College Couple Moving to WA but Where? (Seattle, Spokane: rental car, appointed) - Washington - City-Data Forum

Melissa82 · 05-28-2011, 03:13 PM

My husband wants to move to WA but has no idea where. He grew up in North Eastern Montana and says he liked Spokane, WA. I'm from the big city, Ottawa Ontario and Toronto Ontario. He'll be out of the army in less than a year, going into community college. I'm thinking of going back to school as well starting at community college and then both probably going to university.

Where the heck should we live?

I like the big city, he likes little towns. Cost of living will be a concern since I will be working full or part time and hopefully he will be working at least part time while going to school. The good part is that we get rent paid while he is in school because of the army.

He is stationed in Savannah, GA at this time and we both do not like it. The population here is poor, crime is bad and there is nothing to do. I really miss Ottawa. Some American friends of mine says it reminds them of Boston. I just don't want to end up somewhere and be miserable because of the economy or people.

We have this one change to move anywhere in the country and have no idea where, lol. But, my husband is set on the West coast.

Hemlock140 · 05-28-2011, 05:31 PM

Sounds like you need to go on a road trip and check out areas. Spokane would be fine for him, and does have the educational opportunities, but is not a big city by any means, nothing like Toronto or Ottowa. Actually, even Seattle isn't. Have you thought about Vancouver BC, or do you have to stay in the states? Another option to look at is Portland. Not a huge city but has more of a downtown and still close to woods.

Melissa82 · 05-28-2011, 09:44 PM

Have to stay in the States and we can't afford to take a road trip before we move. We go where the army will moves us to and that is up to us.

Portland may be a something worth looking in to!

Blindtom · 05-29-2011, 03:35 AM

The weather on the western side of the NW is very different from the eastern side. Take that into consideration.

StealthRabbit · 05-29-2011, 11:58 PM

While I recommend a preview trip ~$500 for two (including air, rental car, food and lodging) ...

IF he can deal with the WE_T Side (west of Cascades) I consider Bellingham to be a good choice (Colleges (4 choices) + 1hr to Vancouver, BC for GREAT international Culture, or 1.5 Hr to Seattle. Recreation is at your doorstep.

Portland / Vancouver, WA might be correct, as you will have LOTS more choices of schools (~20+) / living situation. Seattle is 3 hrs, mtn or WONDERFUL (100% PUBLIC ACCESS) coast 1 hr, Columbia Gorge 30 minutes. (Windsurfing / hiking / pictures). Oregon does have a 9% INCOME tax, but no sales tax. WA has no Income tax but a 8.4% sales tax. There is reciprocity for 'in-state' tuition for border dwellers (limited access, but possible).

Portland is Granola and micro brews (fairly 'mellow')
Seattle is Coffee and Wine (fairly 'wired')

Spokane, I don't feel you would find to be to your liking (probably both of you after about a month).

For a good place for ex military. I would also consider Colorado Springs, Rapid City, Sturgis / Spearfish, South Dakota, or San Diego.

I would encourage to to consider going someplace NOW that you would really like to experience together and with purpose of getting best schooling / opportunities to integrate / find your selves in Civilian Life. LATER, you may chose to live / grow a family / career elsewhere.

Let us know your desires for EDU / career. If you are going for a future in teaching or gov contracting positions, advice may vary.

Melissa82 · 05-30-2011, 11:14 AM

Thanks for the advice.

I have no idea what he wants to do for schooling. He said at one point biology but now he is thinking computer science. He said he is going to go to community college first to get his pre-req's. I'm not sure what I want to go in to, I'm always changing my mind. Computer Science or something biology as well is in my interest. Maybe start out as a pharmacy tech? No, idea, lol.

I wish we could go visit but he refuses to take time off. He wants to save it so he can get terminal leave. It's looking like I will be the one going there (wherever there may be), by myself to find a place.

StealthRabbit · 05-30-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissa82

Thanks for the advice.

I have no idea what he wants to do for schooling. He said at one point biology but now he is thinking computer science. He said he is going to go to community college first to get his pre-req's. ...a pharmacy tech? No, idea, lol.

....

Any of the previous mentioned places will work, as well as Ellensburg / Yakima / Walla Walla for eastern Weather.

Remember the waiting lists for some of the medical fields. (Montana may be more available for openings, and is quite good)

Most WA folks will recommend UW (Seattle) for those majors, which is a good choice but quite expensive for school and to live. I would get the cheaper undergrad, then get a good job in the field (during and after school) and hopefully employer will sponsor you for a 'fellowship' or pay for higher edu. If not, save your pennies and after a few yrs in the trenches start applying to higher end grad schools. (They prefer to take the 'employed and experienced')

skinem · 05-31-2011, 02:42 PM

Second the preview trips.
If he's from NE Montana, Spokane IS like a big city. (I know, I'm sure he's seen actual big cities, but that perception is hard to change. I know that first-hand.)

You like big cities. Spokane is a city, but not big.

It actually may be a decent compromise for the two of you. Sounds as if you're in a small town or the country, the OP will be miserable, and maybe a big city will make your husband miserable. Spokane may be a good thing for you...

...or you'll both be miserable.

Melissa82 · 05-31-2011, 03:23 PM

I've convinced him to move to portland or somewhere close. Maybe Vancouver?

StealthRabbit · 05-31-2011, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissa82

I've convinced him to move to portland or somewhere close. Maybe Vancouver?

Be forewarned, if you are young and looking for city stuff, (or ACTION, beyond the hiking, wind surfing, mtn biking, fishing, wineries... recreation of the Columbia Gorge), you will spend a lot of time in Portland. That is not a bad thing, but living in Portland could be bad (besides the 9% income tax). A few days / week in Portland might give you a fill, but if you are looking for social action in Vancouver, you MIGHT be disappointed.