Relocating from Southern California to Washington (Seattle, Spokane: renting, crime, purchase)

[golsd]

Hi Everyone,
I have some inquiries about relocating. My family which consists of myself, my wife, my 2 year old son and another baby on the way are looking to find an area that is family oriented. I have family in Washington and hear that it is a real family state. I have been born and raised in San Diego and have seen the city decline. Yes it is a nice city in certain parts but the cost is going through the roof and the school system is going down. Oh not to mention the crime is on the rise as well in many areas. We would like an affordable area as well as a nice school district for our kids. We would be renting for a few years so we could get familiar with the area. However if we were to purchase we would prefer an area that gives us a little distance from our neighbors. We both are in healthcare and would need to be close to any medical facilities. Any advice or input on areas of living, cost of living and school districts would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

[Sabinerose]

I saw folks do this on the Montana forum many times when I lived there...coming on here and giving a few vague wants / needs about where you should move won't help anyone give you suggestions. You need to do some research and then narrow it down for us.

All you've asked for is an affordable area with good schools near medical facilities. That could be anywhere in the state.

Decide what climate you prefer first...there is a big difference between W. and E. Washington.
Decide is you want to live in the foothills, desert, coastal, etc...
Big city or small town.
Amenities you want or need.
Close to your family or not.

The state is too varied and too large for anyone to give specific suggestions based on good schools (define good), affordable (define affordable) and being in healthcare (define this also).

[CrazyDonkey]

Larger hospitals and attendant clinics are mostly concentrated in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, and Spokane - those areas increase the chances both of you could find health care jobs, so would be good areas to start looking. On the other hand, there is also more competition for healthcare jobs in those areas, and the cost of living can be higher than in other areas in the state. If one of you accepts a job offer before moving, that should narrow down the living area/housing choices.

In the central Puget Sound area, where you work has a LOT to do with where you might choose to live, due significant traffic congestion, fewer freeway choices, and a higher dependence on transit for commuting. So trying to isolate specific areas, school districts, etc., at this point would be akin to playing "pin the tail on the donkey".

If you want to ask about specific areas in which you might want to apply for jobs, by all means, ask away. Providing more details about your criteria, as pointed out previously, would be helpful.