I Need Your Opinions (Relocating in Washington State) (Seattle, Spokane: relocation, real estate)

[charliefoxtrot]

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has contributed input regarding places to live in Wa State. I'm a single mom of an ASD child, and will be taking this year to seriously research areas that provide support for my son's education and also provide a lower cost of living (without compromising quality of life, or our safety). I currently reside in Bothell, and the rental prices have gone through the roof! I'm applying to Washington State jobs (statewide), so I can weigh more options for relocation.

My primary concerns are: Special Education, Rental Housing Market, and Crime Rates (and I'm sure each area has its pros & cons)...

The areas I have been researching (with the help of City-Data, and other websites) are: Bellingham, Camas/Vancouver, Spokane, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Moses Lake. If anyone has suggestion for other areas, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks again for adding your opinions to this website. I never could have made this many phone calls in one day!!...Happy New Year....

[lrooff]

While I'd love to root for Walla Walla, since I live here, I think you will find better special education facilities over in the Tri-Cities, particularly in Kennewick or Richland. Their housing prices are also lower than here.

Originally Posted by charliefoxtrot

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has contributed input regarding places to live in Wa State. I'm a single mom of an ASD child, and will be taking this year to seriously research areas that provide support for my son's education and also provide a lower cost of living (without compromising quality of life, or our safety). I currently reside in Bothell, and the rental prices have gone through the roof! I'm applying to Washington State jobs (statewide), so I can weigh more options for relocation.

My primary concerns are: Special Education, Rental Housing Market, and Crime Rates (and I'm sure each area has its pros & cons)...

The areas I have been researching (with the help of City-Data, and other websites) are: Bellingham, Camas/Vancouver, Spokane, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Moses Lake. If anyone has suggestion for other areas, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks again for adding your opinions to this website. I never could have made this many phone calls in one day!!...Happy New Year....

[xboxmas]

Camas/Vancouver

[Negotiator75]

Originally Posted by charliefoxtrot

First of all, I want to thank everyone who has contributed input regarding places to live in Wa State. I'm a single mom of an ASD child, and will be taking this year to seriously research areas that provide support for my son's education and also provide a lower cost of living (without compromising quality of life, or our safety). I currently reside in Bothell, and the rental prices have gone through the roof! I'm applying to Washington State jobs (statewide), so I can weigh more options for relocation.

My primary concerns are: Special Education, Rental Housing Market, and Crime Rates (and I'm sure each area has its pros & cons)...

The areas I have been researching (with the help of City-Data, and other websites) are: Bellingham, Camas/Vancouver, Spokane, Wenatchee, Walla Walla, Tri-Cities, Yakima, and Moses Lake. If anyone has suggestion for other areas, please feel free to chime in.

Thanks again for adding your opinions to this website. I never could have made this many phone calls in one day!!...Happy New Year....

Crime/Safety: Yakima is #9 for auto theft. I would steer clear from there.

Lower Cost of Living: Vancouver and Spokane would offer affordable real estate. You can get homes very cheap and in good neighborhoods in Spokane. Plus you are close to Coeur D'Alene and 3 just hours from Seattle (to visit) for that matter.

Stay away from living in Seattle, its increasing in cost & crime there.

Just curious, do you absolutely have to choose Washington? I was going to recommend Texas for your needs.

[charliefoxtrot]

I actually lived in the Galleria area of Houston for about 6 years. Once I got the use to the heat & weather, I really enjoyed the quality of life. Some of the best pediatric Speech Therapists worked with my son while we lived there. Fell in love with San Antonio, and liked Austin quite a bit. Unfortunately, I'm pretty much resigned to staying in Washington for the sake of my son's visitations with his Dad (who also lives here)...

You're right...I've been looking into Spokane and Vancouver. They seem like really nice areas, and very affordable for a single parent. I've heard Camas school districts have done quite an upgrade on their Special Education departments...do you know about this?
What do you think of the Tri-Cities area (Richland/Kennewick/Pasco)? And Walla Walla?
Thanks for your input....

[Negotiator75]

Originally Posted by charliefoxtrot

I actually lived in the Galleria area of Houston for about 6 years. Once I got the use to the heat & weather, I really enjoyed the quality of life. Some of the best pediatric Speech Therapists worked with my son while we lived there. Fell in love with San Antonio, and liked Austin quite a bit. Unfortunately, I'm pretty much resigned to staying in Washington for the sake of my son's visitations with his Dad (who also lives here)...

You're right...I've been looking into Spokane and Vancouver. They seem like really nice areas, and very affordable for a single parent. I've heard Camas school districts have done quite an upgrade on their Special Education departments...do you know about this?
What do you think of the Tri-Cities area (Richland/Kennewick/Pasco)? And Walla Walla?
Thanks for your input....

They have something called Child-Find. You can research more on that particular school district here: Teaching and Learning:

Cant speak for the Tri Cities much in regards to IDEA or 504 compliance.

[janb]

Originally Posted by charliefoxtrot

.. I've heard Camas school districts have done quite an upgrade on their Special Education departments...do you know about this?...

give them a call, they are a pretty nice bunch, and I have a few friends teaching in Camas, but no one in SE
Teaching and Learning: Section 504

if you can handle the rain, it should be an ok place (how far do you have to travel for meeting 'dad'?)

one plus about Camas is the 10 min drive to PDX, cheap direct flights to sun and I-5 corridor is 15 min away

Portland (20 min, no sales tax) has plenty of diversity if you ever get too homophobic, or need anything else. Lots of specialists too...and a ton of schools and parks + 1.5 hr to beach, 1 hr to Mt St Helens, 45 min to Mt Hood or Hood River (sailboarding), lots of hiking, kayaking, including sea kayaking on Columbia River.

[HokeyGassaway]

My brother has a son with special needs. They have been very happy with the Camas school district.

[sanseds]

I am in the process of relocating to WA. Camas is looking good to me. Camas also has a very low crime rate. Good luck to you.