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Old 02-08-2015, 07:41 PM
 
3 posts, read 3,213 times
Reputation: 10

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Hello all,

I'm possibly moving to Washington within the year. I love the look of Whidbey island, but when looking for healthcare office jobs I didn't have much luck. Right now I live in the denver/Boulder area and washingtons cost of living is a little bit less. I love rain, snow, and the beautiful outdoors. But I also enjoy the comfort of having a movie theater, mall, and restaurants not too far away. I will be working part time while going to school so I will also need at least a community college not too far either. Any suggestions on where to move or advice on doing so would be greatly appreciated!

Last edited by PJSaturn; 02-09-2015 at 11:58 AM.. Reason: Corrected thread title for clarification.
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Old 02-08-2015, 10:02 PM
 
132 posts, read 140,718 times
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It's an island.... I recommend google maps sat images to see how rural it is, Oak Harbor... Maybe Anacortes or Mt Vernon or Bellingham would fill your listed needs a little better.
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Old 02-09-2015, 02:25 AM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,735 posts, read 58,090,525 times
Reputation: 46215
Widbey is a long shot for a medical office job. (but is possible as a civilian employee at NAS) or a few other options.

Bremerton Harrison Hospital and nearby area. (or Retsil, WA Vet Home)

Or Bellingham / Ferndale / Olympia / or Vancouver, WA. (Portland is full of Medical office jobs, but you pay a 9% Income tax for earnings based in Oregon, even if living in WA). Portland has MANY great colleges that can fix you up with a Masters in HCA. (I commuted to one from Vancouver, WA (<10 min commute))

The above areas are:
  • Closer to recreation / outdoors than a metro area
  • Less expensive living
  • Lots of opportunities
  • Medical centric

Try to get a job with Vet Admn. (free training for MANY careers)
Try to get a job in a tax free state (WA, AK, SD, WY would be my top choices with good earnings for medical admn work).

Why WA?
I came to WA from Estes Park area of Colorado 32+ yrs ago (+/-). Good while you are in Earning Mode to be in a Tax Free state. BUT... some options MIGHT be better than WA.

Closest thing to Boulder, CO in WA is Olympia or Ferndale (south Bellingham). If you like Boulder... +/- BTDT.
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Old 02-09-2015, 09:38 PM
 
3 posts, read 3,213 times
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StealthRabbit,

Thanks so much for your great information! Olympia was the only one I've heard of. I was thinking Olympia. And thanks for the heads up on working for the VA �� I'll be sure to check that out. It's nice to see another fellow Coloradan move to WA. Gives me hope that I'll like it.

Thanks again!
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Old 02-09-2015, 10:24 PM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,735 posts, read 58,090,525 times
Reputation: 46215
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iheartflemishgiants View Post
...It's nice to see another fellow Coloradan move to WA. Gives me hope that I'll like it.
Be Careful... I can count coworkers who moved to PNW we_tside from NoCO, and came home divorced or in a wood box.

Only about 20% stayed (at most).

One of the BEST advice was "Do not get a home tucked in the trees".. It is mossy, dark, cold and dangerous to be in the thick of HUGE trees (falling and crushing house).

We had only ONE dark house(north facing) . Won't make that mistake again. We were ill / freezing for 2 yrs

BTW: Vancouver might be preferred to Olympia, if you seek the activities of a big city and access to 100% public coastline (Oregon). + Tax free shopping and WIDE variety of food, and a LOT more job and school opportunities.

After school is complete (paid for by your employer). THEN you can escape again.
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Old 02-10-2015, 02:13 PM
 
Location: Independent Republic of Ballard
8,072 posts, read 8,372,561 times
Reputation: 6238
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iheartflemishgiants View Post
Hello all,

I'm possibly moving to Washington within the year. I love the look of Whidbey island, but when looking for healthcare office jobs I didn't have much luck. Right now I live in the denver/Boulder area and washingtons cost of living is a little bit less. I love rain, snow, and the beautiful outdoors. But I also enjoy the comfort of having a movie theater, mall, and restaurants not too far away. I will be working part time while going to school so I will also need at least a community college not too far either. Any suggestions on where to move or advice on doing so would be greatly appreciated!
First investigate community college offerings, then choose to live closer to where you'll be going to school (rather than the other way around). See:

Washington State Community and Technical College Search - State Overview
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Old 02-10-2015, 03:35 PM
 
Location: We_tside PNW (Columbia Gorge) / CO / SA TX / Thailand
34,735 posts, read 58,090,525 times
Reputation: 46215
Quote:
Originally Posted by StealthRabbit View Post
...
Closest thing to Boulder, CO in WA is Olympia or Ferndale (south Bellingham). If you like Boulder... +/- BTDT.
Fairhaven, not Ferndale (which is north of Bellingham and fairly conservative)
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Old 02-11-2015, 03:26 PM
 
3 posts, read 3,213 times
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Thanks crazy donkey. Thats a good piece of advice.
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Old 02-11-2015, 04:02 PM
 
Location: Independent Republic of Ballard
8,072 posts, read 8,372,561 times
Reputation: 6238
Also, realize that out-of-state tuition will cost you more than twice in-state tuition (although there are waivers available):

Tuition and Fees

Tuition Waivers
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