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My husband and I are currently looking into relocating to either the Seattle/Tacoma area (specifically University Place) or Colorado Springs. Work isn't really an issue, but we have whittled it down to these two areas because of the military/government presence and a large portion of my husband's clients are Tri-Care insured.
We visited Seattle last fall and loved it, had a great time there and felt very strongly that we should move there. By a turn of events we ended up not moving and held off for awhile to see if we like this area (Fredericksburg) of Virginia better than the Metro DC area. Now we have found ourselves realizing that we just can't see ourselves here long-term and feel there's something missing.
Naturally, we can't help but entertain the Seattle idea again because we both loved it and have already done extensive research on it. We have also been recommended by several people to check out Colorado Springs and are liking what we've found out so far.
To give you a little history, I'm from Utah originally and my husband has always lived in Virginia but always fantasized about living out west. I would be more than happy to live back West again, as I miss it constantly. I have never been to Colorado Springs but from pictures it looks very similar to parts of Utah that I am used to. Both my husband and I love the mountains, but also love the idea of being close to a large body of water. We aren't super outdoorsy people who hike every weekend, but we do love to be outdoors and I am a photographer and can imagine both areas would give me great landscape opportunities.
These are the things we are looking for:
-lower humidity (we currently live in VA)
-somewhat moderate climate and temperatures - neither too hot nor too cold
-less bugs (yeah, this might seem minor but we have a major bug issue out here)
-warm vibe from the locals
-close proximity to large cities for fun weekend trips and outings
-a decent amount of gluten free options
-safe
-good public schools
-kid friendly (looking to have kids in the next few years)
-dog friendly (easy to find a home with a yard)
-affordability (can buy a decent home for under $300k)
If you had a choice to live in Seattle/Tacoma or Colorado Springs, which would you choose and why?
Any input would be so appreciated!
Awesome Matty. Thank you! Did it feel isolated at all? One draw for Seattle is that we have Tacoma and Olympia nearby. Does Colorado Springs feel close enough to Denver? Lately I have this fear of feeling isolated for some reason.
Seattle is on my target list of 7 (as well as where I currently live - Denver). If you like/love the more urban environment - Seattle is your choice. If you want a small city, with access to a larger Metro - Colorado Springs is better suited.
Awesome Matty. Thank you! Did it feel isolated at all? One draw for Seattle is that we have Tacoma and Olympia nearby. Does Colorado Springs feel close enough to Denver? Lately I have this fear of feeling isolated for some reason.
You said you were from Utah so I'll give you a comparison. Salt Lake City to Provo is about 45 minutes apart driving time. Denver to Colorado Springs is about an hour. It is a very easy drive up I-25 if you want to live in Colorado Springs but borrow the bigger city amenities of Denver.
Traffic between CS and Denver can be really horrible. Realistically you will not go to Denver often with the kids unless you are really motivated and the kids are happy hanging out in the carseat.
There are really big climate differences. CS has close to 300 days of sunshine, but can be dry, brown, and dusty. Seattle is definitely more wet, cloudy, and green. Which do you prefer?
Awesome Matty. Thank you! Did it feel isolated at all? One draw for Seattle is that we have Tacoma and Olympia nearby. Does Colorado Springs feel close enough to Denver? Lately I have this fear of feeling isolated for some reason.
For starters University Place is not in Seattle. It is actually south of Tacoma. Getting to and from UP can be a bit tricky at times traffic wise.
I have been to Colorado Springs, it is a great town. I like Seattle too but would prefer CS, better weather and close to Denver.
Seattle's weather is highly underrated. Some can't handle the cloudy nature of the winters, so that is always a consideration. But while other parts of the country are freezing their collective asses off, Seattle is in the 40's with drizzle. And while the rest of the country bakes in hot humid weather, Seattle is in the 70's, no humidity and no bugs.
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