One working in Seattle, the other in Tacoma...Help! (Vashon: to live in, cost)

[tsommer]

My partner and I (both female) are planning to relocate to WA in May '09. I will be working full time as a midwife in Tacoma, and her work will most likely be in the Seattle area. We are both in our 30's, no kids, and are hoping not to live in a big city or anywhere super suburban/strip-mall filled. Of course, we would love to be on/near the water but know this might not happen. We have been looking at Vashon but I don't really know what the ferry commute would mean for either of our lives. We also looked at Gig Harbor but that's a LONG commute to Seattle. So, here are my questions:

1.) Anyone commute regularly from Vashon to Tacoma? To Seattle? How long does it really take and how hard is it to do on a daily basis?

2.) Anyone have any ideas for places that are smallish, gay friendly and would work for both our commutes? Cost is less important than location and atmosphere.

Thanks so much!

[mthomson]

Gig Harbor to Seattle is about an hour, and can be done by bus/train. Vashon to Tacoma is a 15 min ferry ride, but you have to factor in ferry schedule and wait times. Very doable, but not super convenient.

[exit82]

gig harbor you have daily bridge tolls- Vashion ferry tolls- why do that to yourself? things are expensive enough.

[bobbilly79]

The one thing I always thought was different and cool about the Puget Sound area, is that although it is built up, there are times where you get into the trees and you wouldn't even know you were in a major metropolitan area. Take I-5 through South King County for instance. Except at the interchanges and the 4 lanes each direction, you really can't see anything that says "Hey, you're driving in the city". This is of course in comparrison to other metro areas I've either lived in or visited (Denver, Phoenix, SLC, LA, etc). So really, you can be in the middle/the burbs, and find somewhat non-suburb like areas. I suggest you visit, and take a look around. Good luck