Good place to live. (Seattle, Spokane: vacation, job, college)

[husky95]

Hello, I am new to this forum and am kinda of feeliing it out. I need help!
I've been looking for a good place to live and have narrowed it down to a few I think may be okay, but I need inside information. I am a New Yorker, but was living in California. I am now currently living in Tampa, Florida for family reasons, but have no intention of staying. It's much to humid here for my blood. And although, I thought California was a beautiful place, it is also too warm for me. And it was expensive and overpopulated much like NY. I have always long for a place were there are mountains, lakes, snow, lots of land, lots of space, wildlife, and most importantly no traffic jams, but still viable enough to live comfortably. A tall order, I know.
All my life its been one traffic jam after another. Sitting in your car two hours to work and from work is such a waste of your life, or so it feels like it to me, everyone is different
I've narrowed my list down to a few places I like from looking on websites and pictures. They are Kalispell or Whitefish, Montana, Spokane WA, or surrounding areas near to that city, Coure d'Alene Idaho ( I hope that's spelt right). I love the West and want to be near Canada since I like vacationing in British Columbia.
I currently work in the Administration field, but after fourteen years I've had to change that and am going to school for recording and sound. So radio stations and TV stations in these areas will be important. If there is anyone out there who can give me imput from there experiences I've be ever so grateful

[triselmore]

Check out the Tri cities. Richland, pasco and kennewick. Sounds like a good fit for you.

[husky95]

Thanks. I have looked a little into those areas, but not too much. As per your advice I will look into them a little more.

[janb]

there is quite a TV / film industry in Vancouver BC, but not sure on the logistics of getting a green card. BC is pretty big, what do you like (oceans, forests, mountains?) Spokane / CdL ought to give you some decent career options if you are willing to part with the ocean (trade it for a pretty big river and a decent lake, or 2 or 3...). Montana is close too, if you like mountains and / or hunting. Alberta if you like the Rockies better than the Cascades (better vistas, due to fewer trees)

[husky95]

I have thought about Vancouver, BC since I like going there on vacation. I have actually looked into getting a green card. It’s not too difficult. It works by a point system and they let people fill out a practice application on the Canada website. I was just shy by five points of passing, having a job already in the area will give me just enough. But since I’m only a novice in the audio field it didn’t think it likely I would be offered a job there. My preference is mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and a relatively safe area because I am a single girl with two dogs and a lizard ( my children).

[scirocco22]

Have you considered the outskirts of Bellingham?

It's a college town and is obviously close to Vancouver B.C. It has access to all the outdoor criteria you listed.

The other reason I mention it is that Seattle is less than two hours away and you'd have quick access to a major metro area for your media wants.


Thanks.

--'rocco