What should I know about Whatcom? (Seattle, Spokane: transplants, real estate, 2011)

[melora1812]

Like I posted in a thread here recently, my family and I are looking at WA as a possible place to move in 2011. So far, the northwest part of WA is looking promising, but I'd like to hear from you City-Data folks who know the area.

We're wanting a rural lifestyle, but fairly close to town. We'll still need jobs and jobs=city or town, most of the time.

I'd like to hear about Maple Falls, Ferndale and other small towns in the area.

I appreciate any and all info. Thanks.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by melora1812

Like I posted in a thread here recently, my family and I are looking at WA as a possible place to move in 2011. So far, the northwest part of WA is looking promising, but I'd like to hear from you City-Data folks who know the area.

We're wanting a rural lifestyle, but fairly close to town. We'll still need jobs and jobs=city or town, most of the time.

I'd like to hear about Maple Falls, Ferndale and other small towns in the area.

I appreciate any and all info. Thanks.

Well, to start, you may have noticed that not a single local Whatcom County area person has answered your post in over a day ... that MAY possibly have something to do with your present location being shown as California ... this is an area known for not being real welcoming to California transplants. That's your first piece of the puzzle to put in place.

Sorry. Good luck.

[melora1812]

That's just perfect. Unwanted by virtue, or lack of the state of my upbringing. I refuse to hide where I live.

Gee, I wonder, if I were to cross the Washington or Idaho or Oregon border without my vehicle, would anyone be able to determine where I came from, just by looking or speaking to me? Probably not.

I don't have words to express my disappointment in folks who decide they reject someone on the grounds of his or her state of birth or upbringing. It makes me sick, seriously.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by melora1812

That's just perfect. Unwanted by virtue, or lack of the state of my upbringing. I refuse to hide where I live.

Gee, I wonder, if I were to cross the Washington or Idaho or Oregon border without my vehicle, would anyone be able to determine where I came from, just by looking or speaking to me? Probably not.

I don't have words to express my disappointment in folks who decide they reject someone on the grounds of his or her state of birth or upbringing. It makes me sick, seriously.

Oh, not to worry too much about it all. You could have a sense of humor about it. Or you could be just glad to find out this aspect of a place you were thinking of moving to. In either case, good to know before you get here, and all that.

So, another day goes by and no one steps up to the plate to hit you back some answers. I'll have a go at it then. Whatcom County grew by over 55% in the past 25 years ... faster than the average State growth rate ... About 60,000 new people up here in that time.. Lots of those new folks are from outside the State, including, quite significantly, California. You wouldn't hardly be alone ... and I'm not aware of any old-timer locals burning patchouli crosses on the lawns of California refugees, so you would likely be reasonably safe.

Here's the thing then: Whatcom County has Bellingham, accounting for over 1/3 of the population alone ... and Bellingham is a University town, which keeps it pretty youthful and fairly liberal-leaning. But the rest of the County is rural and farm / forestry towns ... and thems folks is not so liberal, eh? Lotsa newcomers in Bellingham ... fewer in the rural towns. (Exception of note: Birch Bay ... seaside resort-ish with fair amount of, and increasing like crazy, retirees.)

You asked specifically about Maple Falls ... uh, pretty, but you're not likely to enjoy that one ... as it has become a landing for quite a Slavic immigrant community -- and there's some troubles and criminal activity there between folks.

Then you asked about Ferndale ... which place I live in proximity to and am thus quite familiar with. Ferndale is an old farming community with a new identity-crisis in process. Linked to an I-5 freeway exchange (two, actually) Ferndale has become a favorite victim of developers of late -- eclipsed only by Birch Bay in that regard. Tacky, too. With nothing remarkable to recommend it. (At least Birch Bay has views and waterfront.)

