Thinking of moving in 2010 (Seattle, Spokane: apartment, to rent, house)

[swttownguy]

Hi, I'm new here and I've lived in Oklahoma for 29 years. I've been considering moving up to Washington. I went when I was 18 to Seattle and Tacoma area on well, let's just say it was a "missionary trip" but really was a week long vacation for me. I was thinking of saving money up (lots of money) and going to find a job and an apartment or a small house to rent. I've also been thinking of going to college in the state to finish my education. Where would be a good place to live and go to college to make ends meet.

[kanhawk]

You have a good idea in trying to save up before you come. Try to have a few thousand $$ before you come here.
I have lived in both Eastern and Western Washington. Both have an abundant supply of colleges and universities from which to chose.
Eastern Washington is less congested, more laid back, more rural. Spokane is one of the nicest small cities in the country IMO. The climate is harsher in Eastern Washington with colder winters and hotter summers, although, coming from Oklahoma, the summers will seem short and fairly mild to you.
Western Washington is more crowded and congested although you can find many rural areas there too. You are close to ocean and mountains and Seattle is a beautiful city with lots to see and do. Seattle also has the University of Washington right within city limits with a very nice setting and it is a good quality school. If you go the Seattle route be prepared to pay at least $800 a month for an apartment and probably more unless you want to share a place. Same with Tacoma.
I recommend you visit at least once in the winter to see what the weather is like here much of the year. It is overcast much of the year, except summer, and some people simply can't take it.

[Fat Freddy]

If you plan to go to school, consider moving here and working for a year or so first to establish residency, or you will have to pay non-resident tuition which can be very expensive.

[swttownguy]

Thanks for the advice, the winters here in Oklahoma is cloudy most of the time. So it's something I'm used to and I love it.

[swttownguy]

I'm still planning my trip, and I need to know one thing, is the space needle a good place to start sightseeing and is fisherman's wharf still open? It looks like a spring trip or maybe a fall trip, I still have a lot of saving to do.

[Ira500]

Fisherman's Wharf is in San Francisco. Seattle does have Fisherman's Terminal and it still exists...
The Space Needle does over a nice panoramic view, but the old Smith Tower skyscraper at 2nd and Yesler is a really cool old building with nice views.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by swttownguy

Hi, I'm new here and I've lived in Oklahoma for 29 years. I've been considering moving up to Washington. ... been thinking of going to college in the state to finish my education. Where would be a good place to live and go to college to make ends meet.

What is your chosen area of study? (that will help us determine appropriate schools)

What would you like to do for work while in school? (previous experience)
What is your desired budget? ($1000/mo or $2000/mo)
Do you want roommates?

[swttownguy]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

What is your chosen area of study? (that will help us determine appropriate schools)

What would you like to do for work while in school? (previous experience)
What is your desired budget? ($1000/mo or $2000/mo)
Do you want roommates?

as of now my chosen area is english, (i want to teach english at a college) retail has been "chosen" for me and i plan on (hopefully) get on at wal-mart to transfer.
budget about 1000/mo, (i'm trying to save up right now)
roommates: yes. (no smokers, but i do drink on occasion.)