I've been on the east my entire life, but I'm ready to branch out and see new places. I have the opportunity for a travel job that could take me anywhere, and I thought I'd be like Fievel and go West (you're an OG if you get that reference).
I like to do a lot of research, but what I love is the mountains but also water. Doesn't even have to be beaches, but maybe some good rivers. I also like to hike a lot and be outside.
This community has led me in good directions on other topics in the past, so just wanted some opinions on places you like. I've never moved so this is scary, but I'm ready to take a leap. Share your opinions!
While I love the beauty of Washington, I keep telling my wife I want to move. If you do move here, move ANYWHERE but King County and areas south of Seattle. Do your homework, seriously.
Climate in Washington is different and the Cascade Mountain divides the state in all kinds of ways. Eastern Washington is more Republican and farmland. Hot in summer, cold in winter. Get quite a bit of snow. Western Washington is Democrat basically because of King County. (Seattle and Metro Area).
I live in Western Washington. Housing prices are insane. Gas is getting insane (2nd highest in lower 48). There was an article that showed we have people moving into the Seattle metro area from out of state. The people in Seattle are moving to the burbs and the burbs are moving out of state to Texas and Florida. For weather, we'll get a week of hot weather here and there during summer. You'll get a perpetual
misting of rain from like October until June. I live in an area called the convergence zone still get snow when other people will get rain. My brother used to send me photos of people shooting up heroin around his place of work in Seattle. He ended up moving to Idaho and LOVES IT.
All I can say is do your homework. Expect to pay premium for a house in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell and Issaquah area..Even rent may blow your mind..LOTS of tech jobs here but lot of layoffs too last couple of years. Because of the tech industry salaries, prices for things can be higher than you are used to.
However one benefit of living here is the water quality. Holy cow, I have been all over the us, and some places overseas, and the water taste s better here than any place I have been. It is also nice to see deer when driving to work and raccoons.