Skagit Valley/Western Washington

[mommymilkies]

Can anyone sell me on this area?  It looks beautiful and right up our alley.  There is a potential job for dh with enough of a pay raise that we can probably afford the move from the Midwest.  We're used to cheap housing here, so that will be our biggest challenge!  

 

So some things I need to know:

 

Soccer for kids-rec or through schools?

 

Violin and piano instruction within 45 minutes of Mount Vernon

 

Housing costs-I would like something within 15-20 minutes of Mount Vernon with at least 3-4 bedrooms for a large family and at least an acre-all on a teacher's salary!

 

Crime issues?

 

Weird bugs?

 

Culture or eco shock from moving from so far away? We've moved long distance before, but always to the East coast.

 

Anything cool in the area, especially for musicians and kids.

 

Homeschooling regs-can kids attend ps part time for some classes, etc.

 

TIA! :)

[Trak's End]

I live just east of Mount Vernon, so I can tell you a bit about the area.  I have only lived here for a few years, so I don't know all the resources just yet myself.

 

First, the Skagit area schools aren't the best in the state (20-40th percentile) but as a homeschooling mom it shouldn't matter too much. There are a few private ($$$) schools that seem to have a good reputation.  One is in Mount Vernon and the other is an Adventist I think, located in Burlington.  

 

Soccer is pretty big for us as a family.  Mount Vernon has a youth program, as does Sedro Woolley.  There is Northwest United Soccer club if you'd like to play for really competitive teams.  There is 1 big gym called Riverside in MV that has kids activities, a pool and swim lessons (I go there) and there is also a YMCA.  You'll find gymnastics, dance, and karate as well in the area but be prepared to pay as it is expensive.  We also play softball and baseball (there are leagues all over) and basketball too.  We aren't in to football (ds is too young) or wrestling but there are leagues available.  

 

I think there are lessons for piano and violin.  A full list is usually posted at the music store in Burlington called Hugo Helmer.  These are usually offered by locals through their home.  

 

Housing...hmm that may be a little tougher.  I'd expect an acre with a 2500+ sqft house to run you 300,000 to 400,000.  It's all location.  It could be more or less.  It's been 3 years since we purchased our house so I don't know the market anymore.

 

Two really helpful resources for Washington residents: Meridian Parent Partnership Program in Bellingham - will pay for hs materials up to $1000 per student and offers classes for p/t students.  We are enrolled.  The other is Running Start, which is a community college access program that high school students can use to get their Associates for the cost of lab fees and books, no tuition.

 

If you like hiking, skiing, fishing, etc there are tons of activities and the bay is close to MV.  Skagit has a ton of fresh produce in the summer and a food co-op.  I don't know about culture differences as I've grown up in the Pacific NW but you'll probably notice a few.

 

Can't think of too much else at the moment.  Hope your move goes well if you relocate!

 

[Hypatia.]

I'm just west of Seattle, moved from the southeast about 8 years ago.  I can't help with things specific to the Skagit Valley, but I did deal with a bit of a rough adjustment when we moved here.  It took me a long time to adjust to the late fall and winter here, had (still have) problems with SAD.  It took a few years to really come around but I like it now, we're planning on staying in the area longterm.

[Tsuga]

I live here and I love it. A lot of midwesterners say the grayness and the culture (very low-key, may seem "chilly" but in my opinion is just not overly fake, take it for what you will), are the main deterrents.

 

 

 

Soccer for kids-rec or through schools?

 

There are tons of rec leagues throughout the state.

 

 

Violin and piano instruction within 45 minutes of Mount Vernon

 

There should easily be something in Mount Vernon, but if there is not, there is definitely a lot in Bellingham.

 

 

Housing costs-I would like something within 15-20 minutes of Mount Vernon with at least 3-4 bedrooms for a large family and at least an acre-all on a teacher's salary!

 

Well, new teacher? High school? Elementary? Sedro Wooley is not too far and they have slightly cheaper property. I don't think an acre is too much to ask.

 

 

Crime issues?

 

Depends what you're used to. It's pretty rural, so most crime out here is domestic and/or drug related. Here's a map (from the government) about crime statistics that makes it easy to compare, though the data's old. Washington State has low murder rates but higher burglaries--I can only guess that, like most of the world, where your chance of getting shot during a burglary goes down, you're more likely to try it. It's pretty safe, I feel. I'm okay letting my kids play in the yard alone in our little neighborhood near Seattle and most people I know in that area let their little ones walk to school and to the neighbors' houses without worry.

