I've never lived on one, but I spoke with someone who was moving off the golf course for that reason. In my opinion, mowing is better than shooting, but neither is quiet. Living within city limits should help with shooting (and fireworks), but then there will be other kinds of noise.

Don't worry about the fault lines. An earthquake can be very strong far off the fault, and not all faults are known. Just buy something that is well built and learn about earthquake safety. A lot of people in Washington are in denial regarding earthquakes, but don't believe them. Earthquakes aren't frequent, but someday there will be a big one. No need to worry, just learn how to stay safe. If proper precautions are taken, they are less than dangerous than hurricanes or tornadoes.