Areas/Cities with the least harsh winters? but great quality of life?

[StealthRabbit]

"left coast death march to economic suicide ' $8.4B deficit, so hang on".

Originally Posted by j_k_k

Yeah, it's all the fault of socialism.

ok, let me simplify .................................................

WA is spending more that it is taking in, much on programs of questionable value that bring economic disincentive to the private business sector (Job creation from NON-GOV entities). Businesses are leaving, and the tax burden of the obese Government is shifting to 'commoners' (You and me). Note that WA State has climbed from #28 to #5 in overall tax burden, surprise...

end of story............................................. ............. examples follow

A recent example that should ring with OP... WA adopted CARB (Only because it was voted down in WA UNLESS Oregon adopted it too, well of course OR wanted it), so.... hundreds of millions of YOUR / OUR WA $$ will be spent to build and support an eternal bureaucratic entity which will impose onerous regulation on the business and private sector all for the want of LEGISLATING compliance with emission reduction targets in 20+ yrs. The same result could have been achieved within 1 year for free, with serious conservation and 'targeted' use of alternative energy and clean fuels allocated to the worse offenders. (Heavy construction / commercial transportation). Instead, you will find state MANDATES coming to use minuscule amounts of emission reducing fuels in ALL fuels, EXCEPT commercial & off road (Farm, construction, ships) distribution. Thus we will be burning these emission reducing fuels in our emission controlled cars that are driven 20-30 minutes / day, while the heavy polluters continue to pump emissions 24x7 with dino fuels, until the CARB Police slap a fine on them (many years away and TONNES of carbon/soot).

Another example, is for anyone who has dealt with a "pre-Christine" (WA governor's, EX-job) Dept of Ecology vs. a 'Post-Christine Dept of Ecology' (stuffed to the gills). Thousands of job creation businesses have had to leave the state for 'green-pastures' (how familiar is that to CA ). My CA suppliers were moving to NV, AZ, CO, ID 20 yrs ago to get free from ridiculous CA regulation and fees.

Thus, job creation entities have a rough road on left coast. Largely due to a vocal majority of voters not having 'skin' in the 'job creation' end of the economy. (employees vs. employers, renters vs. owners, gov workers (regulators) vs. end users). It will all pan out in the end, and the left coast will be highly taxed to support its top heavy infrastructure. Job creation (non-gov) will be minimal and the few industries that have not left or 'outsourced' will be heavily burdened. The 'quality-of-life' will come at a price that can only be afforded by a select few. WA will not be as attractive of destination for the 'new' lower class, as 'living-under-a-bridge' in the winter is not as much fun in WA, as it is in CA.

The 'other' class will be fine, just a tad snooty.
So load up the Hummer, and come to WA

[West coast at heart]

Wow! Not a very rosy picture. I am what I guess is middle class ($50k/yr), registered nurse. I am coming out in May-July of 2010. I hope the picture gets better. I hate bridges. Too damp!

I appreciate all the feedback. I hope everyone's 2009 is a great one!

Peace,
wc@h

[StealthRabbit]

If you can handle working for the VA, consider dropping by Sheridan Wyo on your way west. It is a nice spot and large VA facility.

There should be plenty of options for you on WA, just be smart, and consider a position in the gov or military facilities. Something at Whidbey Naval Air Station would be nice, and away from the ratrace.

[GameHog9]

Originally Posted by Shock976

I am looking at it from a snow perspective. What can you tell me about the temprature, and seasons out there. I am planning on continuing in real estate when I get there, so I would like to know what I will be looking at during the winter since if it will stop my business I need to take that into consideration.

Also I have not lived in an area where it snows, so it is all new to me. Also, is a 4-wheel drive vehicle necessary. Please include anyother important information you feel is necessary.

Well, Tri Cities doesnt normally get a lot snow, but we normaly get *something*. The exception was this year, but then again everyone had snow this year.

Tri Cities may not suit your tastes. Its essentially is a big suburb with no "urb," something more along the lines of a retirement community.

[West coast at heart]

Originally Posted by janb

If you can handle working for the VA, consider dropping by Sheridan Wyo on your way west. It is a nice spot and large VA facility.

There should be plenty of options for you on WA, just be smart, and consider a position in the gov or military facilities. Something at Whidbey Naval Air Station would be nice, and away from the ratrace.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will make a stop at several town hospitals on our way out there. I have been researching different hospitals for some time now. We are pretty set on the west coast though. My wife is from the Bay area originally. She has told me several stories about how the area has changed. We will not be going to CA. Her parents are just outside of Portland in McMinnville, OR. We will move as close as possible to them. Of course compared to IN, WA is just down the street.

My wife is an ocean girl and I love the mountains. We are both excited about moving West. We are still searching for the "right" place. Politics did not affect me before. Life was smooth and I did not care who was in office or what policies they installed. Now it has consumed me. I find myself looking at what areas are doing and what they might be like in a few years. I also think about the more distant future due to retirement looming over my head in the not so distant future. I find your commentary interesting. I am taking in as much as I can from yours and the other posts so that I can make an intelligent decision on where to start the next chapter of my life.

Thank you again for your posts. I hope 2009 is a great year for you.

Peace and respect,

wc@h

[Shock976]

How is the crime in Spokane vs. Tri-Cities?

I am hearing that theft and is a huge issue in spokane is this true

[GameHog9]

I wouldn't be too worried about crime in either area. Apparently there was a bus driver almost-knifed thing in Spokane, but that was a while back.

And btw, you should always lock the door, no matter where you live. Crime happens in small towns too.