I actually live in Puyallup. Without traffic it's about 45 minutes if you're going into the heart of downtown. Personally, I would not want to make the commute everyday as traffic is awful but if you're going from Seattle to Puyallup it may not be as bad. I really like living here. Most people that live here are families and such. There's quite a bit to do within a half hour or so. There's a lot of medical offices popping up all over the place so I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities.

I'd hold out for something in the city, but then I love living here. And being out in the countryside which I'd consider Puyallup just wouldn't do it for me. I've had friends live down that way and it is pretty, but it's not Seattle by any stretch.

The traffic between Seattle and it's southern suburbs, including Puyallup, is some of the worst in the Puget Sound area. It's not a good base to explore what the Seattle area has to offer. The good thing about living in the town is, if you like to hike and camp, it's halfway to Mt. Rainier. But, the town itself has transformed in recent decades from a small town/farm center known mainly for it's fair, to a place with lots of new tract housing and every fast food franchise and chain store you have ever heard of.

I can't imagine that the wait would be terribly long for a peds nursing position to open up in the city.

If April-July is the slot for your job, it's not really summer in the Seattle area. Hereabouts, most folks expect "summer" to kick in around the 5th of July (local joke) and last through September. We don't suffer from "June gloom" as badly as southern California, but it's not reliably sunny until after the 4th, most years.

On the other hand, spring around here knocks your socks off. Well worth the compromise.

Puyallup is too far to commute, either way. IMO.

Ah--if you like water sports, Seattle is a great place. Lake Washington, the huge lake that forms the eastern edge of Seattle, offers boating, water skiing, and nice swimming beaches. For fishing, there is the Sound on the west side of Seattle. Lots of places for kayaking, too.

NOW you're talking! That's my ideal enzian...with everything else I've heard too mixed in! It's funny the perceptions you get about places, I always heard Seattle was beautiful, but rainy rainy rainy, not a place I'd ever imagine wanting to live. However, I can see I've been wrong, I haven't talked to anyone who hasn't loved it. I definitely won't be bored there! I think if I don't get a job I'll really try and push for the July-Oct spot, sounds perfect then. As far as Pullyap, kind of how I was feeling, I think I'll hold out for in the city. I'm not a big fan of sitting in traffic! :) Thanks!

We purposely keep the myth going that it rains a lot here. In truth, summers are very nice---although as Gardyloo pointed out, it doesn't start until July 5. Then it is warm and sunny most days through September. There is nice hiking within 30 minutes of downtown, and excellent alpine hiking within an hour. And the lake is a real asset. From our home we can walk down there in 10 minutes, and go for a swim with our dog after work. In fact it's so nice my husband says we don't need to go anywhere else for vacation, but I generally try to drag him away for a week or so anyway.

There are lots of young people here, and lots of live music, in clubs year round and outdoors in the summer. The two hospitals you mentioned---Swedish and Children's---are world class, but there other excellent ones too. So keep looking, and I hope something opens up for you.

We moved to Seattle from D.C. in early September. We live in the city, and since we got here more than 6 months ago, I've been behind the wheel of a car only 4 times. I walk or take a bus to everything. I recommend living in the city, if you move here. The bus system is great.

As for the weather, I'll say what I am often able to post here... I'm looking out my window right now and the sun is shining bright. It's clear and cool. Beautiful day.

Suze! No, no, no! Eek! You're mixing Seattle, March and sunshine all together in the same sentence. Egad!

Uh, darbyvt, pay no attention. It's actually pouring buckets. Has been for days. Weeks. Months. Cold, too -- almost freezing. Cold water gets in your boots, then your toes turn blue.

Those flowers? What flowers? Oh, those! Um, silk, actually - stuck on last year's leftover twigs with duct tape. A pitiful attempt to brighten the pervasive gloom we all suffer under.

Yup, come and enjoy the Seattle Rain Festival - held daily, every year, September to August.

(Man, this Lesser Seattle Damage Control gig gets harder every year)

Fritzrl

sorry sorry sorry fritz! i was thinking that very thing as i drove to work and was looking at the mountain range behind the space needle... what the heck do i keep telling the fodor's folks to come visit seattle for? parking's bad enough as it is!!!

hey now, i'm trying to come to give myself over to heal your sick children, make room for one more! ;)

Of course there is room for you, darbyvt. But pleasse close the door behind you so no one else can get in here. . .

Great thread ~ Suze, thanks for all the ideas of things to do and fritz - I love your damage control!
I think everything has been covered, so I've got nothing to contribute, but I will say that as newer resident to the greater Seattle area, sometimes I really do wonder if all the rain/gloom talk is a way to keep others away. On a nice day, there is no place better! :-)

you're welcome. all the outdoor festivals and events are truly great fun and a wonderful local resource.

oops, and i forgot to mention:
Greek Festival
nude bike ride in Fremont
concerts on the lawn at the Zoo

Mariners' baseball
The Aquarium
Bloedell Reserve on Bainbridge
Museums---the Frye, Museum of History and Industry, Asian Art Museum
Opening Day and the Windermere Cup
Fourth of July---Ivar's versus Lake Union fireworks
Wineries---and concerts at Chateau San Michelle
Cycling trails---Burke-Gilman, Snoqualmie Valley, Iron Horse Trail