Possible State govt job in Olympia, questions regarding spouse and rentals (Seattle: apartments, unemployment rate)

[Westernfrog45]

Hey Folks,
Currently trying to escape Maine and have multiple questions

I like the cost of living in WA according to what I read online. Leaving Maine for the following reasons;

1. People expect to have thier butts kissed by those not born here to get any respect. I do that with no one
2. Small local govt is corrupt and state cannot touch them due to "local rule" laws.
3. Bring a retirement state, retirees take jobs away from younger people like myself instead of volunteering.
4. #3 to continue....state has few professional jobs.
5. Would like a temporary change of scenery.

Want to come to WA;

1. Demographics are more towards my own age
2. Much higher pay, seems to be more jobs
3. beautiful state, like maine but amplified.
4. More Liberal
5. Was described in another thread as redneck intellectual.....I like that.

So.....my background is in environmental science, water quality, erosion control, construction oversight, and a bunch of other hobby areas that I have dabbled in like motorcycle repair, marine services, and travel. I am not an expert in anything. I have a BS degree, and some forestry classes under my belt as well. How hard would it be to get a job within commuting distance to Olympia?

Speaking of Olympia; How far is too far to rent, thinking 45min commute and secondly thinking $1200 max per month for rent for my wife and I and two small Cairn Terriers.

So....look forward to your input.

[Hemlock140]

The problem with a 45 minute commute in our traffic, is that it may only be 0 miles. Olympia will have nice, affordable areas but if you want a more suburban area Lacey. Both will have nice 2 BR apartments within your budget. Many/most will accept small dogs but with either an additional deposit, higher rent or both.
What kind of work have you done? Our state government is still in a sad state financially, now likely to be penalized by the court for not properly funding the education system, and also, having difficulty maintaining the state highways.
Olympia, though, is at well below the state unemployment rate, only 4.8%, barely higher than Seattle.

[lady fern]

I would think with your background that Olympia would be a good place to start looking for work. Double check Craigslist, but a one or two bedroom rental for $1200 in the greater Olympia area shouldn't be too hard to find. In comparison to New England, I would consider Western Washington to be either redneck or intellectual - not both. In the more urban areas (Olympia included), you will find people more intellectual but once you get into some of the more rural areas it can feel rather rednecky. I have found that Washington rural has a different flair than NE rural, IMHO.