Could Washington Be for Me? (Seattle, Vancouver: ski resorts, home, university)

[tewhann]

Hi.

I currently live in Richmond, VA and am looking for a change of pace (I am SO sick of HOT, HOT and humid summers where you drink rather than breathe the air). I'm 35 year old, single gal in commercial lending.

What cities would suit a mid-30s single. I'm not into the bar scene at all, nor am I religious. I'd be looking for outdoor activities and things like that. I like to ski and hike. So far, I think Olympia looks pretty good.

Also, I wonder what banking jobs are like.

Any advice or thoughts appreciated.

[WA2TN]

We relocated up here about 3 years ago and have really enjoyed it in Bellingham. It's a moderate sized town at about 70,000 people, but it's within 90 minutes of Seattle and 45 minutes of the amazing city of Vancouver, Canada.

This area sounds like a perfect place for one with your intestes. We're sandwiched between the ocean (the Puget Sound) in the west and Mt. Baker in the east. There's tons of hiking and camping going on in the nearby mountains and Mt. Baker offers one of the top 10 ski resorts in the US.

With Lake Whatcom right outside of Bellingham, you get all the boating activity you could want during the Summer...which tends to be between 70-90 degrees throughout, with very little humidity (if any). I can't remember a humid, hot day yet in the Summers we've enjoyed. We came from sunny Southern California and think the Summers up here are far better than those we had down there.

The city is based around the university here, so the people are pretty young and friendly in general. You'll find a blend of people who are very liberal with those who are very conservative, yet they all live happily together. Makes for interesting dinner parties!

If you have any specific questions or want to know anything else, feel free to write.

[StealthRabbit]

I'd second that..."Give Bellingham a Look..."

Canada has some really nice recreation areas closeby. And temps are moderate in Bellingham.

[psdzd]

I have lived in Washington for 14+ years now and it is beautiful! BUT..... just as you are tired of the hot, humid weather I am tired of 9 months of gray and rain! The summers are absolutely to die for but only last about 2-3 months. If you don't mind the gray, rain and wind, then come on over! I am actually looking to get the hell out of here when my son graduates in two years - if I can wait that long.
Good luck!

[Seattletony]

Western Washington and Eastern Washington are night a day different in terms of geography and climate. It sounds to me like Western Washington is more you or Western Oregon for that matter. About the whole weather thing you can be outside almost year round the wettest months on average are November, December, and January. But if your tired of heat and humidity you will welcome overcast skies. Despite what said on this forum, from May to October it is relatively dry with intermittent rain here and there. Come check it out its the most beautiful region in the country rain or shine

[tewhann]

Thanks for the replies!! Yeah, I may one day get sick of the rain and overcast skies. But, with it having already hit the mid 80s by mid March this year, I'll take overcast and rain over the heat and humidity right now!!

I'm going to fly out in May and check some things out, so keep the replies coming, please!

[tedore]

Look into Eastern Washington! The weather is awesome. 300 days of sunshine with lakes,hiking,skiing,fishing.. no gray skies or much rain and NOT HUMID.. Moses Lake is booming with lots of job opportunities and affordable home prices.