Looking for unbiased info on some Washington towns (Seattle, Spokane: apartment, to rent)

[inspironmini]

I am looking at a possible move out to the Pacific Northwest this winter and was leaning more towards Washington than Oregon. The problem is finding the right town to move to. It is hard to find honest and unbiased information and I was hoping that I could maybe get some.

I have been looking into Bellingham as a potential place, but the information on a lot of these threads is saturated with people complaining/worrying about house prices, etc. I am in my 20s, NOT interested in buying a house, like to have easy access to the outdoors, and looking for a place that is not a big city, but not a tiny outpost in the middle of nowhere. I would also be perfectly happy working in a coffee shop, doing organic farm work, or basically any other modest job. I don't care about a little traffic, and would like a place with lower crime (generally speaking). Also, because of my age I am looking for a place with at least a decent nightlife.

My questions about Bellingham specifically are: What is the actual cost of living there? City data says its higher than the US average, but I was wondering how hard it is to live there comfortably? I am out in Bozeman right now and it isn't exactly cheap here, but not as big of a deal as people in the Montana forum have made it out to be. I would be looking to rent an apartment or house with a friend and do not require too much in the way of luxury. I am not into shopping and don't spend my money on senseless items.

How far distance wise is Bellingham from the mountains? Once again, I heard a lot about Bozeman not being "in" the mountains, but once I got here I was more than happy with how close we actually are. I can drive 25 minutes north or south of town and hike 5 miles up a trail and be surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Is there this kind of accessibility in Bellingham?

I guess I am just looking for some good information from people who aren't on here to complain about their town. Like I mentioned before, I heard a lot of negative things about Bozeman that turned out not to be true, and I have a feeling that a lot of what I hear about Bellingham is the same way.

And if Bellingham isn't the ticket, are there any other mid-sized "mountain" towns in washinton?

[Ira500]

Bellingham is great, especially the Fairhaven district. Lots of cool old buildings, lots of stuff to do...Bellingham is not " in the mountains" but there's lots of hiking around. Mount Baker, huge, huge Mount Baker is not far, nor Baker Hot Springs. Glacier Peak's not too far. Much easier to handle, Chuckanut Mountain is just south and has amazing water views...And if you really crave urban fun, Seattle's about 90 minutes away and Vancouver BC Canada is even closer.
Also, Bellingham is less expensive to live in than Seattle, so it's all relative.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by inspironmini

I am looking at a possible move out to the Pacific Northwest ...

I have been looking into Bellingham as a potential place, ... I would also be perfectly happy working in a coffee shop, doing organic farm work, or basically any other modest job. I don't care about a little traffic, and would like a place with lower crime (generally speaking). Also, because of my age I am looking for a place with at least a decent nightlife. Bellingham it is...(mainly due to good access to Vancouver BC for GREAT nightlife) or choose Spokane, or Bend OR

My questions about Bellingham specifically are: What is the actual cost of living there? CoL similar to Bozeman, its a 'desirable' College town, = higher rents & lower pay ~ $300 in a shared apartment with your own bedroom, or $800-$1200 in your own place (twice as much as my current house payment)
...I ... don't spend my money on senseless items. You SHOULD buy a duplex / 4-plex and have your 'renters' pay YOUR way for you, I bought my 1st house at age 19 and on #16 now

How far distance wise is Bellingham from the mountains? ... 30 min + to bigger mtns EZ recreation 5-10 minutes (parks or Water, or mtn biking)

B-ham would be a good choice for a 20 something that likes to be with peer group. (something I nor my kids could never handle) different strokes for different folks. One of my kids went to WWU and really liked the proximity to and choices of recreation and the 'flavor' of the town. Worked 3 PT jobs + did 19-24 credit hours/ qtr and got by ok. (beat 'dairy farm boarding school'... his other choice; milk'n and feed'n cows 24x7; 52 wks / yr. Its a Great night life, especially in the winter 'pulling calves' )