Is Washington the place for me? (Seattle, Spokane: best school districts, to live, move to)

[LESMC]

I've found myself in a place where I am able to move where ever I like now...I have always lived in the Southeast but have dreamed of a move to the Northwest. I am a teacher and am not too concerned about finding a job. I love the outdoors and mountains....I'd also like to live somewhere that has REAL seasons. I love the small town feel of places but don't want to be too far from the city. Any ideas? What would be the best schools for me to work at or have my child attend. P.S. not too keen on a lot of rain. Sorry, but you guys are known for that.

Laura

[scirocco22]

Hi Laura! Being a former teacher (but not having taught for years), there are many good school districts in and around Seattle. I have my reservations right now about the Seattle School District itself but I don't want to express too many negatives about that district here on this board (afterall, I attended school decades ago in Seattle public schools!) without presenting both the pro and cons.

To experience a "small town feel," you'll probably have to move out of the metropolitan area and its burbs. Two of my favorite small towns that still have the "feel" but are still relatively close are Snoqualmie and Carnation. You can explore other small towns too but those are my personal favorites. There's a thread on Gold Bar in Snohomish County currently on this board but you're getting further away from the metro areas too.

And, you said it, if you are not too keen on a lot of rain, then ...well, stay inside?? ...because, yes, that's what the area is know for! Now Tony and others, don't get on me too hard for that comment!

--'rocco

[Seattletony]

Rocco, I have never denied the dampness of Seattle/W. Washington. Seattle isn't the Emerald City for nothing right or Washington the Evergreen State. I agree Snoqualmie and Carnation are two towns I would look into I don't know to much about Gold Bar though.

[WendyK]

Don't forget about Eastern Washington which is the dry side of the state and gets a true four-season climate. There are small towns on the outskirts of Spokane that you might like that would be within 45 minutes drive into the city.

[ORIGWOLFMAN]

Try Colville in Northeastern Washington, on highway 395. It is a town or 5,000, with excellent school system, and surrounded by beautiful mountains. The people are the friendliest you will ever meet. Its a Quiet, laid back little town, and just 1 1/2 hour drive to Spokane Washington. The weather is beautiful year round, with medium winters, and not to much rain. You can't go wrong with Colville.

[WazzuCoop21]

Originally Posted by LESMC

I've found myself in a place where I am able to move where ever I like now...I have always lived in the Southeast but have dreamed of a move to the Northwest. I am a teacher and am not too concerned about finding a job. I love the outdoors and mountains....I'd also like to live somewhere that has REAL seasons. I love the small town feel of places but don't want to be too far from the city. Any ideas? What would be the best schools for me to work at or have my child attend. P.S. not too keen on a lot of rain. Sorry, but you guys are known for that.

Laura

I'm from eastern WA, from a town that gets less than 10" of rain, and I'd say you may like it, but be aware that the trees are mostly pine trees and so you won't see the beautiful colors of the seasonal changes like you do back east. But, if this is alright, you would probably like it. You can definitely find places with that small town feel, particularly in the small mountain towns with trees (cause if it's in eastern WA, if you aren't up a couple thousand feet of elevation, there are barely any trees, mostly just rolling hills)

[WazzuCoop21]

You may want to look into the Medford/Ashland areas of Oregon. Less rain, beautiful area. SW Oregon may be up your alley, but tends to be expensive.

[jwb123]

not too keen on a lot of rain.

Really? Seriously? Then no, WA is not for you.

[Mukilteo Nick]

Try looking at Mukilteo, WA. It is a great town right on the water with fantastic beaches and a small town, yet sophisticated feel. It has a historic lighthouse and a great ferry system. My friends and I go down to the Mukilteo State Park beach every weak and have campfires and roast hot dogs. It also has one of the best school districts in Western Washington and you would not have a problem finding a job within the school district. As for your concern with the rain in Washington, the total annual rainfall is not a problem, but it is the average annual days with rain that discourages most people. The Seattle region only recieves about 37 inches of rain annualy, which is far less than the average annual rainfall totals of New York City, Boston, Houston, and even Miami! But one of the benefits of all the rain is that it all falls as powdery snow in the mountains which makes for world class skiing!

[BanteringBear]

You sound like a Colorado girl to me. Why not check out the Denver/Boulder area? Lots of sun, 4 seasons, gorgeous mountains, and unlimited outdoor activities.