Rural Living in WA (Seattle, Spokane: real estate, 2011, day care)

[melora1812]

My family is considering a move to WA after summer 2011. We're looking for a rural area in western WA, if at all possible, but we're keeping an open mind. Our hopes are for at least five acres with a modest home for four of us. It wil be my husband and I, our grown daughter and our youngest daughter who will have just graduated high school.

My husband and I will be of retirement age in the next 15 years. He enjoys fishing and hunting. My oldest daughter loves the ocean and is studying for a medical career. The youngest isn't sure of her path yet. She's heavily involved in FFA at her school, but isn't interested in a career in ag. I'm interested in organic farming and sustainable agriculture. We'll need a community college nearby. A three hour or shorter drive to the ocean would be perfect (we're in negotiations on that one).

We'd be happiest in an area with four seasons. Some snow is fine, and adequate rainfall is important. Other than that, my family has already requested an area with less rain than more.

I've only traveled to WA twice, once to Seattle and once to Spokane. I don't know much about the rest to the state. Thanks for any and all input.

[yukiko11]

You will find what you want in NW Washington, however it will not be cheap. The best place to satisfy all your needs as well as allow your daughter to commute to a job is North of Everett to Bellingham and up to 10 miles east or west of the I-5 corridor which is the main FWY in the state.
Real Estate in W WA is not cheap, be prepared to pay 300-500K for what you are looking for.

[Merc63]

Or, check out the Kitsap Peninsula and south (Belfair, Allyn, etc). Rural, still rather inexpensive, and not too far from everything.

[AzDreamer]

You say that "adequate rainfall is important".

There isn't enough rain for a summer garden in Western Washington. We're drier than Phoenix for at least two months, July and August. You'll have to irrigate.

[melora1812]

AZDreamer, that's good to know. We live in the San Joaquin Valley of CA and irrigation is the only way we can grow anything. We get virtually no measurable rainfall from May through September, with most falling between November to March.

Adequate water is important, but I'd really like to live in a place where groundwater is plentiful. If we need to irrigate, at least we wouldn't be doing major damage to the water table.

[StealthRabbit]

check out the area around Centralia (Community College + areas of affordable housing, ag economy) 1 hr to coast, 1/2 hr to Olympia, 1.5 hr to Seattle, 1.5 hr to Portland, OR.

Longview might be cheaper, but has some (more) drug problems.

For a drier zone I would try Wenatchee, WA, or Ellensburg (colleges also). There is a Community College in The Dalles, OR (and Hood River) if you would like to live in Goldendale or White Salmon, WA areas.

What is your 'bent' socially / value set? West side (we_t side) of Cascades is 'generally' liberal, east is more conservative, but the voting of the whole state is controlled by the we_t side, so business owners and farmers are in a serious minority and must struggle through bogus legislation voted in by 'employees' (just like California, OR and WA governors are really CA 'wannabees').

For giving good advice; we need a price range, your need for schools / medical / transportation / airports / and your personal interests that may be easier to enjoy in certain areas. The climate in WA is generally 4 season, there is a rainfall map which will help in determining your general zones. Some areas can get extreme amounts of snow, elevation and 'storm shadows' / weather direction are significant determinants. But most of WA is pretty moderate & 4 season. We_t side gets ~ 150 days with some rainfall (It takes a long time to get 'drizzle' to = 40" of rain)

Check with WSU extension service for your desires for Sustainable Ag. or CSA activities. Each County has a representative, and usually an office of Extension service. Come in time to start Master Gardener classes. (Usually in the fall / winter)

[melora1812]

Thanks, Stealthrabbit. I'll add some details.

Here are the things we need, school-wise. Our oldest daughter might still be working toward a career in health care, probably nursing. The youngest is looking at law enforcement, but isn't sure what direction exactly. So, for them we'd want at least a community college nearby.

Medical services would be good, too. We have no particular health needs now, but who knows what will change as we age? We'll need a vet who's good with many species. We have a lot of pets and will no doubt have more when we have acreage.

An airport within a short driving distance would be useful, but not absolutely necessary. We’ll be leaving aging parents and may have to take a quick trip home in case of an emergency.

If we were to move right now, we’d be looking for property with prices no higher than $250,000. Since our plans are for a move in 1½ years or so, that price may have to be adjusted. It would also depend on what jobs we get there. We're wanting some land with a house, two acres minimum.

Job-wise: My husband has worked in the construction trades for over 30 years. He specializes in residential remodeling, but has experience in new and light commercial building, as well. He's owned and run his own construction business for the last 17 years.

I have a Masters Degree and a certification (CRC) in Rehabilitation Counseling. I have experience working with persons with disabilities in educational and vocational settings. I also have a Bachelor's Degree in Child Development and could work in preschools or day care settings.

My oldest daughter has worked in various jobs, from non-profit agencies to children's museums, as retail staff and theatre event staff. She's a multi-media artist and good with computers.

We'll all need work, which we realize is a problem everywhere at this time. It’s hard to say what the economy will be in 2011.

Politically, each of us sees different things as important, but we all could be considered moderate. None of us observes any one religion or faith, but enjoy knowing people with many viewpoints. We come from an ethnically diverse area and appreciate the richness and difficulties that offers.

We like eating out, but it's a rare event. We don't go to movies or events too often, but enjoy farmer's markets a lot. An active art community would be a plus for our oldest daughter.

We live modestly and are law-abiding people. We’re good neighbors who can be helpful, but also know when to mind our own business.

Hope that isn't overkill. Hopefully, it's just a clearer picture of us as a family.

Thanks.

[WendyK]

sounds like you need to focus on central or eastern WA with that price range. Spokane has all of your requirements with a 30-45 minute drive, if you want to be in a more rural setting. Excellent medical services and educational opportunities. Less rain than western WA, but be prepared for colder, snowier winters. I just did a quick search for homes on 2+ acres up to $250,000 and came up with 40 possibilities. The only thing you won't have is a 3 hour drive to the ocean -- more like 5+. But there are lots of lakes & rivers on this side of the state.