Looking to move to Washington, only 20 years old (Seattle, Tacoma: sales, apartments)

[Addie13]

I'm not sure if this has been asked, but...

I am twenty years old and I have lived in Wisconsin my entire life. I hate it here, and I'm stuck. I've always loved Washington and everything it has to offer (and the more I learn about it, the more I really like it).

So! I've been talking with some friends that actually live there, and they've solidified my choice to go here. It seems more affordable compared to where I live now, and I like the scenery and I like the cities as well as pretty much everything about this state.

Anyways! I'm still trying to find a place I'd like to live. I don't want to live on the East side, I want the West with the scenery but also near the city (and the weather that's there as well). I'm still young, and I'd need some place affordable but still in a safer area. Something near outdoor activities and beauty would be nice (as I'm looking for a change from Wisconsin) and also, somewhere nearby that I can get a job, which I am working on. I haven't finished college yet, so it needs to be near somewhere that I could get a job and have an easy commute. Somewhere with a bus system would be preferable (I'm working on trying to get a car, but I heard the transit system is really nice, from my friend who lives there and grew up there).

Of course, you might have to give and take with some things, but obviously the most important will be affordable and a place where you'd be able to find a job.

My friend said she swears by Tacoma. She grew up there, and she said that despite what everyone thinks, it's actually a really good place to live. I do have a list that we went through together, based on what I liked and saw in terms of apartment listings (just getting a general feel for what people usually charge for rent there) and in terms of what I'm looking for.

My friend pays 670 a month for a pretty decent apartment, this is in Yakima, but I've seen apartment listings (that my friend says are decent as well) for around 330 - 700 dollars in a nice area.

These are the places I've found intriguing:

Bellingham, Fife (not my fave), Federal Way, Kent, Kennewick (not my fave), Lacey, Olympia, Tacoma and Vancouver.

I'd love to hear your input on these or hear your suggestions as well and why you suggest them (a list of pros and cons would be very helpful!).

I'd also love to hear why you like it in Washington and pros and cons to it as well. Also, this might very well NOT be permanent. It'll be for now, at least, so I'm not looking into owning my own house or anything, we're talking apartments or renting.

Thank you!

[MJ5150]

Get a good paying job before you move here please.

-Mike

[Addie13]

I appreciate the words of advice, but I am taking care of what needs to be done as well as working with my parents on the how part of getting there and living comfortably. (: I was asking more about the places, though, so if you have any suggestions there I would love to hear them.

[Hemlock140]

For someone your age, I would stick to Bellingham, Vancouver, Tacoma or Olympia. I wouldn't expect to see anything decent for rent below $700 in any of those places, however. Kent is on the Eastside, Lacey is a family oriented suburb, Fife is a pit, Kennewick is way down in the tri-cities, with few entertainment options, and the same with Federal Way though it's more reasonably close to Seattle and Tacoma.

[Woof]

Why not try for Seattle itself, which is the only really worthwhile, interesting city in Washington? (with the possible exception of Olympia, which is kind of like your Madison but much wetter even than Seattle.)

Of course there might not be anything affordable, but go ahead and search for a studio on Craigslist and on the seattle.com site. Check what you find on apartmentratings.com .

[Foreverking]

How is Washington State cheaper than WI...anywere... I personally thing Tacoma might be the ticket. Vancouver is pretty cool too, Its a little cheaper to live there than Portland, but you can work in Portland.

[wutitiz]

I moved here from the Midwest about 20 years ago. I lived in Seattle for about 10 years, then moved to Bellevue, which I love. The great thing about Bellevue is that there is virtually no crime here. I got tired of the petty crime in Seattle from all the druggies. Bellevue College (formerly Belllevue community college--now you can get a 4 year degree there) has a good rep.

If I had it to do over again, I might have gone to Vancouver, WA. Live in WA (no income tax) and shop in Portland (no sales tax). Nirvana. Then again, if I had it to do over again, I would have looked hard at Idaho or Utah. Same physical beauty but without the chiseling politics.

But anyway I envy you. Follow your dream Just remember, wherever you go, there you are.

[notoriouskelly]

Consider a craigslist shared house situation where you just rent a room initially so don't have to deal with getting utilities in your name, bearing whole rent alone etc.

Just don't bring much valuables at first.

Plus you could move from one to another to get a feel for where you want to be before signing a lease.

[rumaco]

Originally Posted by Woof

Why not try for Seattle itself, which is the only really worthwhile, interesting city in Washington? (with the possible exception of Olympia, which is kind of like your Madison but much wetter even than Seattle.)

Of course there might not be anything affordable, but go ahead and search for a studio on Craigslist and on the seattle.com site. Check what you find on apartmentratings.com .

Seattle is a boil on the butt of Washington filled with left wing extremists and socialists (you just elected one) and nothing that should be bragged about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Woof]

Originally Posted by rumaco

Seattle is a boil on the butt of Washington filled with left wing extremists and socialists (you just elected one) and nothing that should be bragged about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, thank God it doesn't have many mean and ignorant rightwing nut jobs.