Moving to Oak Harbor

[Navy girl]

I too am moving to the Whidbey Island area with my boyfriend...also in the navy. We are hoping to move some where near the coupeville area. I am a teacher, does anyone have any information for me on teaching jobs. Are there any available, pay, websites, anything?

Thanks

[Onasis]

Originally Posted by EasternGirl

My husband will be posted to Oak Harbour and I was looking for some info on the Island life and employment opportunities in general. We will be moving from Nova Scotia, Canada. We live in a fairly large city at present and wondered how much of an adjustment Oak Harbour may be for me especially. Oak Harbour looks like a lovely City/Town and seems to have some shopping and ammenities. Any info on island life, ammentites, employment. The upside of living there and the downside would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!!

Hi, sorry to burst your bubble but coming from my perspective, a non-military resident for over 10 years, you will more than likely hate it like (so I assume) 95% of the local residents. First of all, it is an extremely small town that is inundated with a huge methanphetamne problem that no one wants to discuss, acknowledge, or do anything about. Second of all, the town is comprised of mostly old military retirees or military personnel, 95% of the population holds extreme right wing political views and do not take kindly to opposing points of view. The city government is completely corrupt and the police force are a bunch of ineffectual big city academy flunkies with extreme inferiority complexes. The public transportation system is laughable, the taxes are outrageous (by American standards, it might be a good break for you), and there almost absolutely nothing to do. Bangladesh has a better job market than Whidbey island and unless you have very good health insurance and are military or retired, the medical facilities on the island will pretty much let you die should you need help. The people are NOT friendly at all and highly uneducated. The school systems are more like prison camps and the quality of education is deplorable. It is also windy, cold, and dreary almost 3/4 of the year.

On the bright side, it does have its beautiful "tourist" attractions close by and the city itself is relatively clean, no real traffic problems, and enough amenities to maintain a comfortable lifestyle (i.e. Grocery stores, walmart, ect.) Also,despite my previous statements, the rate of violent crime remains low. You mentioned that you live in a fairly large city (Halifax?) well, this is going to be nothing like that. Either way, that is my own humble opinoin aboute "Joke Harbor", hope it helps

[NoPeace]

Do NOT move to Oak Harbor. In the past OH was a very desirable location. It has now been ruined by the invasion and occupation of the military. The loud intrusive military planes fly at all hours of the day and night close to homes. There are NO jobs worth taking as wages are low. Local residents are hostile to the military. Can you blame them? Quality of life in OH has gone to the dogs. Navy folk live in Mount Vernon to avoid the noise and the hostility of natives. There is a two lane bridge to Whidbey Island on the north end the location of NASWI.