[marieylego]

I'm seeking advice. I am a Novato resident (northern California, about 30 min. from Golden Gate bridge). We've lived here on and off for 20 years. I love marin county but, as in many areas of this state, prices have just about maxed out.
I'm getting my RN degree by next spring and am an LVN now. My sister lives in Bellevue so I took my girls to visit in August. Yeah, i know the weather was deceiving. Athough if i move, i won't be making that huge rn salary jump in washington, (as i would if i stayed) the lifestyle may be more affordable and still healthy for our family. the weather isn't as great and the traffic in Bellevue seemed worse, but i'm trying to look at the big picture.
any and all advice would be appreciated. thanks.

[pkapple]

Only you can decide what is best for your family! If the wage increase will make your life there more manageable, stay. If you need a change, try the move to WA. You have a sister there, she can be a great source for you. You wouldn't have to go to Bellvue, there are lots of towns along the sound and its a big state!
We moved to WA from FL, now that was a salary jump!!! I loved WA. It took a few months to adjust. But everyone I met was great. We are now back in FL and I find I miss some of the Pacific Coast life, but this return was best for our family.

Good Luck with your decision, and remember...U-Haul goes both ways!!!

[marieylego]

You are right, only I know what might be best. I've a pros and cons list as I fluctuate from day to day:housing cost, schools, income, lifestyle, weather are all things to consider with such a big move...having my sister there is a huge plus. I am leaning towards moving at this point, but I have to admit, the salary jump here from LVN to RN is sooo hard to pass up. In 5 years all my kids will be out of high school...that will be another phase...
thanks for the insight.

[ann945n]

I thought i would chime in. I live in Redmond-Bellevue and cant say enough great things about this area. The weather here is wonderful, dont let people scare you it doesnt rain like that! We have the best summers out of anywhere i have lived and its a very safe friendly place to live. The traffic is bothersome but you will learn the tricks around it like when not to drive and shortcuts. If housing prices are scarey in Bellevue there are cheaper areas not to far away like northbend duvall monroe auburn to name a few. I just love it here the people the life style and the weather! hope you find some things you like about here to if you decide to come!

[marieylego]

ann945n thanks for the posting. i'm hoping and still planning to move--it's reassuring to hear from those who love it there.

[yadda_yadda_yadda]

Hi!
We moved from Texas to Washington just 2 months ago--so I thought I'd share a bit with you:

The weather is gorgeous! We're in the Redmond/Kirkland area & it's simply beautiful! Don't let talk of 'all the rain' concern you. We were expecting torrential rains from how people talked about it--not true at all. Compared to the rains we were used to, this seems more like 'drizzle' or light/medium mist--no heavy raindrops, thunder & lightning like I was waiting to see.
(In TX, we'd have rains that would pour down in heavy sheets..& could actually knock you off your feet!)

The process of getting my TX license endorsed in WA was done super-fast...in under 1/2 the time I'd been told to expect. Everyone I've encountered in healthcare has been super, too. (Sharing the subtle differences in State-specific trainings, etc..etc..)

Granted, I miss TX--but you'll have to look pretty hard to find more beautiful surroundings than the State of Washington!---and I'm looking forward to my first Winter here....I'll be down-right upset if I don't see snow!

Our kids are 16 & 15 and adjusting to school without even 1 familiar face the first day was the worst of the transition--but within the first week, they'd both been welcomed into circles of new friends.

I've found that with tech-giants MicroSoft, Nintendo, T-Mobile, Boeing & such, that there are LOTS of 'transplanted Washingtonians'--people who've relocated with their jobs..and the native people are very, very welcoming.

I second the statement that U-Haul definitely travels both ways!