answers 0:I was born, raised and have spent the majority of my adult life in Jacksonville, FL and I want a change of scenery. I'm sick and tired of looking out my window and seeing nothing but trees and sky. I want a view.I'm considering relocating my family near one of the major cities in Washington. Obviously, the scenery isn't my primary concern, but could be the difference maker if I'm undecided. If you have any information regarding local jobs/careers, schools, family activities, traffic, pollution... basically the quality of life in any particular city, please feel free to share.Also, if you have spent time both in Washington and on the east coast I would appreciate any input regarding the biggest differences culturally.Thanks....Show moreanswers 1:I like Kirkland or Bellevue... They just make me feel homey. You have a great view of everything, Lake Was! hington, and just enough stores and everything to make it a town thats not to poppulated but enough to feel socialy welcomed. Also try Whidbey Island. As jobs, well there is Microsoft right next door in Redmond, also Nintendo. There is a Google building too. I'm sure there are plenty of places you'd like.answers 2:You might want to consider a smaller town. I live in an apartment up a mountain on the Olympic Peninsula. My view is of the forest, but as I drive into town, I get many beautiful breath taking mountain and ocean views. Cost of living is less than the larger places like Seattle and the schools are less crowded here, crime rate lower, etc. Seattle is about an hour short ferry ride away if you must have big city amenities, but we have many restaurants, shopping opportunities, etc, here and Silverdale--a city with a lot of "big city" type stuff, but in a smaller package--is only about 50 miles away....answers 3:It basically varies with how much you want to spend and! not by city. It really depends on what neighborhood you live! in. Almost every city in puget sound is close enough to some park or outdoor activities. Traffic is pretty bad all the way up and down I-5. Pollution is not really an issue from what I can tell (not like L.A. at least). If money is not much of an option, Bellvue area and University Place (near Tacoma) are high quality of life areas. There are going to be a lot more jobs in the seattle/bellvue area however....answers 4:Any of the cities and towns in the Puget Sound area have fabulous views of the mountains WHEN THE SUN IS OUT. Many also have a view of Puget Sound or one of the numerous lakes. Not all homes in every town will have a view and the ones that do are naturally more expensive. But if you can't afford a home with a view, it's usually only a short distance to a park or some kind of public area where you can enjoy the view. Unfortunately in the winter there can be literally months that the sun doesn't shine (not kidding!)Jobs/Careers - with high tech companies in! the area like Microsoft, Nintendo, Amazon, Boeing, etc. high tech computer skills are a good bet. Also a lot of Biotech and medical facilities so anything related to nursing, or any of the various medical related specialities and technicians (x-ray tech, lab tech, ultrasound, dental technician, dieticians etc.) Schools: The public schools vary a lot depending on which district you live in. Naturally the more upscale towns and neighborhoods have better schools (duh, so much for the idea that throwing money at something doesn't help!)Family Activities: Lots of outdoor recreation opportunities - camping, hiking, fishing, boating, bike trails, parks, national forests, several national parks in the state, skiing and snowboarding, sports, etc. Also lots of museums, zoos and aquariums, community festivals, farmers markets, county fairs, etc.Traffic - sucks! Plan on using public transportation - buses and some light rail lines have been completed with more lines being built! .Pollution - People in the area are generally very "green" and concerne! d about pollution. Recycling is required in many areas. By state law, smoking is banned in all public places including restaurants and bars. Undoing the sins of the past and trying to accomodate development without destroying the environment is a constant debate. Probably less pollution that what you would be accustomed to seeing in the southeast.I was born and raised in Seattle and have spent some time of the east coast in my travels and my impression of the biggest cultural difference is that the people in the Seattle area are generally more liberal, well educated, well read, less religious and have a "mind your own business - live and let live - do your own thing - whatever" attitude. But a majority care deeply about protecting the environment and quality of life and consider it their business not to let others destroy it.I've included a few links that provide more information...
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