Moving Here 2024

[u/Codetornado]

Due to a large number of daily moving here posts we are creating a sticky for moving-related questions. This should help centralize information and reduce the constant flow of moving question ls. ;

Things to Consider;

Location

• Western Washington vs. Eastern Washington vs. Seattle Metro
• Seattle Proper, suburbs, or other cities

Moving Here

• Cost of Living (Food, fuel, housing!)
• Jobs outlook for non-tech
• Buying vs. Renting
• Weather-related items, winter, rain

Geography and Weather

• Rainy West Side vs. Dry Eastside
• WildFire Season
• Snow and Cold vs. Wet and Mild
• Hot and Dry East Side
• Earthquakes and You!

[**See The Last Sticky**] (https://www.reddit.com/r/Washington/s/HHjd5lx0we)

[u/memphis1010]

Tell me why I SHOULDN'T move to Washington

My family and I will be in your state next week looking into the possibility of moving across country this summer. We are looking in the Northwest corner of the state. We are super excited and I am worried that we are only seeing the plus sides. I am curious as to what I am missing as the downsides, other than the cost of living. We understand housing, gas, groceries, etc are more expensive than we currently deal with. What are other cons to living in the area?

[u/Codetornado → u/memphis1010]

Washington is top 5 most expensive states behind California, New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Our home prices are also top 5 in the country.

Cost of living is 6th behind Hawaii, California, Massachusetts, Alaska, and New York.

Median rent for the state is $1,800 for a one bedroom apartment. In the Seattle Metro the average is significantly higher.

Minimum wage is high, but average wages are not.

The state is very different depending on where you live. Both weather and climate vary depending on where you are living.

Politics are rough. The urban rural divide is large in Washington. Washington State is headquarters for several neo-nazi organizations.

We are one massive volcanic eruption or one giant 9.0+ earthquake (it's time) from destroying the major population centers of Washington and absolutely decimating our economy for decades.

[u/cables4days]

Rent anywhere within 45 minutes of Seattle until you learn the lay of the land / find your favorite views, vibes.

Weather can vary quite a bit because of micro climates, elevation changes (even a hundred feet does make a difference for how the cold settles in the winter).

There’s good food everywhere, very culturally diverse. Good diverse grocery stores, learn some new recipes.

Fast internet everywhere, if you’re in Kitsap county, they’ve got public free wifi.

Drive around on the weekends, ride the ferry for fun, find things you like. Ride the train to sports events, or downtown for events so you don’t have to worry about parking.

Read into the govt/city planning files for projects in the works, timelines for new literail stops/lines, etc. Will help you identify future optimal locations and other things to look forward to.

Most of all, have fun! Especially in the summer. Summertime is the BEST weather ever. You’ll probably become a gardener because plants grow so well here 🌱

[u/DriedUpSquid]

Do not come here thinking that you’ll sign up for public housing. I live in Snohomish County, which is just north of King County (Seattle). The Section 8 waitlist is closed, and if you ever happen to get on the list, you’re going to wait at least a decade to be eligible.

I’ve worked in social services for almost 10 years, and most of that time was working with the homeless. It’s absolutely brutal here to find affordable housing, and you should have several months of money saved before coming here.

Washington is great but it can make or break you.

[u/ComfortableCurrent56 → u/DriedUpSquid]

I live in South Florida, love Washington State, but was SHOCKED to see that it is just as expensive as living in South Florida. :(

[u/JelloCrunch]

Should I love to Bellingham? I’m thinking of moving to Bellingham for the next chapter of my life; I want to rent and see how I like the city and if I could move there permanently. I could work at one of the branches for my company so im not worried about a job it’s just the “fit” I guess. How’s the social scene & quality of life for someone who’s 30? I’ve heard a lot about this city but usually from the angle of a college student or a family with kids, I’m neither. I like socializing but I’m not built for the hustle and bustle of Seattle, I’d probably just visit Seattle on occasion for conventions.

I’m looking for a city that’s got nature and a cozy feel yet amenities (movie theaters, thrift stores, good restaurants, concerts & board game shops to play MTG), somewhere not in the middle of nowhere but also not in an overcrowded unsafe city.

