I had the same 3 choices in my early 30's.
Vancouver, WA had the best job for my field. (and decent opportunities for yours). It was a great 28 yr run and decent place for family. (EZ airport, shopping, strong culture center of Portland (15 minutes away), but no income tax in Vancouver). We had a small 'U-pick' fruit farm which was ideal for the kids. But... I got antsy for equity growth, and tired of fighting the planning dept so we moved to the 'Federally Protected' Columbia River Gorge. It was great UNTIL our county took over the building administration of the area, then all my problems with the planners / taxes came back to haunt.
One nice thing is the advantage of getting to a rural spot in a few minutes from the Vancouver area + the proximity to beautiful Oregon coast (1 hr west) with 100% PUBLIC ACCESS to beach (the whole of Oregon State). The Columbia Gorge (15 minutes east) offers a wealth of recreation (Water, hiking, fishing, photography). 40 min east is Mt Hood, 40 min north is Mt St Helens.
My beef is the rainfall and high property taxes, but... have some indoor hobbies (and don't try to be a farmer or builder) + live in 'older' places that you remodel, or a shop building with a really nice apartment, and the taxes won't kill you (similar problems in TX). Or buy good income property and let your tenants pay the taxes for you.
There are different advantages to each of your spots, so you may have to try them on for 'feel'.
I consider Spokane more to my liking / background for social things (ag based surrounding communities, military base, recreation based on mtns and remoteness (I'm from Colorado / Wyoming)). It is far from the beach, which makes problems for some, and airport requires 'connection' which is a pain + expensive. There are nice mtn areas nearby and I find the people very friendly (tho there is a crime element in Spokane proper). Has a 'rural atmosphere' for a big city.
Seattle is very nice with the water front and maritime associated activities. It is the 'trendiest' and most crowded, but lots of options for activities. I find it a bit harder to get to know folks and feel comfortable 'talking over the fence' / sharing potlucks... One of my kids lives there and really likes it, tho would prefer Bellingham. I feel Seattle is the most expensive of the options for housing, and CoL (food / supplies...), but may have the most job opportunities for you, but I prefer to 'visit' (3 hrs via car or train($22)).
Portland is a bit 'quirky' (radical culture, can be 'in-your-face' if you don't embrace them). No big deal, I let Portland be Portland and go there several times / week, but wouldn't desire to live there. (9% income tax). It does have some very nice areas and activities, and is fairly progressive. I have friends that work in medical facilities there, (Providence, Emmanuel, Good Sam, OHSU, Adventist Medical, VA, and Kaiser). Also friends that work in Vancouver at Southwest WA, Vancouver Clinic, Providence (Salmon Creek), VA, and Kaiser. They all seem to like it with the exception of OHSU. Adventist Medical seems to get the strongest recommendation from those I know (20 min from Vancouver, BUT 9% income tax).
A decent job w / benefits for EE is at Bonneville Power (Ross complex in Vancouver). USAjobs.com or
BPA - Jobs | Home (apply VERY early, as gov jobs take forever.)
There are many other potential employers in SW WA (linear tech, SEH, Micro pump,,,)
Energy focus will help with job potential when coming west. There is pretty strong growth in Renewables, and WA has progressive legislation to increase that industry. (
http://www.solarwashington.org/)
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relocating to Northwest
), but we grew up in Florida and lived in North Carolina for awhile, so moving doesn't scare us- we are just ready to settle down and plant some roots. We have vacationed to the area and LOVE it. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Linear Mode
