PRO’s and CON’s of living in the Seattle area?

[Streetcar]

Gosh, and no one has mentions on eof the highest costs of living in the nation, so I won't either.

You're absolutely right. I thought about that on the way home last night. I don't know what it's like in Boise, but it CAN'T be as high as here.

Make sure you give us a heads up on when you're coming - we'll put together a kilt night - or at least a microbrew pub crawl!

[Downix]

You're absolutely right. I thought about that on the way home last night. I don't know what it's like in Boise, but it CAN'T be as high as here.

Make sure you give us a heads up on when you're coming - we'll put together a kilt night - or at least a microbrew pub crawl!

Too true there, Boise is one of the lowest costs of living. Then again, I would not fit in, being that I am quite liberally minded.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In line with many other "liberal" cities (San Francisco, Berkley, etc.) Seattle isn't exactly "cop friendly". By all means apply for the position, but check out the community "attitude" with local LEOs, and see if you can get yourself a ride along. Since you are still in the Army you might also check with the MPs in the area and get their take on the Seattle PD.

If it were me I'd consider Spokane and Boise better bets. You might also want to check out the local tax/state income tax regimes in Washington before making a final decision.

Either way, "Good Luck".

[Kilted_John]

Pros:

Nice scenery, close to the mountains for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Also close to Canada and Portland, for daytrips. No income tax (yet...). Weather isn't as rainy as people say it is - Usually is generally wet until July 5th, then is mostly dry, at least through Labor Day, sometimes until October.

Cons: Very liberal atmosphere. If you're a conservative, you won't like it much in Seattle proper. Better in the suburbs, but not a whole lot better. High gas taxes, a government that doesn't get what the general populace says when an initiative is passed (citizens passed a $30 car tab initiative three times, each time, the state has found a way around it - lately, they're proposing a displacement tax, after enacting a weight tax on vehicles), high sales taxes (9% in King County). Traffic can be horrible, at times. Will be worse when the Alaskan Way Viaduct comes down. Housing and cost of living is very expensive, even though the housing bubble has finally burst in this area. It's still much higher than other states.

I've lived here my whole life, and find it an ok area to live. I do prefer the Willamette Valley area of Oregon to Washington, though.

[Ivy]

I wouldn't be doing my due diligence as a Seattleite if I didn't both rave about the beauty of this city and all of the wonders to be found here and discourage anyone from moving here and raising our population in the same breath. As others have said, Seattle is an EXTREMELY liberal city. That's not to say that you will be shunned or anything, but if you are in any way conservative, don't expect your views to be shared with a vast number of people. That being said, the suburbs are somewhat more conservative, but not to any extreme unless you move pretty far east. I have lived in the city for nearly a decade, and in the western half of the state for two. The rain doesn't bother me. Honestly, it's more grey than rainy most of the time. If you can handle that, and the traffic, and the EXTREMELY high cost of living (have you looked into the cost of real estate 'round these parts?) then you will be golden. Oh, and whenever the sun does shine (which is more often than people will lead you to believe) it is the most spectacularly beautiful place to live on the face of the Earth, in my humble opinion. All that having been said, Boise's nice too. I hear they have a Cabela's.

[Rogerson785]

All that having been said, Boise's nice too. I hear they have a Cabela's.

That’s it then I’m going to Boise, I have to drive two plus hours to get to a Cabela’s here and I am on the fence conservative depending on the issue. However I do have to go to Seattle to test for Boise PD and attend a seminar.

Thanks for all the input. Retiring from the Army is a funny thing, here I have spent twenty plus years moving all over the world and now I get to choose where I want to plant my roots, its kind of scary too.

[BEEDEE]

All that having been said, Boise's nice too. I hear they have a Cabela's.

That’s it then I’m going to Boise, I have to drive two plus hours to get to a Cabela’s here and I am on the fence conservative depending on the issue. However I do have to go to Seattle to test for Boise PD and attend a seminar.

Thanks for all the input. Retiring from the Army is a funny thing, here I have spent twenty plus years moving all over the world and now I get to choose where I want to plant my roots, its kind of scary too.

Aren't Arlen and Diane in Boise?

Brian

[irishrob]

Having lived in the Puget Sound area and around Boise and presently in the Washington desert, I can say that it is fun to visit the Sound. Your pocket book will like it a lot, lot, lot more in Boise. Boise is closer to 4 seasons rather than 2 1/2, being that 1 1/4 are rain! As stated previously, politics and living are more conservative in Boise...and Boise State has a much better university football team!!

I've tried the wet and prefer the dry....all the best in your choice.

Rob

[Macman]

I live 90 miles (that's about 140 KM) north of Seattle by water. I worked out of Seattle for three summers. You are a microbrew fan. You would love Seattle!
Seriously, of all the cities in the USA that I've visited, I would put Seattle at the top of my list to live in. But then, I need to live by lots of water.

[puffer]

I am a 3rd generation WASHINGTONIAN ( Both of my Grandparents settled in E.WA (Spokane) just shy of 100 years ago) We moved to the Seattle area (Bellevue) in 1956. In the 53 years that I have lived in the SEATTLE area, I have seen ENORMOUS changes, some good, but IMHO mostly NEGATIVE.

Do NOT get me wrong, SEATTLE is a BEAUTIFUL area & offers a myriad of things to do ( IF you have $$$$, there is a "DIRTH" of things that you & the family can do with out spending $$$ ( the zoo, when you figure the parking, entrance fees etc, will cost a family of 4 about $50.00 ++)
But let me address the LEO ??
NOTE Streetcar is a serving LEO & would have a better take. My opinions are from the view point of an ex LEO ( King County), observations & interaction with current LEOs.

1. The LEO situation has become EXTREMELY POLITICAL. IMHO the Departments (esp SPD ( sorry Streetcar) & KC ) are more interested in being "politically correct" than in Law Enforcement.
2. Severe Budget Cuts, to the extent KC has publicly announced that it WILL (basically)NOT be responding to "minor crime" ( shoplifting, home burgs etc.)

IMHO, (if I were going to become a LEO again) I would opt for BOISE.

Puffer