Anyone know about Rainier or Yelm? (Yakima, Olympia: trip , work, retirement)

[KidBlue]

I've been doing a lot of research about the Aberdeen and Montesano areas, but I'm also curious about the towns of Rainier and Yelm. I'm looking to retire in WA in three years (maybe two if Placerville, CA gets more crowded!).

Ryan has been very helpful about the Aberdeen and Montesano areas, but I'm also researching other areas that get some snow (about 15 inches a year) and aren't too dry (like Yakima). I also discovered a co-worker who grew up in Olympia who I will also be pestering for info. soon. I love hilly areas and small towns (no more than 10,000 people--that's small for CA!) but I still want to be able to get to civilization (and Taco Bell and decent pizza) without having to drive more than half an hour.

Let me know if there are other places you know of that might be of interest and I'll start researching. Thanks in advance for any help. I'll be coming to WA for a week in early August and would like to check out potential retirement spots.

[KidBlue]

I needed to read a little further when I posted my last message. The information from Andy on Yelm and Rainier were very helpful. I love hilly places, so I will be researching Tenino and Rainier more. Yelm sounds too "city" for me. I currently live in a formerly wonderful rural area that is being bulldozed to death. Our growth rate in NorCal (Placer and El Dorado Counties) is 20 percent!!! Don't want to go through that again.

So my August trip is set--Montesano and Elma and Rainier and Tenino! Thanks again.