Social Tension?

[brightcopperkettles]

What kind of job you're looking for will make a big difference as to where you want to live. Would you give us the general idea of what you're looking for as far as a job is concerned so we will know what direction to point you in?

For example, there are lots of things on the Kitsap Peninsula (Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, Gig Harbor, Seabeck) that will be much more affordable, and as someone who lives on this side (I live in Seabeck), I can promise you that the traffic is MUCH better as is the cost of housing than on the other side of the Sound. Many people now are living on this side of the water and commuting to the other side, but again, that depends on what kind of job you're looking for.

If you want a job in just about any medical field, you can get that right here in Kitsap. If you want a job in information services, you can even get that in Kitsap (I know where, by the way). So give us an idea of what kind of job you're looking for, then we will know where to direct you a little bit better.

Remember, anywhere you live up here--ANYWHERE--you are going to be driving around water, so your job makes more of a difference here than elsewhere for that reason.

Good luck!!

[mosby1975]

Roebuckm,

My husband and I are relocating to Washington from Milwaukee,WI. My husband is a dark Native American and I am multi-cultural (black, white, Native American and Portuguese). We visited the Tacoma area and just happened to stumble upon Gig Harbor. Now, if you don't know...Milwaukee is EXTREMELY segregated and violent. That is why we are leaving. But, when were in Washington and Gig Harbor (very white), we felt very comfortable. We went to several restaurants, grocery stores and shops so that we could get a "feel" of the attitudes. Let me tell you...I did not want to leave. Everyone seemed very friendly and welcoming. I stopped a couple in Gig harbor b/c they had a dog that reminded me of my dog, in Wisconsin that I missed, and I wanted to pet him to feel closer to my dog. They were the best!!! They were SOOO friendly, with smiles and happy energy. I felt like we were friends. You can't go wrong. I am sure that there are attitudes that we do not care to cross, but I believe the positive is truly going to surpass the negative. Good fortune to you! Just know the Law of attraction and BELIEVE.

[betta]

I was born and lived all my life in Washington. My husband is black and I am white. I have lived from Tacoma to above Colville near the Canadian border. There has been very little racism in my experience. I would be more concerned and focused on what you want as to lifestyle.

Seattle is too humid for my taste and the depressing weather. Rain and clouds. Central Wa. is desert with good irrigation. Growing too fast for my taste in a slow paced lifestyle. Eastern Wa. is cooler with lots of snow the further from Spokane you go. Overall our people are friendly and open.

I would concentrate on what you want in climate, job opportunities and affordability in housing. Oh, and someone mentioned the skinheads in Idaho, people there did not tolerate them for long. I love the people of Idaho too. Also very friendly overall.

[AZ_singlemother]

Originally Posted by mosby1975

Roebuckm,

My husband and I are relocating to Washington from Milwaukee,WI. My husband is a dark Native American and I am multi-cultural (black, white, Native American and Portuguese). We visited the Tacoma area and just happened to stumble upon Gig Harbor. Now, if you don't know...Milwaukee is EXTREMELY segregated and violent. That is why we are leaving. But, when were in Washington and Gig Harbor (very white), we felt very comfortable. We went to several restaurants, grocery stores and shops so that we could get a "feel" of the attitudes. Let me tell you...I did not want to leave. Everyone seemed very friendly and welcoming. I stopped a couple in Gig harbor b/c they had a dog that reminded me of my dog, in Wisconsin that I missed, and I wanted to pet him to feel closer to my dog. They were the best!!! They were SOOO friendly, with smiles and happy energy. I felt like we were friends. You can't go wrong. I am sure that there are attitudes that we do not care to cross, but I believe the positive is truly going to surpass the negative. Good fortune to you! Just know the Law of attraction and BELIEVE.

How sad to hear about Milwaukee You will be happy to know Western Washington is so much more diverse. You will have a feeling of equal opportunity and not get the "stares" and threatening behaviors. You will feel welcome and be an integrated part of the community. Gig Harbor doesn't have that much diversity, but the people are so welcome to integration and other cultures. That's what I miss about the state. Welcome to Washington State and good luck --- Gig harbor is an excellent community.

[victoriana]

Yes Mosby, above poster is so right. I think Gig Harbor is a nice community. Having lived in WA, OR and in Texas, I can tell you that my friends of all races agree with me that if you WANT to see and find racism, you will. Racism is merely hate - and that can never be legislated away and it is present in all races. However, our nation is better about that it has ever been. (Just go to France, and see how THEY treat minorities, and you'll so appreciate our country, warts and all!) Most of my friends of several cultures don't make that kind of stuff the basis of our friendships anyway - its our personalities and character that helps us all get along. Just be a good neighbor - and it sounds like you are that kind of person anyway. Most people in WA are wonderful! As diverse as Seattle is, you can meet quite a number of who are so far off the left end of things that they are just as irritating and threatening as any white hate groups. I lived there and still have many Seattlite friends, so I do know that for a fact. Each group has its "goofballs," eh? I think you'll enjoy Washington! Its full of Americans who love their state, love their country, their trees, oceans and their neighbors! Have fun while there!

[royalsangel]

My family and I are moving to Everett, Washington. We are moving from Indiana. We are African Americans but have lived in predominately White areas for years. I just want to know what areas are safe, clean,friendly,etc. What schools are the best for middle school aged children? The paper work my husband received from his company shows Mukilteo as a city near by,and I see that Seattle is about 25 miles away from Everett. Please tell me about Everett, Mukilteo, and Seattle as far as good areas, any racial problems, etc. We are peaceful people and we wouldn't want to move somewhere where we wouldn't be welcome. This is a big move for us and we are just trying to research the area. Thanks for any comments

[Ira500]

Mukilteo is not bad. It's pretty, and it has a low crime rate and a decent school district. Everett has a bad school district and crime rate that's relatively high, and it's not worth commuting to Everett from Seattle since Seattle housing costs more and the schools aren't very good...Edmonds is another place you might want to look at, as well as Mountlake Terrace and Shoreline. The Shoreline school district is way better than anything near it. Lynnwood is in those parts too, and part of the okay Edmonds School District, but Lynnwood has a high rate of property crimes compared to nearby areas.