Pros and Cons of Moving to Aberdeen?? Floods? (Seattle, Olympia: rentals, low crime)

[LoveHaightorg]

We want to move to the Aberdeen area... can anyone tell us the pros and cons... and what cities in the area or parts of Aberdeen do not flood?

Thanks!

[Ryan]

Here are the flood areas for N. and S. Aberdeen. The shaded areas are more susceptible to flooding. A lot of the places at the base of or on a hill is safe (they're also where you'll find the nicer homes/neighborhoods). Keep in mind that flooding happens pretty infrequently. Figure once every ten years or so, and it's pretty much street and yard flooding; no up to the the roof, Mississippi Rvr. kind of flooding. Last year was pretty intense.

[Ryan]

Some of the older ones are more detailed-

Gray's Harbor Posts

[FlintRocks]

Originally Posted by LoveHaightorg

We want to move to the Aberdeen area... can anyone tell us the pros and cons... and what cities in the area or parts of Aberdeen do not flood?

Thanks!

Flooding isn't a huge deal in Aberdeen and if you're concerned about it there are enough hills you can move to that it's not a big problem. And really, if you have any money you shouldn't be living in the lowlands anyway.

Pros: cheap, near Olympic Peninsula and Westport

Cons: crime, unemployment, negative people, horrible government, bad weather, school system is very bad, all shopping is done at Wal-Mart

[sphinx]

Originally Posted by FlintRocks

Cons: crime, unemployment, negative people, horrible government, bad weather, school system is very bad, all shopping is done at Wal-Mart

Good summary.

[bmsea]

Quick summary:
Pro's: small town feel, close to the most beautiful parts of Washington (South Beach/Tokeland/Westport, Quinault Rainforest), affordable housing, good schools for K-8, insignificant crime when compared to major cities, friendly people (if you are a friendly person), no traffic (except when a bridge is up)
Cons: small towns lack resources, weak academics for secondary education, economy is still struggling to find itself after decline of mill/fishing industries

The long version:
Hi! I live in Westport, which is a beach community about 20 minutes from Aberdeen/Hoquiam. Westport is a small beach town. It's a small community, and if you like your peace and quiet, and you like the ocean, this is the place for you. Westport is home to a world class marina, a small grocery store (the Red Apple), an active Senior Center, a decent small school district for k-12, a post office, and a small library. The town comes to life during fishing season, starting in April with the Crab Festival/Crab Races, and going all summer long with various seasons for fishing and various festivals. Even on the busiest, hottest summer day, you can walk out on the beach and be only one of handful of people out there. There are some really great restaurants in town and some fun shopping down on the Marina.

Aberdeen/Hoquiam are the two cities that comprise the Grays Harbor Metro area. This area used to be home to booming fishing and timber industries, and then kind of deteriorated along the 80's and 90's.

Before I came here, I had a pretty negative view of the place, so be prepared for that, especially from the Seattle forum. But its actually a great place to live.

Housing prices are very affordable. You can rent a small home for around $500. For a little more you can actually live in Westport and live walking distance to the beach. If you are looking to buy, there are lots of large lots available - the closer to the beach, the more expensive. I have also seen some great acreage-properties along the many local rivers that are very reasonable.

Weather is slightly milder than Seattle, (with the exception of the 2 - 3 severe winter storms a year - like the big wind storm that just blew 80 MPH winds ). It doesn't get quite as hot as Seattle in July and August, and it doesn't get quite as cold as Seattle in January and February. It might snow once or twice a year, but more often than not, it will not snow at all.

Shopping is a little bit of a chore. There is a Safeway and Top Foods in Aberdeen, and the local chain, Swansons is okay, but the local mall is kind of depressing. (Except for the new theaters, which are nice). If you want anything other than groceries, walmart or building supplies, you are about 45 minutes away from the nearest Costco, Target or Macy's.

However, the pluses is that you are in a nice small community, no commute, relatively low crime (compared to the city), and you are within 30 minutes to some of the most pristine rain forests, and just a hop skip and a jump from Westport, which has 18 miles of sandy beaches. It is the most popular surf beach north of California, great for fishing, clamming and crabbing, and just a great place to spend your off days.

Other communities you might consider near here are Grayland and Tokeland (south of Westport), Ocosta (on the Bay), and Cosmopolis (outside of South Aberdeen). Elma and Montesano are the inland communities of Grays Harbor

If you want more info on Grays Harbor, let me know, I'm happy to share. Check out the local newspaper (google The Daily World Aberdeen) to look at classifieds for rentals, and local news.

Like I said, be prepared for the negative comments from people that didn't like it here... there seem to be a lot of them. I have found the community to be welcoming and the surroundings to be a joy. If you take advantage of what the area has to offer, stay out and about, get involved in things like the Elks or Lions or Chamber or your church, you'll like it. If you need to be coddled with modern amenities, a fancy mall with a gap and a costco, you'll probably hate it.

Good luck!

[edgreywolf]

thank you for your view
the information was very helpful thanks
Edward

[moonmaiden]

I found the posts here very interesting - As someone who has lived in western WA all my life, I find the rain rain and more rain rather depressing to live with thru the winter, BUT, if you can get past that - and most of us can - spring and summers are wonderful and worth the wait. Our coast probably doesn't compare favorably to CA beaches but it's peaceful, and rarely crowded and the small towns along the coast are quaint and fun to explore. I just moved to Aberdeen a few months ago - was NOT my first choice of where to live but was somewhat close to Olympia so gave it a go. I'm actually glad I did - I haven't found crime to be much of an issue, people have been friendly and welcoming and very helpful. I find it a rather 'giving' town - only thing I'd recommend is be sure there is a job opportunity here for you - industries are limited. As far as flooding, even after our 'hurricane' in early December, there was some minor issues with flooding but most of the flooding was down Centralia and Chehalis way. I don't think it would be a major consideration as long as you choose residency according to the flood maps and talk to residents.

It's a nice town, there's some interesting stores around - like the star wars one LOL but for 'real' shopping just run to Olympia. I'd recommend this area wholeheartedly.

[wildmaven]

My stepmom lives in Aberdeen and we drive down there from Belfair to see her a few times a year. The town is still in the midst of an economic crisis, so make sure it can support your job hunting before you move there. However, if you are retired, it's a great place to do so.