Home - 12/15/2021

I've lived in Washington my whole life, and it's my home, I can't imagine living anywhere else, but it's getting so ridiculously expensive to live here... But the nature, forest/mountains are not far from our house, and th ocean is also really close, we live only around an hour away from both, so we enjoy going out in the summer... But fall, winter and spring are so cold. We've thought about moving to a cheaper state, which we might, but last night I dreamt we did and I felt extremely depressed, because I've never moved within the states ever.

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25 years here, Cannot imagine living anywhere else - 9/10/2021

WA has been my home since 1996. I’ve lived in other states and travelled widely so am aware of pros / cons of other localities. Our state is green, with beautiful nature and lots of rain. I love it! Most people are kind and friendly; this is after all the home of the “You go” “No you go” guy at the intersection. Thankfully this remains even with all the influx we have had. Someone mentioned people as being closed off here. For me this is something I love also. Something that has brought folks here for decades is the opportunity that is here. Lots of great paying jobs in our state. Pros: Nature, the people, opportunity. Cons: All states have their drawbacks. So do we. A rapidly growing region brings crime and we have some serious problems in that area in our bigger cities. Another problem influx brings is cost. Housing prices are through the roof (pun intended). Therefore, the commute to those great jobs can be long, and traffic on the west side of the state is awful. Cons: Crime, pricy housing, bad traffic. One way to enjoy all the awesome things that our state has to offer, is to go live in one of our smaller towns. For me, I cannot imagine living anywhere else. Washington is home.

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Didn't like this one - 3/8/2021

I didn't think this Washington state economy was any help, it didn't tell me anything really, except for everything I knew before.

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Washington killed my faith in humanity - 11/13/2019

I'm a transplant/outsider to Washington. I've lived in various counties across Washington, working for social services, so I have a unique insider/outsider point-of-view. THE GOOD: Washington has beautiful scenery, with most of it being in Clallam County, the most northwestern part of the state. That's the #1 compliment I hear or read from people visiting or living in Washington. It's very green and a great place to see nature. I also stopped taking the sunshine for granted. When the sun finally comes out, the streets are crowded with house-dwellers trying to get things done before the clouds and rain come back. Finally, compared to other places I've lived around the country, utility costs have been much lower (although Washingtonians think their bills are high). There's also no income tax. THE BAD: The political bickering here is EXHAUSTING and never-ending. Washington has an out-dated reputation for being "granola". I'm vegetarian and in 8 years, I've only met one other vegan here outside of Seattle. Most people (outside of the Seattle area) have spent their entire lives here so there's definitely sectarian attitudes abound. Racism, sexism, and ableism are Washington's dirty little secrets. If you speak up about it, you're going to find yourself on the outside of social circles and potentially jobless. Again, the jokes and remarks I've heard about people with disabilities or people from South America are truly sickening. These are comments made by other state workers, too. The general excuse is: "They just come from a different generation. Try to ignore it." I've been a witness to a LOT of domestic violence, child abuse, and I was even a victim of road rage. It doesn't surprise me at all that so many serial killers hail from the Pacific NW. If I had to describe Washingtonians in a few words, they would be: Angry, entitled, and provincial. Social and mental health services are lacking, possibly because there's no income tax so the tax dollars just aren't there to cover costs. Yet, the state signs up as many people as possible for Medicaid because it gets federal funding. It's so bad that lots of doctors have year-long wait lists for Medicaid patients or don't take Medicaid at all. In places outside of King county, there's little to no help for evictions, utilities, or other needed services like shelters. Washington is hostage to corporations like Amazon, Boeing, and Microsoft. Gentrification is everywhere. Rent is an average of $1,200 - $2,500 per month on the western side of Washington, drug abuse is high, and so is the homeless count. Don't just take my word for it. Google it. Washington has one of the worst homeless rates in the nation. There are pan-handlers at almost every store and freeway entrance on sunny days. With enough time, you shut down your conscience and learn to ignore them. It's awful but it's also brutally true. **OUTSIDE OF HIKING, THERE IS NOTHING TO DO HERE. ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS.** Hiking, camping, and kayaking are fun; however, it rains in Western Washington almost nine months out of the year. For a place with so much rain, it's surprising there aren't more indoor activities. There's a staggering amount of bars and pubs, though, so it would appear people drink their sorrows away while their kids do drugs and/or become serial killers. Finally, the schools (ugh).... Washington was recently sued and then held in contempt for not fully funding schools (see the McCleary ruling). The ACLU has filed more lawsuits against various districts. Washington is most suited for techie hipsters and "mountain men" types. If you're a caring person with a big heart, use your good elsewhere. After a few years, this place will destroy your kindness. **UPDATE: According to Big7 Travel, for 2019, Washington was ranked the 5th unfriendliest state out of all 50 states.

