Looking to relocate (Seattle, Snohomish: rentals, house prices, layoffs)

[kchara]

My family of soon to be 7 and I are looking to relocate... anywhere, really. But I lived in WA state for a couple of month, and, although I didn't enjoy it then, it was a long time ago, and a lot has changed (for me), so I'm looking at it again.

We need someplace that is homeschooling friendly, as we don't plan on ever sending our children to school. What is the attitude like in the state? Do they mess with you a lot out there?

We're looking for someplace that is safe and reasonably priced for rentals (we won't be able to buy for at least 2 years). We live in a VERY rural area right now, and we are looking for something that has a little more... anything... around. At the same time, we recently moved from a larger city, and don't want to deal with all of the problems we had there (crime, ect.)

My husband works in telecom, and he'll need a job. Plus, I can't work. (I'm pregnant with twins, and we already ahve 3 that we homeschool. Going back to work simply isn't an option for me.) We'll need an area that we can survive off of one income on.

Can anyone help us? Is there anything that would fit the bill in Washington?

[AlexaNW]

I live in Snohomish county and have quite a few friends that are homeschooling their kids very successfully. There are lots of support groups and I think it's generally very accepted.
With the house prices going down, you could probably find a place here that you could afford on one income. There are many rentals around at this point, but many owners are only renting the places out right now because they can't sell them in this market, so if you want a long-term rental make sure you discuss this with the landlord upfront or if buying is an option check into a long term lease-option contract. I would definitely look for work first and then move, it's tough everywhere and with more Boeing layoffs the competition is only going to grow.
Snohomish county has plenty of family stuff going on and Seattle is only 30-45 minutes away if you avoid the traffic.

[jojo7]

Originally Posted by kchara

My family of soon to be 7 and I are looking to relocate... anywhere, really. But I lived in WA state for a couple of month, and, although I didn't enjoy it then, it was a long time ago, and a lot has changed (for me), so I'm looking at it again.

We need someplace that is homeschooling friendly, as we don't plan on ever sending our children to school. What is the attitude like in the state? Do they mess with you a lot out there?

We're looking for someplace that is safe and reasonably priced for rentals (we won't be able to buy for at least 2 years). We live in a VERY rural area right now, and we are looking for something that has a little more... anything... around. At the same time, we recently moved from a larger city, and don't want to deal with all of the problems we had there (crime, ect.)

My husband works in telecom, and he'll need a job. Plus, I can't work. (I'm pregnant with twins, and we already ahve 3 that we homeschool. Going back to work simply isn't an option for me.) We'll need an area that we can survive off of one income on.

Can anyone help us? Is there anything that would fit the bill in Washington?

As far as homeschooling is concerned there is a homeschooling program that is free. The program is supposed to be excellent and is quite challenging academically from what I have heard. You can check out their website which is Washington Virtual Academies and it's called Washington Virtual Academy.

PS My hat goes off to you for homeschooling. I did it temporarily so I know how rewarding it can be but how challenging it can be. It's definitely an excellent education if you can make it work.