To many native Washingtonians, the stereo-typical Californian is a vacuous creature with a fairly "scorched earth" approach to lifestyle. I have no idea whether you fit that profile, or whether you are wanting to flee California because you have become enlightened and disenchanted ... But, given that western Washington has roughly doubled its population since as recently as the 70's, the native Washingtonians are approaching "peak residential" status and should soon be on the way to extinction. Until that time, if you want Washington, you will likely not enjoy our true farm communities-- they are neither California-sophisticated nor like California farm communities, either.

However, you would likely find at least comfy anonymity, and downright California-leaning company in the Seattle area and certain rural communities, including: Port Townsend, Sequim, the southern half of Whidbey Island, LaConner, Olympia ... none of which are in Whatcom County. However, IN Bellingham, itself, you'd probably be happy, too.

Coming from California, Maple Falls is not likely a match (tsk tsk about its low real estate prices! there's a reason!). Ferndale, I doubt would appeal to you either. Lynden? hahahaha ... whole 'nother story for another time, if you want (by the way, I lived in both the San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco, each briefly, many many many years ago -- and still love my several trips a year to camp all around that state -- but wouldn't live there if I had Bernie Madoff's hidden money)

If you like fanciful, quaint, rural ... like say: Fort Bragg or Arcata on your Calif. north coast ... if that's why you are attracted to NW Washington ... have a good look at south Whidbey Island. Really. And plenty California license plates being turned in there for Washington ones.

Oh, and, um, you really know about the weather up here compared to California? That's what drives LOTS of Californians back south. Really.

Good luck. More info if you want since no one else is chiming in

[backdrifter]

Originally Posted by nullgeo

Oh, not to worry too much about it all. You could have a sense of humor about it. Or you could be just glad to find out this aspect of a place you were thinking of moving to. In either case, good to know before you get here, and all that.

So, another day goes by and no one steps up to the plate to hit you back some answers. I'll have a go at it then. Whatcom County grew by over 55% in the past 25 years ... faster than the average State growth rate ... About 60,000 new people up here in that time.. Lots of those new folks are from outside the State, including, quite significantly, California. You wouldn't hardly be alone ... and I'm not aware of any old-timer locals burning patchouli crosses on the lawns of California refugees, so you would likely be reasonably safe.

Here's the thing then: Whatcom County has Bellingham, accounting for over 1/3 of the population alone ... and Bellingham is a University town, which keeps it pretty youthful and fairly liberal-leaning. But the rest of the County is rural and farm / forestry towns ... and thems folks is not so liberal, eh? Lotsa newcomers in Bellingham ... fewer in the rural towns. (Exception of note: Birch Bay ... seaside resort-ish with fair amount of, and increasing like crazy, retirees.)

You asked specifically about Maple Falls ... uh, pretty, but you're not likely to enjoy that one ... as it has become a landing for quite a Slavic immigrant community -- and there's some troubles and criminal activity there between folks.

Then you asked about Ferndale ... which place I live in proximity to and am thus quite familiar with. Ferndale is an old farming community with a new identity-crisis in process. Linked to an I-5 freeway exchange (two, actually) Ferndale has become a favorite victim of developers of late -- eclipsed only by Birch Bay in that regard. Tacky, too. With nothing remarkable to recommend it. (At least Birch Bay has views and waterfront.)

To many native Washingtonians, the stereo-typical Californian is a vacuous creature with a fairly "scorched earth" approach to lifestyle. I have no idea whether you fit that profile, or whether you are wanting to flee California because you have become enlightened and disenchanted ... But, given that western Washington has roughly doubled its population since as recently as the 70's, the native Washingtonians are approaching "peak residential" status and should soon be on the way to extinction. Until that time, if you want Washington, you will likely not enjoy our true farm communities-- they are neither California-sophisticated nor like California farm communities, either.

However, you would likely find at least comfy anonymity, and downright California-leaning company in the Seattle area and certain rural communities, including: Port Townsend, Sequim, the southern half of Whidbey Island, LaConner, Olympia ... none of which are in Whatcom County. However, IN Bellingham, itself, you'd probably be happy, too.

