where to move in eastern wash or oregon? (Seattle, Spokane: housing, rent)

[cleanairkids]

We are looking to relocate to a town in central to eastern Washington or central to eastern Oregon. We're trying to avoid the big cities along the coast. So far we have done research on the Walla Walla, tri cities, Pullman, and La Grande, Oregon areas. We were really interested in the tri cities area until we found out there is an expired nuclear waste dumpsite in the Hanford Reach area. Contamination is a concern. Does anyone have any info on this? Pullman sounds great because it has the university there. Also, Moscow? Don't know much about Pendleton, Ore.

We have 3 children ages 6 and under and another baby on the way. My husband is an avid hunter and fisherman and the closer he is to the wilderness, the better. I, on the other hand, will be having to cart 4 kids around to run errands so I need to be close to civilization (Target and/or Costco or something similar are really all I need ). My parents are originally from Lewiston and Boise and we would like to find something somewhat close to their original homes where they might feel more at home.

Here are the things that are most important to us, in this order: clean air, good schools, opportunities/activities for our kids, low crime and fair housing prices.

Any information anyone has would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

[xboxmas]

I would recommend these:

Washington: Moses lake, Walla Walla, Spokane, Wenatchee

Oregon: Ontario, Pendelton, Hermiston, Bend

[mustang34]

Originally Posted by cleanairkids

We were really interested in the tri cities area until we found out there is an expired nuclear waste dumpsite in the Hanford Reach area. Contamination is a concern. Does anyone have any info on this?

The Hanford Site is perfectly safe.
As for "civilization", we have good shopping including both Target and Costco.
And nice, new, affordable homes are popping up all over the area.
Lots of recreation, family activities with more on the way.
Schools are pretty good here and crime rates are fine if you know what areas to avoid, such as Eastern areas of Pasco/Kennewick. Western Pasco, West Richland, South and Central Kennewick as well as Richland (can't be specific, I don't know that city well) are nice. Air is good, the wind blows away almost all pollution.

[tedore]

Moses Lake, Ephrata, Wenatchee

[Moon Waffle]

Consider the Tri-Cities your best choice for what you are looking for.

The area is about 200,000 people. There are plenty of offerings as far as shopping, dining, and recreation. The wine industry is also booming and wineries and restaurants offering huge wine selections are popping up all the time.

The freeway system is unmatched, that I have ever seen, anywhere. A giant 6-lane freeway loops the Tri-Cities (part of it is 4-lanes but still plenty of room) and getting around is literally about 15 minutes to anywhere.

Schools are good and neighborhoods (less the far East side of Pasco and Kennewick) are safe, clean, and very kid-friendly.

The biggest perk of all is the Columbia River flowing through the area which offers unlimited recreational opportunities all year round. Boat drops are free and the spaces are wide open for fishing, skiing, whatever.

As far as the Hanford site is concerned, you might not realize it, but there is more radioactive waste in soil samples found in the Seattle area than the Tri-Cities. (I worked for a short time at the National Lab and did tests on this very issue.) Your chances of being affected by the radioactive waste living in the Tri-Cities are about as good as winning the lottery, provided you don't work out at the nuclear site itself.

The Tri-Cities is very family-oriented and the weather is great. It is windy in the Spring, but the summers can't be beat - best in the entire Northwest. And the winters are mild compared to areas like Spokane or Bend Oregon.

Consider it probably your best bet for Eastern Washington or Oregon. Other areas might be a bit more scenic, but won't have as much to offer due to their smaller size.

[janb]

for your needs and family proximity,

Moscow or Oroville, ID (or NE of Moscow)

maybe Waitsburg or Walla Walla, WA

[scirocco22]

What did your research show on LaGrande? I don't know much about the town but I've been through it many times and it "seems" like a nice place to live. It's the home of Eastern Oregon U. IMO, small towns with colleges seem to be more vibrant.

It appears to meet a lot of your criteria. Close to wilderness. Close to Boise. Clean air. Low Crime. College town.

However, I don't remember a Target. And I'm fairly sure there's no Costco. There is a Walmart close by but some have strong feelings pertaining to shopping there.

Seems perhaps hubby might like a place like La Grande but I'm sure you'd be more comfortable in the Tri-cities. And as Moon Waffle has said, don't worry about the Hanford situation ...it's really a non-issue, IMO.


--'rocco

[cleanairkids]

Thank you so much for all of your helpful responses!

We are still mostly considering Walla Walla and Tri Cities area and have now thrown Moscow, ID into the mix. For much of the same reasons Rocco mentioned, small college town, close to wilderness and civilization (nothin' wrong with Wal Mart ). Seems like the air is clean, crime is low and the schools are good. Also, it is closer to my Mom's, Aunt's, and Grandma's home town, Lewiston, who will all be moving back to the area soon.

So now we just have to find a job. My husband is a civil engineer who specializes in water resources and construction management.

Any thoughts on Moscow or anyone know of any good civil engineering firms?

[janb]

Originally Posted by cleanairkids

...My husband is a civil engineer who specializes in water resources and construction management.

Any thoughts on Moscow or anyone know of any good civil engineering firms?

I think there is a large engineering employer in Pullman,
Check the dams (USAJOBS) there are some within reach of Moscow + tri-cities.

LaGrande was very cold and foggy my last trip through.

I'm with 'rocco on Walmart,l been really tough on my Commercial tenants (who've I've had to reduce rents for that and 9-11, while my costs skyrocketed (insurance and taxes), and family businesses (several relative went broke running hardware / clothing stores in 'small town america - overpowered by W'). This led to divorces, suicides, violence, and destitue retirement... but they are getting their prescription cheap Just try to get that special 30 cent 'wigit' to fix any number of things - that only the 'mom and pop' hardware (now defunct) carried... not a chance at W if it doesn't garner high volume, high ROI shelf space.

I do have to cringe when I pay 30% more for tires than if I bought at W,

good luck on the move! Enjoy 'the hunt'

[Tahlerian]

I lived in Pendleton, OR, from 1976 to 1985. While things there may have well changed, I remember it as a typical farm-based community and not geared too much toward industry. Many residents of Pendleton drove to the Tri-Cities (Kennewick, Pasco and Richland) to shop in the "big city". The freeways are quite nice for the area and traveling is a breeze. Additionally, the old State Mental Hospital in Pendlton has been converted to a medium security (?) prison. Might be something to consider.

Walla Walla is nice, though I never lived there. I have heard that Walla Walla is growing due to the expanding wine industry and the cost of living is beginning to rise there. This city is a very good second choice for shopping.

One thing to consider about LaGrande is the winters. To the west is Deadman's Pass/Cabbage Hill that leads to Pendleton (about 50 miles away). To the east is Ladd Canyon, which leads to Boise. Both ways can be a rather nasty long drive during the winter when the weather is bad.