Small to medium cities, Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma: to rent, home, buy)

[honibee]

Hi, I currently live in Seattle but there are too many people for me!
I moved out here for the rain and want to stay in an area with rain.
I looked into towns with up to 6,000 residents but didn't think that would work for me. So I'm looking for a place with over 6,000 residents. This way I figure chances for a job are better than a small town, I've noticed some have the main work force in one type of industry, and I plan to rent instead of buy at this point. If anyone can advise I'd appreciate it!
Important things:
- rain.
- various job opportunities
-more than 6,000 people ( well around there is fine as well obviously) but way less than Seattle.
- near the water, not necessarily on the water but definitely accessible
-western Washington
- any type of culture ( theater, museums,etc)
Thanks much!
Missy : )

[Wakyco]

That's a tough one. There's too many people for me too and it seems like the small towns in western Washington are all growing because they all want to become "big towns"

I've looked myself trying to find something very similar to what you described. The only exception is that I would be ok with leaving western Washington.

I can only think of one place right now that doesn't appear to be growing too fast and that is Duvall. Port Townsend also could be perfect but it's around 10,000

[Sandy Nelson]

Olympia is a medium sized town that offers a slow pace of life, with a pronounced arts scene. It has a small town center with cafes, restaurants and a framers market and is located on Puget Sound. Due to the presence of state government, there are jobs, although there is a temporary hiring freeze with the state. The framer's market opens next week. Come down and check it out.

[WillynillyTalc]

Try Tacoma, fits all your requirements. Lovely place too with fantastic people.

[Inkpoe]

Bremerton, Kingston, Port Orchard, Vashon Island

All these except for P.O. has ferry going into Seattle areas (which you can use for culture aspects). Small.

However at this time, it'd be hard to find a place in WA that's just booming with opportunities. Everyone here would just move there.

[honibee]

Hey guys,

Thanks so much for all the advice. I'll definitely look into those.

And you are absoluetly right,Inkpoe.

So I think I'll research those specifically and then plan trips to the ones that sound like the best fit!
: )

[Indie Girl]

Assuming you're fine with going further north, Bellingham might be a good fit for you. It's smaller than Seattle, but still a large city with various job opportunities; is the home of Western Washington University and a short drive north is the Canadian border; and is situated on the water (Bellingham Bay). It does get a little colder there and is rainier than Seattle.

[pw72]

One word. Forks.

[pw72]

Oh, sorry...only a little over 3,000 in Forks. Never mind.

[StealthRabbit]

Try Poulsbo and nearby area.