Pacific Northwest Scouting Trip
Jun 27th, 2012, 05:48 AM
#1
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Pacific Northwest Scouting Trip
My partner and I are planning to relocate to the Pacific Northwest next year after I finish grad school. We are taking a scouting trip to Washington and Oregon in about 6 weeks and wanted to seek out some recommendations for smallish towns and regions within about a half hour commute from both Portland and Seattle. I have heard wonderful things about the Columbia River Gorge, and have been to Olympic NP, Bainbridge Island, Port Angeles, and Seattle before. We just mostly want to check out towns we may try to live in -- smaller, more rural, but still within reasonable commuting distance. Also, any recs for B&Bs in the area would be great -- we've booked our plane tickets but no accommodations yet.
We'll be there for a week in August and we'll have a car. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
We'll be there for a week in August and we'll have a car. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Jun 27th, 2012, 06:03 AM
#2
You mentioned commuting distance. Any job prospects? Oregon has no sales tax but has an income tax. Washington has no income tax but has a sales tax.
Which airport are you flying to?
For Washington look at Longview. For Oregon check the towns between Sandy and Government Camp on US 26.
For closer to Seattle, check on Federal Way which has a big UPS distribution center.
Which airport are you flying to?
For Washington look at Longview. For Oregon check the towns between Sandy and Government Camp on US 26.
For closer to Seattle, check on Federal Way which has a big UPS distribution center.
Jun 27th, 2012, 07:15 AM
#3
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Just driving around is your best bet. Northeast of Seattle - my cousin really enjoys living in Woodinville - but it's not the least expensive of places.
http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washingto...oodinville.htm
http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washingto...oodinville.htm
Jun 27th, 2012, 07:25 AM
#4
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well Bend is not a short commute to Portland but it is a happening small city which attracts young people- so much to do if you are the outdoor active type- I would check it out.
The Gorge is beautiful but don't think you would enjoy commuting into the city - you could check out Hood River- fun little town-
The Gorge is beautiful but don't think you would enjoy commuting into the city - you could check out Hood River- fun little town-
Jun 27th, 2012, 07:53 AM
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recommendations for smallish towns and regions within about a half hour commute from both Portland and Seattle.
Since Portland is 180 miles from Seattle, there is no town within about a half hour commute from both of them.
Also, since both cities have sprawling metropolitan areas, it would take more than a half hour to drive to Carnation, Duvall, and other towns near Seattle that used to be a lot more rural than they are today.
West Seattle, Beacon Hill, and Ballard are three neighborhoods in Seattle that attract newcomers looking for a quieter life style.
HTTY
Since Portland is 180 miles from Seattle, there is no town within about a half hour commute from both of them.
Also, since both cities have sprawling metropolitan areas, it would take more than a half hour to drive to Carnation, Duvall, and other towns near Seattle that used to be a lot more rural than they are today.
West Seattle, Beacon Hill, and Ballard are three neighborhoods in Seattle that attract newcomers looking for a quieter life style.
HTTY
Jun 27th, 2012, 08:27 AM
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Tumfuller brings up the most important question, and that is job prospects. I don't know if you are familiar with the employment trends in OR or WA, but I would highly recommend not making any moving plans until a job is firmly lined up.
That said, HTTY is spot on about the 30 minute request for Seattle and that area. Woodinville is nice (DH lives there during the week) but traffic can be bad and it has grown so much that the small town feel is mostly on the outskirts of it, towards Duvall like HTTY mentioned.
It isn't quite as bad here around Portland, as you can do Sherwood/Wilsonville to downtown Portland in 30 minutes.
That said, HTTY is spot on about the 30 minute request for Seattle and that area. Woodinville is nice (DH lives there during the week) but traffic can be bad and it has grown so much that the small town feel is mostly on the outskirts of it, towards Duvall like HTTY mentioned.
It isn't quite as bad here around Portland, as you can do Sherwood/Wilsonville to downtown Portland in 30 minutes.
Jun 27th, 2012, 09:05 AM
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You might like the north end of the Kitsap Peninsula...Poulsbo or perhaps Kingston. Both are within about an hour (mostly on ferries) from downtown Seattle. Bainbridge is closer, of course, but also more expensive.
