Moving from Western to Eastern Washington (Seattle, Spokane: low crime, house, purchase)

[NextStep]

My boyfriend and I currently live about 40 miles south of Seattle and are in our early 20's. When we get married we were thinking of moving to Eastern Washington but don't know the best locations. Our desires are leaving the stressful lifestyle (traffic, crime, congestion, weather) behind to find alot of space to raise our 3 year old. We also desire a more friendly community than Western Washington for we are raising her in a christian environment (we also need a church near by.)We will need a community college of some sort and various stores such as Walmart/Target, grocery stores or an organic market or such. We are going to be enrolling in registered nursing classes, so a hospital in town is also needed. We do like to go out to movies and resteraunts, but would be willing to drive 40 miles or so for entertainment. We love the country fields and land for miles, not too big on the forests of Leavenworth and such. We were almost thinking Moses Lake, because we are both big on recreation, but we want to live on the out skirts where we will still have views of the beautiful country. We are also excited about the lower cost of living and would like to purchase a house in the 130k range. I am not familiar with any towns/cities in Eastern Washington that could fit everything we need. Does anyone know of ANY towns that may be of our desire? Thank you!

[scirocco22]

Yeah, sounds like the area around Moses Lake could be what you're looking for. It's a diverse area demographically. I don't know if it would be too liberal for you or not.

Big Bend Community College does have a nursing program. And there's a Walmart in town ...I think I remember one, I'll check for sure.




edit: Yes, Moses Lake has a Walmart Superstore.

[WendyK]

You also might like Cheney or one of the other outlying towns near Spokane. There are 2 community colleges here - Spokane Falls CC on the western side of town, which would be closer to Cheney & Medical Lake, or Spokane Community College which is more centrally located. You might like Deer Park or Elk on the north side to have some space and more of a country feel - lots of churches there. Spokane is also well known for having good hospitals and other medical facilities. We have all the big name stores, lots of lakes, rivers & streams, and outdoor activities.

[NextStep]

Thank you guys so much. I think this forum is so awesome; strangers giving each other advice, it really means alot. I'm definatley gonna check all the places you guys mentioned. Thanks a bunch!

[mustang34]

Try the Tri-Cities area. Not much traffic, low crime rates, weather is normally nice, almost exactly like Moses Lake's weather. Many Christian churches in the area. Local colleges are Columbia Basin College in Pasco, and Wa State Univ branch campus in Richland. For shopping there is 2 Targets 3 Walmarts, as well as many other choices including a fantastic mall. There are 3 hospitals. Lady of Lourdes in Pasco, Kennewick General Hospital in, of course, Kennewick and Kadlec in Richland. Also many doctor facilities throughout the area. We have 3 movie theatres and a LOT of restruants. If you want a rural setting, the moment you leave the city it's all farms, very pretty. The mighty Columbia River flows through for rec. Many good parks, my favorite being Columbia Park. It's a huge park along the river offering family fun. Also 3 hr from Silverwood, a theme park in Idaho. Housing is pretty cheap around here. Inside the city, many new developments are springing up and are good and inexpensive. But as you said you want the beautiful country which is also affordable, although I have no idea of the price range, I'm a city person.

[xboxmas]

Ephrata, Moses Lake, Othello, Quincy-Those areas sound like what you are looking for, but you may be in for a culture shock.

[Chris082060]

Hi There, I think I know of a great place for you & your family! Kettle Falls, Wa. You're on the east-side, but you'll not miss the trees, cause there are alot over here in Kettle. I know cause I lived in the Marysville, Monroe, Snohomish area for 20 years. It's much drier over here, Lake Roosevelt (Columbia River) is out your back door, but there's quite a bit of snow in the winter. Kettle is about 1500 population, but Colville is only 7 miles away & offers more stuff. Not alot of stuff, but there is a WalMart. We are moving back to the west side next month cause of family, if not for that, we'd be here forever. Good Luck, Chris P.S. You can get a pretty decent place here for the money you're talking about.

[NCWmark]

From what you say about your needs, it sounds like the Tri-Cities would fit well.

[Moon Waffle]

Tri-Cities indeed. It's got a fairly decent selection of shopping and entertainment, a very small-town feel, easy weather and traffic, and a very low cost of living.

[brightcopperkettles]

I agree, Tri-Cities would be perfect for you. Give it a look.