Moving to Bellingham from Australia (Oak Harbor: rentals, how much, neighborhood)

[leahsmum]

Hi All

I need some advice.

My husband has applied for Study Exchange to the Western Washington University. We are from Australia.

I need some advice on best places to live and good areas for rentals.

Also we have a 10 year old and a 10 month old so some good schools.

Also what is publice transport like over there and are cars expensive.

So many questions.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

[Sobefobik]

Bellingham was voted the best place to live in the US recently. It is a great town, and likely any neighborhood you choose is going to be nice. You just have to decide how much you want to pay.

Basically don't count on having any public transportation other then some bus routes. Unfortunately, unless you live in New York City, Boston, Chicago, and a few other major cities, public transportation in the United States is terrible. We do have Amtrak trains that will get you from place to place, but they are unreliable, almost always late, and don't really take you to that many places. Your best bet is to look at the city bus system.

How much are cars? That totally depends on what you want. Do you want a mid-sized sedan? Count on $20,000 to $40,000 for average costs. A van? They start around $25,000. Commuter 4-door? They go from $12,000 to $30,000 for the average. What are you looking for?

[mrslovettstailor]

Or get a nice used vehicle starting around $1500.00 and you don't have to bother with high cost, big payments, and the something like 50% depreciation a brand new vehicle undergoes the second you drive it from the lot.

[leahsmum]

Hi

Yep we would just look at a cheap used vehicle as we are only going to be there 6 months.

What about schools?

[Hemlock140]

Here are some school ratings.


Bellingham Schools

[leahsmum]

Hi

Thanks for the schools website.

Bellingham looks beautiful.

[y8tiger]

Just FYI, The Pastor of the Bible Baptist Church in Oak Harbor is from Australia.

[Bill Loney]

Originally Posted by leahsmum

Hi

Thanks for the schools website.

Bellingham looks beautiful.

I have no idea if you have checked your messages or not, so I'll post it here as well just in case.



A few posts from previous threads that should help.


//www.city-data.com/forum/13856900-post8.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/11504756-post2.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/14963962-post3.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/15281875-post14.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/16308989-post2.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/16314700-post5.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/16337737-post8.html

//www.city-data.com/forum/16520232-post17.html


And a really fun video you should see,


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMiBZ6s4SjY

[leahsmum]

Hi Bill

Thank you so much for the links, they were so helpful. Also my daughter loved watching the youtube video.

Now we just have to get our paperwork organised.