Edmonds, on the Seattle side of the sound, is nice too.
Edmonds, on the Seattle side of the sound, is nice too.
Jun 27th, 2012, 11:44 AM
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Thanks everyone for your replies so far. I appreciate it.
I know Portland and Seattle are 3 1/2 hours apart, so I guess I meant a half hour commute from EITHER Portland OR Seattle.
I work in healthcare so my tendency is toward working in a large city where there tend to be large hospitals. But a good hospital in a smaller town would be great too. Both Oregon and Washington have shortages in my discipline, so I'm hoping the job search will yield promising options in either state.
I know Portland and Seattle are 3 1/2 hours apart, so I guess I meant a half hour commute from EITHER Portland OR Seattle.
I work in healthcare so my tendency is toward working in a large city where there tend to be large hospitals. But a good hospital in a smaller town would be great too. Both Oregon and Washington have shortages in my discipline, so I'm hoping the job search will yield promising options in either state.
Jun 27th, 2012, 12:29 PM
#10
Seek employment at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend.
There is also a branch of St. Charles in Redmond.
Also within 30 minutes of Bend are Sisters, LaPine and Sunriver.
The population of Bend is now 81K.
There is also a branch of St. Charles in Redmond.
Also within 30 minutes of Bend are Sisters, LaPine and Sunriver.
The population of Bend is now 81K.
Jun 27th, 2012, 02:24 PM
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Peacehealth is one of the large health care providers in Oregon and Washington and Alaska.
They operate hospitals and physician practices. They are currently centralizing some of the departments to Vancouver Wa- like HR and some financial services, billing etc.
Vancouver, as stated previously is a good place to live as there is no state income tax and Oregon has no sales tax- you don't say what type of healthcare position you are looking for but check out their career center from time to time- might be a job and a location that fits for you.
They operate hospitals and physician practices. They are currently centralizing some of the departments to Vancouver Wa- like HR and some financial services, billing etc.
Vancouver, as stated previously is a good place to live as there is no state income tax and Oregon has no sales tax- you don't say what type of healthcare position you are looking for but check out their career center from time to time- might be a job and a location that fits for you.
Jun 28th, 2012, 11:50 AM
#12
Seattle is so large and spreading these days (and traffic is horrendous) you can't really get to any place truly "rural" in only 30 mins.
For B&B's in Seattle there are many nice ones in my neighborhood, Capitol Hill (just 2 miles from downtown)...
www.sbmansion.com
www.gaslight-inn.com
www.baconmansion.com
to name a few
For B&B's in Seattle there are many nice ones in my neighborhood, Capitol Hill (just 2 miles from downtown)...
www.sbmansion.com
www.gaslight-inn.com
www.baconmansion.com
to name a few
Jun 28th, 2012, 04:44 PM
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If I was to relocate I would seriously consider Bend though I hate to add to the urban sprawl by recommending it. I was just talking to someone today about how much I enjoy going to Bend. It's beautiful to look at, the air is clear, hight desert and piney. The town is pretty with lovely parks and nice events.
It's a lovely drive from Portland, too. Great scenery that changes dramatically during the trip. Love it!
It's a lovely drive from Portland, too. Great scenery that changes dramatically during the trip. Love it!
Jun 28th, 2012, 05:08 PM
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Hey, in Oregon you don't have to pump your gas. I got really mad at the poor guy that tried to fill up my car.
It is now illegal to top off gas tanks in Oregon, but that doesn't stop them. I stand in watch and when they try I say, "Please don't top it off." The difference is they used to act insulted at this request but now they don't: http://www.oregonlive.com/environmen..._now_bann.html
HTTY
It is now illegal to top off gas tanks in Oregon, but that doesn't stop them. I stand in watch and when they try I say, "Please don't top it off." The difference is they used to act insulted at this request but now they don't: http://www.oregonlive.com/environmen..._now_bann.html
HTTY
Jun 28th, 2012, 06:10 PM
#16
Have a look at - for lack of a better term - "second tier" cities - big enough to have a spectrum of healthcare facilities and services, small enough to give something of a "small town" feel and/or be close to proper rural areas.
