Relocating from CA to WA

[allforcats]

Hi, rheadabovewater. I agree with the posters who are suggesting you might want to locate closer to the Elma area, not around Seattle or Tacoma, for lower rental cost, probably increased safety, very pretty countryside, and less travel time to your son. Driving straight down I-5 and west on Rt.8 to the Elma area from in or near Seattle would be about 90 to 100 miles, and on a Saturday morning and Sunday afternoon or evening, I-5 is not fun, filled with drivers who are racing to get somewhere and back home.

About Olympia -- although it is a lot smaller than Tacoma, please remember that it is the capital of Washington, and thus has a substantial business population to support that "industry" as well as all the industries that support state government.

Washington's economy is quite healthy, so you shouldn't have much difficulty finding a variety of positions available that might suit you. I don't know if you know these resources, but they would give you a much clearer idea of what's available, in both jobs and rentals in their Classifieds.

For the wide area around Olympia, The Olympian:
Thurston County's Homepage - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington

For the wide area around Tacoma, The News Tribune:
Tacoma and Pierce County Local News | News Tribune | Tacoma, University Place, Gig Harbor, Puyallup, Lakewood, Fife, Fircrest, Bonney Lake, DuPont, Eatonville, Edgewood, Milton, Orting, Parkland, Roy, Spanaway, Steilacoom, Sumner, Yelm

For all the statistical data you want on any place in WA:
Washington Bigger Cities (over 6000 residents)

For rentals, there are also:
rent.com
forrent.com
apartments.com
craigslist

This is a mileage chart published by the Washington State Dept. of Transportation (WSDOT). Elma is too small to be on the list, but Montesano (a few miles away) is clickable. This chart, plus a map such as Mapquest or Google Maps, will give you a good idea of distances in your planning.
WSDOT - Highway Map - Mileage Chart

I hope these help and have fun planning!

[rheadabovewater]

Allforcats, thank you SO SO much for that information - very helpful! I will take a look at some of the sites - you're right, I have been on some of them - but this is great, thanks again!

[allforcats]

RHAW, you are very welcome! Feel free to ask whatever you'd like to know. That's what we're here for. :-)