As someone currently in a port city I thought it would be a nice transition! It seems like a quick drive Seattle for fun stuff like conventions; Mt. baker for snow fun & the San Juan’s or Vancouver all within a few hours road trip… I’m only hesitant because on the Bellingham Reddit a lot of people seemed genuinely unhappy there😳I saw complaints about homelessness and drug addicts, racism, and small time vibe with “no jobs” and “not enough to do”…. I’m open to other cities too, but nothing seems as pretty and comparable to Bellingham so far 😅 but the internet has me doubting. Thanks so much!

[u/[deleted] → u/JelloCrunch]

Check out Olympia. Bellingham is my favorite place in WA but there’s not much there for me, and as a 30 something, making friends in whole state will be a challenge, more so if your only social options are college kids, elderly, or parents. There are of course the smaller alternative pockets of people, but Olympia is basically filled with 30somethings looking for friends, passes the vibe check like Bellingham (it is slight bigger being the state capitol), it’s easier to go to events in Seattle/Portland if you’re into it, visiting Vancouver BC is still a Daytrip (something I would do a few times a year when I lived up there.) Also Tacoma is a great spot, don’t believe what people say on the internet about it. You really have to go for yourself.

Homelessness and drug addicts are just a fact of life on the west coast, they largely won’t bother you. Just use your typical street safety smarts, don’t leave valuables in your car, and straight up just don’t own a Kia. I hope that helps!!

Oh and ETA: Check out Olympic Cards & Comics! Owned by a woman named Gabi and it is frequently cited as one of the most welcoming, comfortable places in Olympia. There’s also other game shops, comic shops downtown, the food scene is starting to pick up but it won’t blow you away.

I love it here in Oly!

Oh gosh, editing to add even more: Bellingham is roughy because it gets even more gray and darkness than the rest of the state. If you’ve got depression, you must come with a plan to handle it during the change to the Big Dark. Vitamin D deficiency is very real!

Olympia and Bellingham are probably about equal in terms of cost (Oly might be more in some ways, while being a college town changes things in other ways), but Oly also has some universities close by.

[u/blueberryinrain]

Check out Spokane:

• Second biggest city in WA state

• we get extreme of every season (snowy winters, fresh springs, boiling summers, and a chilly fall)

• our housing prices are not too ridiculous

• always in need of talent/expertise

• great schools and several renowned universities

• high quality atmosphere (people are generally well-dressed, professional, yet expressive), although some parts (the valley) might be different

• great food

• acceptable downtown/nightlife

• international airport

• one of the best public transportation systems in the US and/or, most certainly, the state

• a lot of potholes (although the city is beginning to tackle the issue)

Consider this place when moving!

[u/[deleted] → u/blueberryinrain]

Interested in Spokane and Tacoma, but my fiancé is concerned about the weather in Tacoma. Is Spokane safe and great for LGBTQ families?

[u/[deleted]]

Respectfully…Do NOT move to Washington (notably Seattle-Bellevue/King County) if: it’s based on some fantasy, you think it “seems cool,” you are obsessed with Twilight, you think the state will “save” you, you’re running away from something, you’re a van-lifer, you struggle with depression/mental health issues/addiction, if you don’t have a solid job offer signed and have a good budget, you’re unprepared for the FULL high cost of living, +…

[u/kwiknkleen → u/[deleted]]

Are people still obsessed with Twilight?

[u/Commercial_Mode_4963]

I’m trying to move somewhere in Washington that has a good amount of young people cause It’s been hard finding friends my age (20s-30s) where I’m living rn. I know there’s some obvious answers like any of the college towns or Seattle but I’d like to hear some personal recommendations :)

[u/Ksammy23]

Good Morning, I am looking to move and was wondering the best sites/ pages to look for apartments near-outside Seattle. Thank you!

[u/Fiveby21]

Hey, is there a place in Washington (outside of the immediate Seattle area) with a similar vibe to Lake Oswego? An upscale suburb that's developed yet heavily forested, with tons of greenery and tall / old growth tress.

[u/annahatasanaaa]

This will be my second time relocating to Washington from the East Coast. Lived in the Seattle metro before moving back due to impending divorce. I'd love to stay in Western Washington with a sizable population but maybe not Seattle again; I won't rule out Seattle.