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Are there any AFFORDABLE places to live in Washing - 7/13/2016

I have been looking at the Puget Sound area thinking about retiring there, but it's so cold -- does the Port Angeles/Port Townsend area EVER get above 65?? Housing seems reasonably priced in these areas but I want summer temps of at least 70 degrees! Does anybody know of any other reasonably priced places to live in Washington state or Oregon? I'd like to be near water if possible (either the ocean or a lake) but realize I may not be able to afford it. I know Washington is somewhat high-priced in some areas, but since it's so pretty and green, I'm hoping I can find some place where $40,000 or so a year is adequate. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

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Looking for Warmer Climate - 1/14/2016

Looking for a warmer area to live

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Internet/WiFi availablity in Sequim/Port Angeles - 11/1/2015

My family is considering relocating out of a big city in Northern Cal to the quiet rural pleasures of the PNW. Specifically, the Olympic Penn intrigues me. My family is originally from Canada so the idea of moving closer to my Dad's relatives has always been strong. (I was born in CA.) My husband works for a big company but he would need a strong internet or WiFi connection to work in Sequim or Port Angeles. The house we are looking at is located on Taylor Cutoff Rd. It def look remote - in a good way. Can you tell me about the technology available in this area? Is PA a better option for connectivity? It just seems even further from Seattle, which is where my husband would need to travel to about twice a month. I recall reading an article about cell towers and it wasn't good.

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The bluest skies are in Seattle ... - 10/24/2015

.. but only because the greyest ones are too. For about 4 months out of the year it's beautiful here. Brilliant sunshine, crystal clear skies and warm (sometimes too warm) temperatures. Scenery is beautiful especially if you like green. The remaining 8 months are dreary, drab and grey. If it's not raining it's overcast.

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Washington - 10/17/2015

Great economic opportunities and gowth.

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Best Places is one the best relocation service on - 7/14/2015

Bert Sperling's page has helped me and my family finally nail down where we want to live next... And we have chosen Washington State, and the only way we could have come to that conclusion was by using everything Sperling's Best Places had to offer. The side by side city comparisons was my favorite resource but definitely not the last! Thanks Bert!!!!!

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Great Place to Work and Live - 5/20/2015

Any suggestions on what areas in Washington that is great to raise a family?

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The Inland Northwest - 10/9/2014

We enjoy the climate, geography, demographic and culture of the Inland Northwest. A location that enjoys all four seasons with Spring sometime hanging on well into summer. Summers are dry, warm, winters are cold with average snowfall.

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poor climate comment - 7/5/2014

WA has 72" of rain west of there...so 29" truly is a rain shadow. I live on the coast in Westport/Grayland, Grays Harbor County, and truly wait for those 'sun breaks' and I too sit out there facing that warming sun and sliding my chair as the sun slips across the southern horizon! But I have never wintered here...much below 60 doesn't please me at all...I stay May-October thanks for your opinion.

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Washington - 4/28/2014

Nice place to live. Has a moderate weather pattern, green all year around-rare snow, which is gone in one day-- draw back-expensive to live.

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A little piece of heaven - 2/21/2014

Coming from the East Coast, Eastern Washington with it's beautiful scenery & temped weather is wonderful. After living on flat Long Island for the first half of my life, the mountains are one of my favorite things.

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Retirement Potential - 1/10/2014

Southwest Washington in Lewis and Cowlitz counties seems to have very good climate and geography for a relaxing place to buy a retirement home.

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Stop trying to re-invent the wheel - 1/4/2014

We escaped California because of intrusive legislation and to enjoy clean rural living based on Judeo-Christian Principles; which, overall, we enjoy here in Washington. The biggest problem is that Olympia fails to understand that you cannot tax/fee your way out of debt or pay for programs that cost more than the sovereign earn. "Nemo Repente fuit Turpissimus--None reach the height of vice at once" I would like to see the responsible citizens start standing up against the 4 big Puget Sound Counties, especially King County; who think they know what is best for the other 35 counties of this State. Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis

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Pacific NW - 10/18/2013

Looking for the warmest, driest place to live in WA.

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the state of washington - 6/22/2013

looking for the best yet affordable place where there are plenty of diversity in the county with great schools, shopping, entertainment,great paying jobs.

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Variety - 6/21/2013

Western Washington has many recreational opportunities: hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, etc. within a few miles from where you live. There are many top notch medical facilities, colleges and Universities, fine arts, museums, sports teams, etc. The life here is much more laid back from many of the places I've lived. I don't find the weather a problem-it's diverse. I've lived in the desert and tropics-never again! I like other people going to the desert and the tropics so Washington does not become crowded:)

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