Relocating from CA to WA (Seattle, Tacoma: real estate, to rent, house)

[rheadabovewater]

My son lives in the Elma/Olympia area and I'm down here in California, by myself and wishing I was near some relatives. I'm an executive assistant and have a good job, but the loneliness is making me want to relocate.

I've never had a problem getting a job, I have an excellent resume. I'm thinking it would be safest to start out in the Seattle area (better/more available jobs), but am wondering what you would recommend in regards to commute and how close/far away I should live. I have a friend who currently is in Kent, I've seen Kent and not too impressed with it. I think I can afford $1000/month in rent on a small house (don't want to buy) and would have enough money to live on for six months, in case I really have a run of bad luck.

I want to be close enough to my son to see him on weekends. Can you recommend living either north, east (Renton?) or south of Seattle? I honestly don't know where to look. I know that commuting is a nightmare, am willing to take public transportation and have heard that ferries are expensive.

Thanks in advance!

[mthomson]

There's a great public transit system that can ease your commute. If you'll work in Seattle, probably better to live north and then drive south on the weekends. I'd imagine you'd be able to find a job in Olympia or Tacoma, though, and be much closer to your family.

[rheadabovewater]

Any recommendations on a good city? I've heard Renton is very nice, although I know that's east of Seattle.

Thanks again

[Sandy Nelson]

If you'd like to stay within a $1000 range to rent a house, you should consider renting in the Elma/Olympia area and commute to Tacoma for work.

Sandy

[rheadabovewater]

Thanks Sandy, I appreciate it. Are jobs more difficult to get in Tacoma than Seattle?

[mthomson]

Seattle is larger than Tacoma, thus it'll have more job opportunities, but Tacoma is a good sized city with an active downtown business district so finding a job shouldn't be too tough.

[captredbeard]

"I've heard Renton is very nice"

It's not what I hear...

[rheadabovewater]

Really? Well that's very interesting....an acquaintance is a councilman in Renton. Can I ask why you say that??

[Idunn]

I'm not conversant with the Olympia employment situation, but this seems a large enough job market that you should be able to find something suitable.

In every other respect such a geographic location should best meet your requirements. For one, if moving to Washington to be near your son why live far enough removed (ie: Tacoma, Seattle, etc.) that in practical terms such visits will be infrequent? Driving through that particular part of Puget Sound is no picnic.

For another, the closer you move towards Elma from Olympia the less real estate/rental costs should be. In fact, while you may prefer to rent, move close enough to Aberdeen/Elma and buying something might come to seem a viable option. Of course in time the weather might diminish such enthusiasm.

Consideration of other friends or family might change such an equation. But if your primary interest is to be near your son, consider geography closely. Not to mention the Olympic peninsula enjoys a wealth of natural beauty.

Good luck.

[rheadabovewater]

Thanks very much Idunn - I'm going to need an executive assistant position that has good benefits - I have always thought that those exist mainly with larger companies. I'm thinking about maybe moving to Olympia and commuting to Tacoma??