Coming from California, Maple Falls is not likely a match (tsk tsk about its low real estate prices! there's a reason!). Ferndale, I doubt would appeal to you either. Lynden? hahahaha ... whole 'nother story for another time, if you want (by the way, I lived in both the San Joaquin Valley and San Francisco, each briefly, many many many years ago -- and still love my several trips a year to camp all around that state -- but wouldn't live there if I had Bernie Madoff's hidden money)

If you like fanciful, quaint, rural ... like say: Fort Bragg or Arcata on your Calif. north coast ... if that's why you are attracted to NW Washington ... have a good look at south Whidbey Island. Really. And plenty California license plates being turned in there for Washington ones.

Oh, and, um, you really know about the weather up here compared to California? That's what drives LOTS of Californians back south. Really.

Good luck. More info if you want since no one else is chiming in

Nice post.

[melora1812]

Thanks, nullgeo. Your post was elegant and candid. Honestly, it's been very discouraging to run into so much resistance. All we want to do is to move to a new place to live a better life.

We're not vacuous, "scorched-earth" types, so far as I know. Not 100% sure what a "scorched-earth" type is. We're just a middle class family with a strong work ethic and decent manners. We take care of our own. We live lightly on the land. We don't ask for special favors or to be taken in as best buddies and pals. We live a private life here and expect to do that wherever we go.

The four of us have lived in the Central Valley of CA our lives and know no other place as home. However California is not the state my husband and I knew as children growing up. Our air is dirty; our water is, too. Our resources are being stretched past their capacity. Our summers in the Valley are long, dry and hellish-hot. California doesn't have enough for the people we have. We just don't.

It's been frustrating being met with opposition and negativity on this forum. I've asked questions of folks here because it's impossible to personally visit every place that looks interesting. My encounters with some of the posters from the western states have been the most negative. Curiously, posters in Nebraska seemed okay with our moving there and several actually welcomed us. Unfortunately, the family vetoed the whole NE idea.

I'll keep looking. Maybe Eastern WA would be a better match for us.

You seem like an honest person, but I'm becoming wary of most people here now. I'll take you at your word until I'm taken for a fool. Thanks.

[nullgeo]

Originally Posted by melora1812

Thanks, nullgeo. Your post was elegant and candid. Honestly, it's been very discouraging to run into so much resistance. All we want to do is to move to a new place to live a better life.

We're not vacuous, "scorched-earth" types, so far as I know. Not 100% sure what a "scorched-earth" type is. We're just a middle class family with a strong work ethic and decent manners. We take care of our own. We live lightly on the land. We don't ask for special favors or to be taken in as best buddies and pals. We live a private life here and expect to do that wherever we go.

The four of us have lived in the Central Valley of CA our lives and know no other place as home. However California is not the state my husband and I knew as children growing up. Our air is dirty; our water is, too. Our resources are being stretched past their capacity. Our summers in the Valley are long, dry and hellish-hot. California doesn't have enough for the people we have. We just don't.

It's been frustrating being met with opposition and negativity on this forum. I've asked questions of folks here because it's impossible to personally visit every place that looks interesting. My encounters with some of the posters from the western states have been the most negative. Curiously, posters in Nebraska seemed okay with our moving there and several actually welcomed us. Unfortunately, the family vetoed the whole NE idea.

I'll keep looking. Maybe Eastern WA would be a better match for us.

You seem like an honest person, but I'm becoming wary of most people here now. I'll take you at your word until I'm taken for a fool. Thanks.

You're welcome. Here's my pass at the character of "Forum" responses:
Folks who participate a lot in discussions with others whom they do not know, or even face, are folks who tend to enjoy 'pontification'. I am not expressing a value judgment -- just making an observation. As such, Forum people are not necessarily an accurate representation of that which they purport to represent ... they are just the ones who like to talk.

