Ellensburg (Yakima, North Bend, Vantage: rentals, employment, school)

[crystalline_umbra]

I'm considering a move to Ellensburg in the spring, can anyone give me some info about the town? I've been doing my own research, but I'd like to hear it from people that are familiar with the area
Thanks!

[scirocco22]

It's been quite a few years since I've lived there and the town has grown substantially since then but what exact info did you want to know? You've stated that you have been doing your own research so we don't want to give you information you already have acquired.

I liked the drier climate that's offered once crossing the Cascades. The seasons are more distinct than the western part of the state. I enjoyed being in the transition area between the mountains to the west and the desert to the east. Being a college town, there's a certain vibrancy that you might not feel in a similar sized town. Major chains for shopping are located a half hour away in Yakima but most services can now be found right in Ellensburg.

CD Reference page

[chris]

there's some good posts on this board if you search for Ellensburg... It's a great little place, some may love it (my wife did), others may think it's too boring. I'd think the outdoorsy, rugged, independent type would really be attracted to it.

[missyM]

The only thing bad about E-burg, to me, is the incessant wind. My dad went to college there along with a buddy from Chicago. He said Chicago's got less of it than Ellensburg.

I live 1/2 hour away. I can leave here in perfect weather, sure that it will be nice there, and it almost never is.

[crystalline_umbra]

i've been warned about the wind lol. I'm mainly looking for information on housing, cost of living, employment, etc.. I've been looking here and there, but it's always better to hear it first hand. I'm interested in short term housing when i first get there, any info on inexpensive short term housing would be great. I'm looking into going to school there, but not until i establish residency. In the mean time, i have health care experience. Worked as a PCA and etc.. I've heard there is a decent amount of work in that field in Ellensburg.

oh, and i love the outdoors...I'm always in the woods and at the beach where i live on the east coast. that's another question, any bodies of water out that way?

[fy10fyr]

Originally Posted by crystalline_umbra

oh, and i love the outdoors...I'm always in the woods and at the beach where i live on the east coast. that's another question, any bodies of water out that way?

There are a few good sized lakes near E-burg, also the Columbia River is less than an hour East. There's a nice launch right off I-90 at Vantage.

[M3 Mitch]

E-Burg is windy but I like to visit. College town. A lot of outdoor recreation available. Good bit more snow than Tri-Cities or Yakima. I'm not certain about health care employment opportunities. It's a college town to the core, lot of funky interesting restaurants and shops downtown. I would think the student market would mean plenty of low-cost short-term rentals available. The Yakima river runs near town and all along Canyon Road to Yakima, in summer there are always boats full of people fishing or just riding the river.

[mikeab93]

I now visit family in Ellensburg and the one thing I like the most is the lack of traffic. I just spent Thanksgiving weekend there and we went shopping on Friday - no crowds, no traffic. Not like North Bend (too much traffic for the population).