North West Washington - Refineries

[Paddysgrl]

Couldn't find a way to edit my post ~

Is recycling bins & yard waste bins offered in any town/city?

How eco friendly is the PNW?

Volunteering possibilities? I currently volunteer with meals on wheels and
with our county senior citizens program. Would love to continue this in WA.
I would also LOVE to volunteer for any ocean clean up or other Eco organization.

What about utilities? Are they expensive? internet speed and providers?
We don't watch tv but use the Internet.

Thank you!

[Ruth4Truth]

OP, Bellingham would be a good fit, but you won't get a 1-acre lot in your price range. I've been looking at properties there on larger lots; they're there, and in good neighborhoods, but you'll pay more, and your prop'ty taxes will be higher for extra land. You can have privacy on a 1/2-acre lot (there tend to be big trees, which you don't have in TX much). You could buy somewhat of a fixer-upper, or compromise on size. Do you really require a 5-br. house? That really is not doable. Do you have kids? If so, think creatively; an older home with a basement that could work as the kids' space, and 2 br. on the main floor. (Just thinking out loud) Start looking at RE listings in Bellingham to get a feel for the market.

Come to think of it, $330,ooo really wouldn't get you much in B'ham. Is your mortgage paid off? That would help, as you could go up in price. In any case, start going over the listings, for a reality check. Prepare to be shocked. They say Ferndale is a little cheaper, but I haven't noticed that. Consider properties outside of town. Good luck with your search.

[Paddysgrl]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

OP, Bellingham would be a good fit, but you won't get a 1-acre lot in your price range. I've been looking at properties there on larger lots; they're there, and in good neighborhoods, but you'll pay more, and your prop'ty taxes will be higher for extra land. You can have privacy on a 1/2-acre lot (there tend to be big trees, which you don't have in TX much). You could buy somewhat of a fixer-upper, or compromise on size. Do you really require a 5-br. house? That really is not doable. Do you have kids? If so, think creatively; an older home with a basement that could work as the kids' space, and 2 br. on the main floor. (Just thinking out loud) Start looking at RE listings in Bellingham to get a feel for the market.

Come to think of it, $330,ooo really wouldn't get you much in B'ham. Is your mortgage paid off? That would help, as you could go up in price. In any case, start going over the listings, for a reality check. Prepare to be shocked. They say Ferndale is a little cheaper, but I haven't noticed that. Consider properties outside of town. Good luck with your search.

Appreciate your feedback.

My husband won't be transferring within his current company. So unsure on what his income will be. I'm estimating $125k minimum. But again... Unsure until he applies and receives an offer 😬
He currently earns $160k and all our bills are paid from one cheque each month.
We love that and hope to continue this lifestyle somewhat in WA.
Especially since we will frequent the many outdoor activities - and a boat would be awesome!
I'm also unsure regarding the property tax and various insurance costs we will face in WA.

We certainly don't require a 5bd home. A 3bd with apartment option is ideal. If not a 4bd home.
We have 4 kids. 3,5,7 & 19 year old.

I have seen a few properties that are a good fit - just unsure on the area... Also- they were upper $300s - lower $400s

We'll probably walk away with $90k when our home sells. We hope to buy straight away and avoid renting.

I love what Bellingham offers. I'm not sure we would like to settle in such a populated area.
Our current town has a population of 6500 and we love the small town charm.

Thank you again