(I am basically quite the incommunicative hermit, who occasionally shows his face and pipes up in public -- or veiled public -- a response to boredom -- been laid up a lot after losing an argument with a car over a year ago while I was riding my bicycle ... I admit to being quite cynical, but with vast dry humor -- so much that I will spoof-a-rant sometimes and be taken seriously when I am merely poking for fun ..)

While you will get some good info (really) from the many "popes" pontificating, you can't hardly really take much of it too seriously -- nor is it wise to paint much of your picture using the color provided by such a limited slice of population. One sour malcontent can dominate. One 'Pollyanna' can, as well.

All said above, as a well-traveled person who has lived both many places and many experiences (MANY), I am confident to generalize, generally ... In fact, if I could choose a title for my pontificate position it would be: "Nullgeo, Classic Generalist". And how that relates to our conversation most specifically is: imho, you don't even really need to leave California to make a profound change for the better with respect to your (well observed) concerns about pollution, weather, expense, etc. You just need to get out of 'the Valley' ... and may I recommend you consider the north Calif. coast, if you like the small-town, rural concept? The Arcata/Eureka area is smashing. Yreka/Weed, inland north, is positively pioneer-invigorating. These places are without the extreme change to unbearable weather lifestyles you have never endured in your lifelong Valley residency -- such as you will encounter even in the seemingly "mild" Pacific NW. (Mild temps, yes ... mild in other weather considerations, no!)

As for the mid-West being welcoming: well, born and partly raised there (Michigan and Minnesota), uh, there's a reason for that.

It all comes down to weather and resources, specifically water, more than anything else, why populations migrate to certain areas -- and eventually ruin / "scorch" those areas (i.e. California).

You have a good search now. I am quite a geographer ... famous among those who know me well ... feel free to ask me about most any area in the U.S., and world-wide ... I'll pontificate, knowledgeably

[Dendrite]

Originally Posted by melora1812

The four of us have lived in the Central Valley of CA our lives and know no other place as home ...snip...

We're just a middle class family with a strong work ethic and decent manners. We take care of our own. We live lightly on the land. We don't ask for special favors or to be taken in as best buddies and pals. We live a private life here and expect to do that wherever we go ...snip...

I'll keep looking. Maybe Eastern WA would be a better match for us

Hi Melora:

The weather you're after will be a big factor in where you decide to move. Western WA is damp and green (as well as wet and gray during the winter months) compared to the Valley weather you're used to. Some people miss year round sunshine.

If you're looking to maintain more of the dry sunny climate you're used to, the Tri-Cities area of SE WA or the Boise valley of SW ID might be an option. Spokane comes to mind as well. Given your life ethic, I think you'd fit right in to those communities, regardless of where you're moving from!

[melora1812]

Thanks, Dendrite. We're considering the Spokane area. I visited there one summer, a long time ago. I liked how that even there were warm, even hot, days, there were summer showers, too.

We'll continue looking and then, when we narrow down a couple of places, we'll scout out those areas. We still have a while before our youngest child is out of high school, so there's still time to make an informed decision (and find jobs).

Thanks for your friendly reply.

[charleecrat]

Im so saddened to hear of the crime in Maple Falls. I want to move to Washington state but im comming from Texas where the property values are so much lower the only thing I can afford is a mobile/modular or cabin in that area. I am retired so there is no need to be close to jobs. I love what I have seen of the area as it seems to be less crowded and more country like setting.

So What is the deal with these Russians.? I posted a note on another web site for that area and got bombarded with " dont move w/o your gun" LOL. How can living near russians negativelty affect me? I was wondering if it was a sterotype and maybe somewhat blown out of porportion. I have no problem living in an area with all types of folks as long as they are nice. Maybe im dreaming, I hope not.

Is there anywhere that I can look up crime statitcs? I would love to see what really goes on in that area. BTW, I looked somewhere at a chart that listed Bellingham as 114 per cent crime ( average for US being 100) and maple Falls as 80 or 90, cant remember which, but that is less than Bellingham.

Anyone care to explain?

thanks so much