Need help in choosing area to retire in W. washington (Seattle: credit, houses)

[cindycat]

Harrison Hospitals in Silverdale and Bremerton have good services but I don't know what's available on Whidbey or around LaConner. Have you spent much time in this area? I see you're coming in July. We moved here almost two years ago after vacationing in the northwest for 25 years. Problem is, we always travelled in September or October. We had no idea how miserable and dreary is it from November to March.

You said you're looking for a small town, so maybe the isolation won't bother you. We're outside Port Ludlow and the whole area is definitely small town, both here and on the Kitsap Peninsula. A lot of folks from Southern California come up to "get away from it all". We're unhappy here because it's so far from anything. Remember that all those places you mentioned (except Anacortes, LaConner and Bellingham) require a regular bridge, a floating bridge or a ferry to get to a town of any size at all. Many of the roads are two-lane, narrow and winding, lined with scruffy brush.

Other than that...well, the summers are glorioius and Scotch Broom is absolutely the most beautiful yellow weed we've ever seen.

[roseleadfoot]

Is that two lane hwy 20? I was concerned about that, being 2 lane. We will also check Pouslbo and SUdden valley. Does anyone know anything about Sudden Valley, near Lake WHatcom? I suppose it snows there? How do you like the Port Ludlow area? My husband is concerned with the gloomy days, I personally love that weather. WHen is it worst months for the gloom? We should probably visit at that time also. Thanks for all the replys.

[LMB]

Rose, we were interested in many of the same areas you are for early retirement. We love Whidbey Island, especially south of Oak Harbor, but decided against moving there because of the congestion getting on and off the island--or traveling anywhere on the island. Granted, the difficulty getting around there is mostly during the summer, on weekends and holidays, but it was enough to make us realize we'd soon become frustrated with the situation if we lived there year-round. Still, what a beautiful place!

Over the last two years we've researched and visited many of the areas you've mentioned here (summer AND winter visits--that's important!) and Poulsbo was our ultimate choice. It's a small town, but has most services and shopping available in town, with a hospital and mall nearby. It's more than just a quaint little Norwegian waterfront town--it has a real sense of community and people have been very warm and friendly to us.

We wouldn't have chosen this area if we were commuting into Seattle daily, but it's an easy ferry ride for our weekly or so visits with family there. Also, it's a fairly quick drive to Port Townsend too. We feel centrally located to everything we need. Our house is just a few blocks from downtown Poulsbo and less than a mile from Central Market (open 24 hrs). Obviously everyone has different requirements, even in retirement, but Poulsbo is a really good fit for us.

Good luck with your search! Do the groundwork--it does take "in person" visits, but I'm sure you'll find the perfect location.

Lynn

Lynn

[cindycat]

For the most part, with the exception of Bellingham...every place you mentioned is on a two-lane road. On the Kitsap Peninsula State Route 3 is four-lane only from the Tacoma Narrows bridge to Poulsbo. Even US Highway 101 on the Olympic Peninsula is mostly two-lane.

The population of Port Ludlow is about 2250 and I believe it's primarily a retirement community. There's a small resort hotel, a world-class golf course, many high-end houses and condos...and no town. A few realtors, a bank, a decorator, convenience store, a cafe, two restaurants near the hotel. The closest decent grocery stores are in Port Townsend, Kingston and Poulsbo. "LMB" mentioned Central Market in Poulsbo. Not a place I shop for staple foods but it's the most amazing grocery store I've ever seen. Put it on your sightseeing list for your trip.

We decided we didn't want to live on Whidbey for the reasons "LMB' stated, but Whidbey had the best of all the houses we saw during our search. Whidbey is more open than the Kitsap and Olympic areas. Doesn't feel as closed in when you're driving.

Another thought - your husband's disability. If it's something that causes problems climbing stairs, you'll probably be looking for a one-story house. Those aren't easy to find. Again, we found more on Whidbey than anywhere else.

Good luck.

[RobE]

Just to echo a couple of the other posts, the property tax rates here are high. So you need to take that into account. Food prices are a bit higher than in California as well.

To check crime rates and other info, go to:
Moderator cut: linking to competitors sites is not allowed

[Forrman]

My wife and I had been looking at empty lots in Sudden Valley that we want to build a house on in the next few years. The area has over 30 lots priced at or below $50,000 and sellers state that these lots are "buildable," although some require buyers to assume the ULID fees. I found that the Whatcom County Commission, in their March 2007 hearing, stated that they intend to meet water and sewer needs on as "needs arrise" basis. Do any of you know if there are local political and/or tax issues that are underiming the apparent potential for development in the area?

[AlwaysSmiling]

I live in Freeland, and wouldn't recommend this area for a teenager. She/he will go stark raving mad. Plus, the schools have problems with drugs, meth, pot, etc. When you only have one high school on the south end, it doesn't do well for kids.
This area is absolutely beautiful,,,,,,,when it is sunny. And that is not too often. You say you love rainy days, but I can't imagine you would like 67 of them all in a row. This is a rural, country area, with overpriced houses, and no speakable land to purchase to build. For a vacation home, it would be PERFECT. But, I wouldn't live here year round, especially if your husband is disabled.
Please let me know if there are any specific questions I can answer for you.
Good Luck.

[doni]

You live in Freeland?? Do you know the Neuman family??? They have lived on the island forever.

[AlwaysSmiling]

Nope, sorry, I don't know the Neuman family.

[KidBlue]

OK, you got me. What the heck is a ULID fee?