california transplants to PNW (Tacoma, Gig Harbor: condo, good schools, college)

[Mispolly]

Are you happy with your decision to move to PNW? Where in Cali did you live? Where did you move to? Why did you chose that part of the PNW? Are you happy with your decision? Please share your pros and cons.

[mthomson]

Yes, we're very happy with the move. I was in Santa Barbara, my wife originally from Redlands and then to SB. We first moved to Tacoma (a job for me), and have been in Gig Harbor for the past 6 years. We moved to GH for the community aspect. We love that when we go to the grocery store, we're almost guaranteed to see someone we know. We love that walking downtown along the waterfront if we don't see someone we know, we'll most likely meet someone new. We love all of the community events Gig Harbor puts on to try and foster the sense of community. Oh, and the scenery's not bad either.
The only thing that we can see ever causing us to leave here is if my wife ends up missing her family too much. Her parents bought a condo in Gig Harbor a 2 years ago which is a good sign, but they've been in Redlands for over 50yrs, so getting them to move may be tough. Pros go on and on, from the beauty of the area, clean air, good schools, friendly community, good church, good jobs, etc.
Con for my wife has been distance from her family and the rainy winters. The rain used to really bother her until she realized she could still go for runs/walks in the rain and be okay. The winter is still a bit long for her, but if I can get her one trip to Cal around Feb, she's usually good! My only con is that our NBA team stunk and then moved, our MLB team stinks, our NFL team stinks, and our major college football team went winless. Other than that I love it here!