Vegan/Vegetarians (Seattle, Bellingham, Olympia: rentals, homes, job market)

[jribe]

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I are also vegan's (not the sterotype though!) and where we are currently living- people just act like we're nuts for not eating meat (or dairy etc) and want to find somewhere that has a healthier lifestyle, some vegan/vegetarian resturants and people with simliar interests. Anyone know of towns/cities that may be a good fit?

[compltlyme]

wow... all over it seems out here. But I hear Bellingham might be the kind of place you might want. I have a friend who lives up there and some relatives and they all say the same thing... lots of old hippies and naturalists up there.

Bellingham people...is that true????

Anyway my friend who is staying with me is also Vegan and she finds places to eat all over the Seattle area. And has met many other Vegans.. but spread out all over the Seattle area and outskirts.

[Mark S.]

Anywhere in Washington. I know lots of vegetarians and vegans. If you get out in the sticks, you might have a hard time shopping, but if you are anywhere near a sizeable town, you'll have no problems at all.

[jennien13]

Being from Bellingham I can tell you that if you are a vegan or vegetarian you will have no problems at all finding yummy places to eat and shop for your food choices. Farmers Markets, Co-Op's, health food stores, etc. Also, lots of other people that have decided to enjoy the healthy lifestyle you have.

[xenophon]

I can't entirely agree with how easy eating vegetarian/ vegan can be even in biggers towns. Although its a lot easier than smaller towns. Rural areas? Forget about it!

Seattle has a few vegetarian restaurants with good reputations like Cafe Flora, www.cafeflora.com, apparently the oldest in town. They consistantly get good reviews in local publications.

For best vegetarian/vegan eating cook it yourself!

Search out local farmer's markets which can be very good indeed, fresh, organic and even have heirloom veggies check out possibilities of community supported agriculture, (CSA).

Its not too awfully hard to be a vegetarian/vegan in Washington State, but it takes work, and keeping your eye open for possibilities. The general society of your peers will not cooperate.

[eagleheart]

Jribe,

Jennien13 is correct. Bellingham offers a number of restaurants that serve vegan. If you want to live amongst like-minded people, check out Fairhaven, just a few minutes south of Bellingham. There are fabulous book stores there, as well as a great little park where the annual Ski to Sea finishes. It is also a great place to ride bikes and hiking trails are within an hour drive. Google Mt Baker and see some of the incredible hiking or skiing waiting for you.

I do hope you have good incomes - as the job market here is not that good. But prices of rentals and homes are much less than Seattle and surrounding areas. Check out www.relocatenw.com for more info.

Karl

[boybrady]

I would agree with the previous posters that you can survive happily as a vegetarian/vegan anywhere in Western Washington. Olympia has several vegetarian/vegan restaurants and almost all are vegetarian/vegan friendly - they can't survive without the business of the veggies and their friends.

[Earniefan]

I realize you're looking into Washington, however, Laramie, Wyoming is great for this also, for being a smaller town.

[pureswissbliss]

I know some people that are vegetarian but not vegan. I think that's even more stringent? It seems to me, that most places are starting to be more enlightened to the benefits, though. You can always teach people wherever you decide to live. Be a pioneer, if necessary! Good luck with finding a place that is a true fit for you.

[jwb123]

I was a vegan in WA for a long time. True, it's easier actually IN Seattle rather than out in the burbs... but with the opening of more PCC markets, as well as more Whole Foods locations and the fact that every area has a Trader Joes - not too mention the vast amount of Farmer's Market's in every city there... you should have no problem at all.