In Oregon, Eugene and Corvallis in the Willamette Valley come to mind. Both college towns but also with diverse populations and plenty of things to do (cultural activities etc.) And both are very close to some marvelous rural areas - mountains, coast, rivers...
Or maybe Hood River in the Columbia Gorge, or someplace like Troutdale - close by freeway to Portland, but turn the other way and you're in the woods, in the Gorge, rivers etc.
In Washington, have a look at Bellingham and Olympia. Again, both with colleges, and in the case of Bellingham, immediate access to the Border and Vancouver for the weekends; or go east and you're in the high Cascades in no time - skiing, hiking, etc.
Olympia is the state capital, so a much more well-developed arts and recreation infrastructure than in other towns its size. South Puget Sound is right there - islands, inlets, lots to explore, or you can be at the coast or in Olympic NP in short order. Much less expensive than Seattle, too.
I'd agree that a 30-min. commute radius in either Seattle or Portland will land you still in the cities or in the burbs, and not the distant ones either.
In Oregon, Eugene and Corvallis in the Willamette Valley come to mind. Both college towns but also with diverse populations and plenty of things to do (cultural activities etc.) And both are very close to some marvelous rural areas - mountains, coast, rivers...
Or maybe Hood River in the Columbia Gorge, or someplace like Troutdale - close by freeway to Portland, but turn the other way and you're in the woods, in the Gorge, rivers etc.
In Washington, have a look at Bellingham and Olympia. Again, both with colleges, and in the case of Bellingham, immediate access to the Border and Vancouver for the weekends; or go east and you're in the high Cascades in no time - skiing, hiking, etc.
Olympia is the state capital, so a much more well-developed arts and recreation infrastructure than in other towns its size. South Puget Sound is right there - islands, inlets, lots to explore, or you can be at the coast or in Olympic NP in short order. Much less expensive than Seattle, too.
I'd agree that a 30-min. commute radius in either Seattle or Portland will land you still in the cities or in the burbs, and not the distant ones either.
Jun 28th, 2012, 06:24 PM
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I agree with the above posters - 30 minute commute to Seattle and Portland and a small town feel would be difficult. I like the idea of Olympia. Salem OR also would be a possibility.
If you are only looking in Seattle, perhaps N. Bend or Carnation would work for you.
In Seattle, W. Seattle is amazing - hardly rural but areas of it have a smaller town feel....
If you really want lovely - Seaside OR has a hospital...living on the Oregon coast would be dreamy.
If you are only looking in Seattle, perhaps N. Bend or Carnation would work for you.
In Seattle, W. Seattle is amazing - hardly rural but areas of it have a smaller town feel....
If you really want lovely - Seaside OR has a hospital...living on the Oregon coast would be dreamy.
Jun 28th, 2012, 06:38 PM
#18
Sunbum has it right. Peacehealth would be a good choice and Longview would meet your need for being on I-5 and still close to Oregon and the coast. http://www.peacehealth.org/careers/l...s/Default.aspx
Jun 29th, 2012, 07:47 PM
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I like Gardyloo's and Orca's suggestions for smaller towns but close enough to go into the city for events, Christmas shopping, weekend excursions etc. You didn't say where you were coming from but rural northwest can take some getting used to, be prepared for damp and green/gray. But, the trees and water are beautiful. I had friends living in Seaside, and family in Olympia and Bellingham - all good choices but more than 30 minutes from major metropolitan areas. Closer to city living will take you into the city as the sprawl is more than a reasonable commute. You might consider Tacoma as an option. I think you can still get rural (Vashon Island perhaps) but within commuting distance.
Jun 30th, 2012, 04:40 AM
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My Q - what kind of area are you coming from and are you more used to an Urban or smalltown atmosphere?
To each their own but sometimes the "charm" of a smallish town gives way to not having enough options/things to do.
To each their own but sometimes the "charm" of a smallish town gives way to not having enough options/things to do.
