Eastern or Western Washington?

Question

Where is it better to live? In terms of cost of living, housing, jobs and slower paced lifestyle?

Answer 1

Western Washington is higher populated with many more things to do. There's several bigger cities, starting from the north-- Bellingham, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and Vancouver, all along the I-5 corridor. There's a lot more to do, from the food to eat, venues for concerts, closer to great mountains for snowboarding during the winter, the Puget Sound and many more. It's a higher cost of living within Seattle, but I think it's worth it in what you are able to do. There's mainly two seasons on this side of the mountains-- spring and fall. Temperatures don't get too high, and also don't drop too low. There's barely snow on the ground during the winter, just snow on the mountains. There is a lot of rain, but not heavy rain. It's more misty. And it is pretty gray during the winter into spring. A little depressing if you are not used to it and need the sun a lot. I think that the water and mountains make up for it, but then again I grew up there, so I am a bit biased.

Eastern Washington mainly has Spokane, and then there's Wenatchee, Leavenworth and Yakima in the middle. Spokane is a smaller city, but there's still things to do. The cost of living is going to be lower, since it's not as popular. There is more of all four seasons there, since it's across the mountains and a much different climate.

I'd say as far as the pace of lifestyle, it's all where you choose to live. All of the cities have things to do, and places to go out. But depending on your lifestyle, you can choose to be a homebody and enjoy life a bit slower as well. You could live on one of the islands, like Bainbridge, and commute into the city. Have a slower paced home life with easy options for more work and fun in Seattle.

If I had to vote, I'd say Western Washington is where it's at. The schools are great for children, the scenery is beautiful, and there's a lot more to do.

Answer 2

Cost of living is cheaper on the East side, but summers can be very hot and in winter you have black ice to deal with. A lot more rain and damp on the West side, and all those gorgeous pine trees forests! Also much more diversity of population, though this is changing. Depending on your skills, a much broader job market on the West side. In Eastern WA. you have desert and farm country, until you get up towards Spokane. Lower population on the East side, and except in Spokane, a slower paced life style. Good luck; hope you find what you are looking for.

Answer 3

Western is the best to live in terms of jobs, but if you want lower cost of living, and slow paced life go to the east.

Answer 4

The East is cheaper by far. Seattle home prices have skyrocketed over the past few years. Not to mention it's much more slow paced over there, but the jobs aren't as plentiful.

If you want the high-paying Microsoft job then the west is for you or if you get bored easily or get bothered by the heat.

Answer 5

well in my opinion western washington is the best choice to go with.
there is great housing, more job oppurtunities, many places for activities and such, and wonderful scenic views of the pudget sound. not only does western washington provide more benefits but it is a wonderful part of washington state. also if you want a location with city life, etc.. you should choose this. there is also great shopping, site seeing, transportation, etc..

so hopefully this helps.

Answer 6

WesternWashington has Water, mountains, and nice friendly people. There are many jobs . Eastern washington is is hotter, less populated, harder to find jobs. Rainy Rainy Washington.

Answer 7

Assuming you mean Washington State and not DC?
I would have to say western Washinton. You have the water, several world class cities (Seattle and Vancouver) Plus its beautiful and there are tons of jobs

Answer 8

western, i hear the western part is not really populated.