Detroit/Toledo area vs Seattle

[OsirusCeltics]

Originally Posted by Bluefox

You definitely could in Tacoma but keep in mind there is a ton of crime out here in the entire region. The murder rate is low but other crimes like theft and property crimes are sky high so be mindful of that. And the commute from tac to Seattle is pretty awful.

Isn't there a commuter train line that goes from Tacoma to Seattle?

[mhays25]

Yes, and there are also express buses every few minutes that get there faster.

[ryan_ninenine]

Colorado Springs and Las Vegas don't really have too much going for themselves as far as walkability and outdoor activities, though (responding to one of the earlier comments). And the climate can be pretty hard on you as far as dryness and heat in the summer, atleast for some people.

I know I might get some flak from some of the locals for saying this, but Portland really is a cheaper version of Seattle, especially if you're really sold on the PNW lifestyle which it sounds like you are.

[OsirusCeltics]

Originally Posted by ryan_ninenine

Colorado Springs and Las Vegas don't really have too much going for themselves as far as walkability and outdoor activities, though (responding to one of the earlier comments). And the climate can be pretty hard on you as far as dryness and heat in the summer, atleast for some people.

I know I might get some flak from some of the locals for saying this, but Portland really is a cheaper version of Seattle, especially if you're really sold on the PNW lifestyle which it sounds like you are.

Yeah I stayed in Portland/Vancouver area for a month before. It was great. Walkable and good public transportation
I only been to Seattle once, but I would say Portland is easier to get around, and great grid system. But at the same time it's much smaller


Would there be opportunities where I can see rent prices from $600 to $800 for a 1 bedroom?

[ryan_ninenine]

In my opinion, and maybe it's just because I'm a bit of an Oregon homer in general, it doesn't really feel that much smaller. The only thing that felt noticeably smaller for me was the job market, and maybe if you wanted to go to NFL and baseball games (the basketball and soccer games especially are seriously great in PDX though). Unfortunately the traffic doesn't feel smaller than Seattle

The rent question... I'd still have to recommend a roomate I think. There's definately better odds of you finding a place in PDX than Seattle for that price, but still. In another thread, which I unfortunately can't find at the moment, a user was talking about how a lot of really old places near the city center were being renovated and put up for costs within that budget. Still though, Portland's got some serious rent problems too and I wouldn't want to give you false hope. You could do it if you were comfortable living out in the eastern suburbs almost certainly.