Moving from Ark to Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma: crime, how much, neighborhoods)

[thetravelerswife]

My family and I are wanting to move from Central Arkansas to the Seattle area. We have four kids, ages 6, 5, 4 and 3. I am currently going to college still undecided but probably going into government studies. I want to find a nice town near Seattle but not right inside, with a decent crime rate, good schools, lots of activities and stuff to do for kids, and a university close by so I can attend classes. My husband works out of state nine months of the year, so it's basically going to just be me and the kids, and finding an area with his job won't really matter.

I have been looking into the Tacoma and Olympia areas, and some around the coast. I know we don't want Aberdeen but I would really like some information and input on the other towns in the area. I'm really excited for this move!!! Thanks!!!!

[ebe8528]

We are considering a move to Washington state soon, as young retirees. I want to go back to work also. We visited Tacoma last year, and is considered one of the more undesirable areas. However, around the university, there were some nice folks.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by ebe8528

We visited Tacoma last year, and is considered one of the more undesirable areas.

Hardly... Tacoma is Seattle's whipping boy. And very underrated.

Of course, some areas of Tacoma are bad... just as Seattle has some areas that are bad too.

[Bill Loney]

Will there be "two" of you? Give our best to Noah won't you? You'll be loving the weather here.

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by thetravelerswife

My family and I are wanting to move from Central Arkansas to the Seattle area. We have four kids, ages 6, 5, 4 and 3. I am currently going to college still undecided but probably going into government studies. I want to find a nice town near Seattle but not right inside, with a decent crime rate, good schools, lots of activities and stuff to do for kids, and a university close by so I can attend classes. My husband works out of state nine months of the year, so it's basically going to just be me and the kids, and finding an area with his job won't really matter.

I have been looking into the Tacoma and Olympia areas, and some around the coast. I know we don't want Aberdeen but I would really like some information and input on the other towns in the area. I'm really excited for this move!!! Thanks!!!!

When I visited Hot Springs, I was amazed at how much it looks like Western Washington. Lakes, green trees, and hills. The climate's different for sure...If you want to live not far from a university, Tacoma and Bothell have branches of the U of Washington, Olympia has the Evergreen State College, and Bellingham has Western Washington University.

[ppss29]

In and around for your education completion seems to be a priority - as is the need for schools and activities close in for your children. You might want to consider an area like Mill Creek - as Bothell is close by and has a University of Washington branch. The other option is of course Tacoma, or there are also great private colleges within the city itself - and good neighborhoods very close in to those.