Metaline, Metaline Falls, and Ione (Seattle, Spokane: renters, homes, job market)

[Simple Living]

I'm a country guy living in downtown Minneapolis and I'm looking to move in about one year, once I'm debt-free. I want to move somewhere rural. I love my peace and quiet and friendly folks.

Does anyone know about these areas? What the cost of living and job markets are like? I know they're very small so everything is going to be limited. I'm hoping to be self-employed (as a freelance writer) wherever I move to, though. Would like to know the job market, "just in case." As a freelance writer, my work is contingent on my having a good internet connection and cell phone. Two things I also wonder about in such remote areas.

Are homes affordable? I can't imagine too many renters in towns that small. Are people very open to someone new moving in? I imagine most everyone would know each other.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. I wrote to Metaline Falls Chamber of Commerce for more information, but never received anything.

[seattlerain]

As you can imagine that area is very isolated, but the county has grown the past several years. It is one of the most economically depressed areas of the state, so I'm not sure about the job market.

Despite the economic situation it is a very beautiful area of the state and is sometimes called "The Forgotten Corner".

Here is a link to the county website, it includes info on the towns you asked about.

[SIZE=2]Welcome to Pend Oreille County's Official Website [/SIZE]

Good luck!

[Simple Living]

That's what I'm looking for, alright. Someplace forgotten. I don't mind winter, but I would like to have a longer growing season. Being that it's on the edge of the US and so near Canada is a draw for me, too.

If I can just figure out a way to earn a living without having to deprive someone else in town of one of their local jobs. I'd feel badly if I moved there and got a job, knowing a local needed it.

I've seen their website, thanks seattlerain. A website usually doesn't paint the whole picture, though. I know I could just visit, but I'm trying to narrow some choices down before spending the money to visit everywhere of interest.

I wonder what it would take to qualify to work for US Customs and Immigration there? I work for the Federal Reserve Bank right now. (Then again, the Federal Reserve is only quasi-government.)

[Simple Living]

Does anyone else have any experience with these towns? Any other thoughts?

[StealthRabbit]

I have a good friend in Ione. (retired there from Portland area)

+ remote, good fishing, (many lakes + river, not crowded, very pretty)

- Have to drive to Colville frequently for goods / Dr.
Have to drive to Spokane once / month for Costco / supplies
weather is quite a lot colder (wetter) than on the Colville side

They chose to build @ ~ 800ft elevation up out of the valley after renting for a year on the river (river is quite often fogged in during winter, at least in the mornings) They get the sun, but deal with 3' snow most the winter. River is very inviting during nice weather, (be careful when you look at a place to buy...)

I sense that wish they were in Kettle Falls for better weather, and similar remote / good fishing. Look at Republic too.

Canada proximity was a plus BEFORE 911, but border crossings are much more hassle now. The camping and fishing is great there too

[Simple Living]

Thank you, janb. Great information worth reading and checking out!

[Small and solar]

nice post. My wife and I are visiting Colville and the area this coming weekend to start looking at a change from the city we are in now (phoenix). Funny thing is if more and more of us look to get "way out", then we will be crowding each other in...lol. I will keep an eye on this post to see what people suggest.

Thanks

[StealthRabbit]

small and solar,

I hope you can make some of the events next week listed here
Solar Washington

April 12-13 - Green Festival Seattle at the WA State & Convention & Trade Center in Seattle

April 15 - WA State Technology Summit in Bellevue

April 16-20 - NW Solar Expo 2008 in Portland, Oregon

April 18 - Solar/PV Designer Class to be taught by Mike Nelson begins at Shoreline Community College

April 25-26 - Renewable Energy Expo & Electrathon at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, WA

more...

sorry to say "The Vultures" (those intent on profiting in a BIG WAY are really cluttering the landscape, as they did in the late 70's,) but there are plenty of good folks still doing interesting things and offering advice. Keep an eye on Mike Nelson's presentations, as he has lots of good info and contacts in WA state (and authored some beneficial bills

You will want to make this event if you are into 'off-grid'
Oregon Solwest Renewable Energy Resources and Fairs home