Info on Sequim or Port Angeles (hotel, homes, job market)

[joebarb]

So through much research, my husband and I are leaning more and more toward Sequim or Port Angeles. I am in medical office management and my husband does custom custruction and we are hoping that we can find jobs locally. We realize that we will be taking a cut in pay compared to where we are (North SF Bay area), but the slower pace and small town atmosphere seem to be worth it. Does anyone have any advice or anything they can add that we should be aware of. Not looking for nightlife or anything more than a quiet, peaceful life.

[KatLover19337]

The job market here is pretty tough. Most of the people moving here are retired.

[joebarb]

Thanks Kat

[sugarbeet]

I visited Sequim for the first time this past summer. It's a quaint little town and the lavendar farms are charming. I've never been to Port Angeles, but knew someone who grew up there and she loved it (but had no interest in living there as an adult). Both seem like they would be quite isolated. Sorry, not much info, but I envy you being able to choose that area!

[swsha4]

joebarb --- Although the job market is tough on the Olympic due to the fact it is low population, you and your husband have skills that might just work into good jobs for you in Sequim or Port Angeles. With the influx of retirees, there is a growing medical community and there is currently a building boom going on. A lot of the retirees are building custom upscale homes, so you both may do well to investigate the area.

[joebarb]

Thank you swsha... exactly the type of information I was hoping for, positive or negative. Thanks for your imput.

[West coast at heart]

My wife and I are also considering Sequim. We love the area. I understand that it is in the rain shadow too. I am working on my Nursing degree and my wife is a teacher. I don't think I will have a problem getting work but my wife might. I don't know a whole lot about Port Angeles though. We spent the night at a hotel in Port Angeles but did not explore the city itself. I will be interested in other peoples input. Good luck with your search.

[swsha4]

Originally Posted by West coast at heart

My wife and I are also considering Sequim. We love the area. I understand that it is in the rain shadow too. I am working on my Nursing degree and my wife is a teacher. I don't think I will have a problem getting work but my wife might. I don't know a whole lot about Port Angeles though. We spent the night at a hotel in Port Angeles but did not explore the city itself. I will be interested in other peoples input. Good luck with your search.

WCatH, It depends on what level your wife teaches and what subjects. There is a Community College in PA and very often public school teachers can get on teaching at the Community College level when they can't in the local public school. So that could be an avenue for her. There are also school in both towns both elementary and secondary, so she has a lot of options. If she is qualified to teach in WA, she can hit the ground running. If not, she should find out what she needs to do and go for it! Good luck to you both.

[truepeacenik]

can any locals comment on the quality of the newspapers?
Esp the Peninsula daily.

[Negotiator75]

Originally Posted by joebarb

So through much research, my husband and I are leaning more and more toward Sequim or Port Angeles. I am in medical office management and my husband does custom custruction and we are hoping that we can find jobs locally. We realize that we will be taking a cut in pay compared to where we are (North SF Bay area), but the slower pace and small town atmosphere seem to be worth it. Does anyone have any advice or anything they can add that we should be aware of. Not looking for nightlife or anything more than a quiet, peaceful life.

I was in Port Angeles 2 months ago.

In Port Angeles you can pick up radio stations from Canada. It's cool, some are in French. You can find alot of nice 1 story 3 bed 2 bath homes pretty cheap in the $200k's. It is a nice place near the Mountains, Ocean lots of beauty there.

You have Safeway & Walgreens too just like a normal metro area. The air is very clean there too. When you drive around you see alot of "Now Hiring" signs so that is always good to see.

As far as jobs it would be a bit of a gamble... you should be able to get something eventually. Lots of those places don't post on Monster or Careerbuilder, so best thing is to find online yellow pages and search for a list of medical clinics, doctors, etc and just fax them your resume. I have learned that in life, if you really want it to happen, it will