 

http://nationalatlas.gov/mapmaker?AppCmd=CUSTOM&LayerList=Cr02%3B7&visCats=CAT-people,CAT-crime

 

 

Weird bugs?

 

I am convinced, having been on facebook for years, that we are one of the most bugless areas in the entire United States, not to mention North America. Not a lot of fun bugs around here. Everyone else is all posting their bug pictures and I'm like, "This is another slug."

 

 

Culture or eco shock from moving from so far away? We've moved long distance before, but always to the East coast.

 

I don't know. It's very different to the east coast but it's also very nice.

 

 

Anything cool in the area, especially for musicians and kids.

 

Let me put it this way. We aim to do one cultural activity per week as a field trip, as well as have lessons weekly, and during the summer we do things three times a week, and so far, we've only done two or three things more than once (the Pacific Science Center, which is huge), and we usually have a hard time deciding. Between the fun cultural events in Seattle and Bellingham, the festivals, the fairs, and the outdoor activities, I can honestly say we have to schedule time to stay home. I regularly turn down free events because I have something else going on. It is one of my favorite things about our region.

 

Recently we went to this free celebration at McCaw Hall in Seattle Center:

 

http://www.mccawhall.com/news/detail/mccaw-hall-10th-anniversary-day-of-celebration-offers-entertainment-packed-afternoon

 

Free opera. Free ballet. Free stage time! It was so cool. Sure, that's not happening every year, but something cool is happening all the time if you look. You could seriously do nothing but Seattle Center every single rainy weekend for two years straight and probably see something new every time. But why would you, when just down the road you can rent kayaks year round on Lake Union?

 

Homeschooling regs-can kids attend ps part time for some classes, etc.

 

Depends on the school. I know one person that does homeschooling through the public schools--it's like they provide part of the STEM curriculum and then you do other stuff but it's all child-motivated and mostly done at home with meet-ups. You'd have to call the school districts and inquire. I think Washington State is pretty homeschooling friendly, provided that by "friendly" you mean, "they regulate us just like everyone else, but they aren't antagonistic". If by "friendly" you mean, "few regulations", then you are moving to the wrong place in general.

 

From Wiki: "Though undocumented, it is generally agreed that Washington State has stricter requirements than most states but that assessment and interpretation of qualifications are usually fairly lax with respect to the requirements."

 

But, this is very Washington. Let people do whatever they want, but make them tell you all about it and tax it if possible. Marijuana, homeschooling, vaccination, guns, etc. We just make negotiation and paperwork about everything endless and tedious so finally everyone gives up except the people who really care and have a lot of time on their hands. It is a very passive-aggressive system that favors the persistent.

 

I love living here. On the other hand, I've lived here my whole life. I like the culture. I like the weather. I don't mind the rain. I like being outdoors and I don't mind just a couple of weeks of snow. I like the mountains and the sea. I think it really depends on the family. Some people are just NOT into getting their feet wet on a hike, and they really feel like a smile should come with every single human interaction (people are friendly and helpful, just not... I dunno... smiley. Reserved, is probably the word). We have the highest fine for littering a cigarette butt in the country. Some people love that. Others hate it! It all depends on your personal value system.

 

 

[Mnemosyne]

Mount Vernon is where I grew up! Love it love it love it there. Now live about 2 hours south, wish I could live closer!

 

Violin - the elementaries/middle schools and high school in MV have a orchestra program, when I was in it I believe homeschoolers were allowed. I'll double check with the teacher for you (same teacher all the way through when I did it, don't think she still does high school). Not sure about individual lessons. Hugo Helmer (mentioned before) is fantastic and could have more information.

 

I'd check Zillow for housing. If you let me know your budget, I'd happily let you know of some good neighborhoods in MV in that price range... have a couple friends selling right now too in the 300,000 range. One in particular is really nice, but only on about .5 acres. Housing isn't too cheap around here compared to other parts of the country.

 

Crime issues - some gang stuff, but that's more in the poorer parts of MV. You don't come across it in day to day life. Growing up, I came across graffiti and a few fights in school, lol.