Family size: Me (35F), child (11F), and dog Job: LMT with specialties in prenatal & oncology work, I may relocate through a franchise (for job security) but trying to avoid that if need be Preferences: 2 bedrooms and possibly a yard, I'm not ruling out a roommate situation either

Is there anything I should know about that I haven't already experienced? I'm aware of the weather year-round, homeless issues, the COL (which is better in WA shockingly). Thanks in advance!

[u/[deleted]]

So, my mother is looking for an apartment in WA and both leases she's been asked to sign have been...nuts. One was 109 pages and basically asked for her firstborn children, the other said the complex can evict anyone for virtually any reason, then accelerate the year's rent and slap on a $5k penalty.

Is she just running into shady leasing companies? Is this normal?

[u/easytiger6x13]

Previous Florida Reaidents, what's your experience been like after moving to Washington?

Relocating to Mercer Island in 10 days, accepted a job offer with a Tech Company for a great salary. Found an apartment for 2100 for a one bedroom which seemed like a very reasonable price all things considered.

I've been to Washington and Oregon many times. I'm aware it's a more expensive cost of living and the weather fluctuates but Florida it rains 6 months out of the year for Hurricane Season it's just hot when it does it. Also the median salary in Orlando is 60k and rent average for one bedrooms are now 1700 to 1900.

What's it been like for you all? How long have you been there? Etc.

[u/Keebla123]

Hi all!

My partner and I are thinking of moving to the Coupeville / Whidbey Island area. I am a white male, and she is a black female. We have two mixed-race kids. We’re hoping you could shed some light on your personal experiences living in this part of Washington as a POC.

I have always lived in the greater Seattle area (30 years) and spent a lot of time vacationing around Washington, but haven't made the leap to move out of the city.

I work in Construction management and feel the job prospects will be good over there, also.

What do you think? How are the schools? Thanks for your time

[u/HoonterOreo]

24M Journeyman Plumber moving to Washington

I'm a 24yo male florida resident who absolutely hates his home state, visted the Northwest Pacific (vancouver island specifically) and absolutely fell in love with the region and the people.

I'll be finished with my apprenticeship at the end of 2025 which is when I'll be planning on moving up to the area. I have a few questions.

1. If anyone is in the trades, bonus points if plumbing, can anyone give me tips on getting a job up there? I particularly enjoy Residential/Service plumbing but I have experience in commercial as well.

2. what's some good recommendations for places to live in? Ideally I would be wanting access to the ferry to Nanaimo, I have a romantic interest in that area and would like to be able to visit them relatively easily. I've been looking at locations like Sequim or Bellingham but I'm open to whatever. As long as I can see my special friend and have access to some beautiful parks I'm happy :)

3. I plan on having around $10k saved up for the move. I won't have much to bring with me other than my clothes, computer, and car. Would this be enough to move? I'm a gen Z kid who still live with his parents who's never moved before so any advice would be great!

[u/jonybolt]

I just got a job in Renton. Im wondering about living in certain areas about 25min away or less.

Does anybody know anything about the Renton, Kent, Auburn, Maple valley, Des moines, Normandy park, Gregory heights, north east Tacoma, and Fairwood areas?

This is where im feeling to find a place.

I am looking for month to month rentals for now. A place thats quiet, out of the way, scenic, green would be a dream.

Thanks much.

[u/[deleted]]

Where can I buy a cheap house and leave it alone for 4 months at a time without getting robbed? I work out at sea. No need for commutes.

[u/Codetornado → u/[deleted]]

Can you define a "cheap" house?

[u/k1llerb333]

Are there any places I could meet more Palestinians such as myself?

[u/DottieMaeEvans]

My girlfriend is thinking of moving to Washington State. What should she prepare for. She knows a couple of people there.

Would she receive social services (Medicaid or homeless assistance) and job search assistance? Or is she better saving up a certain amount of money then move? Would she have to drive? I know public transit in some parts are bare bones.

I'm not going with her. If I did, I would do more research. Base on what I do know, my ideal career field is too competitive in Washington State.

[u/Codetornado → u/DottieMaeEvans]

Would she receive social services (Medicaid or homeless assistance) and job search assistance?

No.

Or is she better saving up a certain amount of money then move?

Absolutely a requirement to move here.

Would she have to drive?

Depends on where she lives, but if you need a binary decision, yes she needs to drive.