If any of you have read my 100 things about me list or if you've been visiting this blog for very long, you've read that my husband and I are looking to make a move out of California, to start another chapter in our lives. We just don't know where or when it will take place...but we've decided it will be within the next year or two. Hubby retired in February, our kids are grown, and we have no more ties here. If ever there was a perfect time to make a change, this is it.
So I routinely scour the internet, looking for the perfect place. If I find a city that looks desirable, I look up the detailed profile of that city, especially looking at the weather conditions. Not too much snow...not too much rain.
My top priority is that it be on or near a lake or river. I'd love an Oregon or Washington lake or river view, like in the picture above. Oh to have a view of the Columbia River Gorge, to be on the Rogue River, or to live on Lake Stevens in WA...heaven to me! Hubby would love this too but would be just as happy with a Colorado Rockies view.
So dear blogging friends...what are your suggestions. Many of you currently live or have lived in fabulous places in Oregon, Washington, or Colorado in the past. We will be traveling to Washington in September. I can't wait for my husband to see Washington for himself. I love the Pacific Northwest and I'm hoping that he will too.
So please spill the beans. Give us the good, the bad, and the ugly. But I'm hoping it's all good!
(And if you read my post yesterday, my upper lip is still red and a bit tender...but it's smooth as a baby's butt!)
20 comments:
We lived in Grants Pass Oregon about 20 years ago. It was heaven on earth. My husband left his heart there as a matter of fact. If all things were equal, we would move back there tomorrow. It is very, very beautiful and the people are wonderful. Its close to the beach-less than an hour, and the redwood trees are close too. It doesnt rain too much either. The Rouge River runs right through the center of town. We still know some people there...if that helps.
I have no insight but it all sounds amazing to me! I can't wait to be a "part" of the choice making and the move.
Here's my shout out for the "other" coast!
Hi Linda,
North Carolina has mild winters, and there are lots of lakes here. You can live close to the mountains or the ocean!
Hugs,
Donna
Anywhere with room for company would be good! I've never been to any of those places & I'd love to see them. If you want adopted grandchildren we're on the way!!!
I'd follow you anywhere even if it is just through blogging...
I can't wait to see & your killing with me on the waiting & making me want to move out of this heat myself..
And the lip thing. Ouch,, I hope it heals soon..
ok- and I tagged you too.. So check out my blog..
Linda. The Northwest is really nice. But it does get chilly. The Oregon side is beautiful on the Gorge. My brother lived in the Dalles pretty close to Hood River. There was so much to do around that area.
Grants pass is so beautiful. Oh I love that place around there. And up passed Centralia WA is so gorgeous. If Ed ever leaves me, that is where I am headed.
Idaho has like Sandpoint that comes to mind. Everyone loves Sandpoint.
Good luck on your journey upward and onward. It is going to be an adventure for sure. Where is that picture from? I want to live with you guys if you move there.
What a tough decision when you have so much time and can pretty much choose anywhere you want!! I haven't lived anywhere in Washington besides the Tri-Cities, so I am no good. Good luck sorting this out - I think it would be very very hard to decide!!
I grew up in WA. Just 20 mins N of Portland, OR. You won't go wrong. Stay to the E side if you want less rain.
I tagged you, but I noticed Bren did too. Consider it a double tag. That's like a double dare btw.
ps...shhhh, I got your pkg today and start my QUEST tomorrow. I'm excited to show you in a few days what I've done! I can't believe how much stuff you sent! I love it all and will do a huge post about it in a day or 2. The kids loved opening it all...they kept squeeling and holloring about it all. They are my assistants in this QUEST, and are willing participants! Thanks again!
THis message will self destruct in 10, 9, 8, ...
I have a 2nd cousin that lives in Grants Pass, it looks so beautiful.
I have always loved the Spokane Valley too, Post Falls, Idaho.
I personally love my little spot on the Snake River of Southern Idaho. But we really do have crazy weather...the joke here is if you don't like the weather wait 10 mins. it will change.
Hope the lip is healing nicely...I now know it is not a beauty trick I need to try to soon...They will just have to call me Magnum PI
Have a good one
We've made up our minds that we're moving to NC...just not tomorrow! : )
I have no other insight because it took us this long to decide on NC!!
I love Washington....it's just a gorgeous state! I know your husband will fall in love with it in September!
Jan
How exciting, Linda! Here is a fun website that will tell you your best place to live based on your preferences and answers to questions.
http://www.findyourspot.com/
BTW - I once traveled to Banff, Canada and along the way we stopped at Flathead Lake, Montana. We fell in love with the place and have wanted to go back!
Linda, move near me and we can knock around together (with the doggies in tow of course!!!) it would be wonderful to have you near me here in the Pacific Northwest! My hubby loves it here in Port Orchard, I would love a bit less rain, but the summers are divine!!!! The gardening is sublime!!! I have a new blog, hop over and see me soon, I missed you!
XO,
Donna Lynn
i've never been linda, but my husband has... to all three places. he told me to vote for washington. so, there's his two cents!!!
love,
dani
Hi Linda, Of course, you know where I would suggest since we're heading to Colo. Spgs next summer.
4 beautiful seasons.
What a fun time trying to decide!
God bless,
Brenda :)
Hi Linda, I found your blog through another. Where in So Ca do you live? Were in Corona. My husband and I recently retired too. Years ago we bought 2 vacation homes with the retirement in mind...one on the Colorado River in Parker, Az and the other on Big Bear Lake. We wanted to be on water too and stay in California. I am a California girl through and through! It was fun reading your blog. Your children are adorable. Keep in mind, when the grandchildren come, you will not want to be that far away!!!
Wow! So much has been going on over here since my last visit. Sorry I have not been by sooner.
You are very lucky to move out of CA. I've lived here my whole life and would love love love to move to another state. But, all my family is here and I'm close to everyone so I just couldn't bring myself to move.
My cousin used to live in Washington right by the boarder of Oregon. The city was called Van Cover Washington. It was great. She didn't have to pay income tax in Washington and Oregon doesn't have sales tax so she did all her shopping there.
You could check around that area as I remember going to visit her once and we went on a boat trip along a big river. It was so pretty and green everywhere.
I myself would love to move to New York. That's been a dream of mine. I doubt it will ever come true though.
Hugs,
Joanne
I lived in Wa and OR and it is beautiful! To have a view of Mt. Hood and the Columbia rivier would be a dream! However, after living out east, I realized that it's not the only beautiful green place in the world. Upstate NY and Vermont host the Lake Camplain - a huge lake filled with lots of lake houses, including an area surrounded by smaller lakes. It's really beautiful, although, the mountains aren't quite as majestic! I wish you luck, and if you ever head out this way, I'll be your tour guide!
As a former California girl...I love Washington...the Puget Sound area....there are some beautiful Rural places, less expensive then Lake Stevens yet so beautiful...many places in Kitsap County--Mason County...
Seabec, Poulsbo...
I would NEVER move back to California..it is so green here..and after the first year..it is Rain, WHAT rain....this is Starbucks land....and rarely see snow...we don't shovel rain...
LOVE IT here...and meet many former Californians...
~~deby
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