 

Weird bugs as in insects? Naw, all pretty tame.

 

Sports are both through schools and through the Rec Dept. Homeschoolers are allowed to join the school sports teams for high school, not sure about lower grades.

 

Lots of community orchestras and that type of thing, Bellingham 30 min north is well known as a musician's hub, and obviously Seattle has a lot.

 

Lots of community theatre, plays, that type of thing. Great fairs.

 

Culture wise - the weather, mostly. Very different from where I've been in the east. Not too humid, drizzles a lot of the time, great summers but fairly overcast and cold the rest of the year.

 

I don't remember if homeschoolers can attend school part time, but I remember them being fairly easy going. Running Start is an option too, I had a friend at the CC there at 15 yo who was homeschooled.

[sunnyday]

I'm about 45-60 minutes southwest of Mt Vernon and this part of the country is my idea of heaven. (I grew up in Alaska, lived in Oregon and Ohio and Arizona before coming back here.) That said, I don't think I could handle the East Coast so if you love it out there...hm. Tough one.

 

Mt Vernon is pretty surrounded by farmland, so space isn't that much of an issue hopefully. What do you plan to do with your acre? What do you have in mind for that 15 minute commute? (That is, a lot of people move from big cities and expect long commutes time-wise even if distance is short, and vice versa...assuming if you're "15 minutes" from work that it will take you much longer sometimes.)

 

There is a lot of homeschool support in this area, and there are these parent partnership programs if you want your kids to take some publicly funded classes in addition to homeschooling...this is the one in Mt Vernon: http://sflc.mountvernonschools.org/

 

In some areas, people do have a problem with house spiders, and in fact I've heard that some folks will never live in the Northwest because of Giant House Spiders. That said, I live in an old farmhouse and have had maybe one in 4.5 years. :) They don't do anything but eat other pests and look creepy.

 

Good luck with the decision!

[mommymilkies]

Honestly, that all sounds great (barring the burglaries, lol). Honestly, I was raised in a big city and am very introverted, so small talk, eye contact, having to talk to everyone...really bothers me. I'm friendly, but live in a very rural town where everyone knows everything about you and you're expected to talk to everyone every time you see them. It's very annoying. I just want to grabs loaf of bread, dang it!!! Lol

 

As for houses, we have 1800 sq ft now and that's more than enough if the house layout is better-this one sucks. More outside space is more important than having over 2000 sq ft.

 

What about inclement weather? I saw flooding is an issue. What about earthquakes? Tornadoes? I'm used to tornadoes, provided it have shelter.

 

As for teaching-college, but not tenured phD, so pay is higher than elementary teachers and lower than high school! ;)

[mommymilkies]

I'm about 45-60 minutes southwest of Mt Vernon and this part of the country is my idea of heaven. (I grew up in Alaska, lived in Oregon and Ohio and Arizona before coming back here.) That said, I don't think I could handle the East Coast so if you love it out there...hm. Tough one.

 

Mt Vernon is pretty surrounded by farmland, so space isn't that much of an issue hopefully. What do you plan to do with your acre? What do you have in mind for that 15 minute commute? (That is, a lot of people move from big cities and expect long commutes time-wise even if distance is short, and vice versa...assuming if you're "15 minutes" from work that it will take you much longer sometimes.)

 

There is a lot of homeschool support in this area, and there are these parent partnership programs if you want your kids to take some publicly funded classes in addition to homeschooling...this is the one in Mt Vernon: http://sflc.mountvernonschools.org/

 

In some areas, people do have a problem with house spiders, and in fact I've heard that some folks will never live in the Northwest because of Giant House Spiders. That said, I live in an old farmhouse and have had maybe one in 4.5 years. :) They don't do anything but eat other pests and look creepy.

 

Good luck with the decision!

Commute-dh has a 5 minute commute now, so he hates commuting. But I'm willing to commute for kids activities...some. Right now we drive almost two hours away to violin once a week, so anything is better than that!

 

I'm ok with spiders. Dh used to research black widows and tarantulas, so he knows what to watch for. ;)

 

Land-garden space, a couple goats and chickens, and space for the kids to be kids. Our .25 acre is just too small and we are rural folk. I get claustrophobic easily.

 

Thank you, everyone! The application process is long, so it will be awhile before I even find out anything!

[mommymilkies]

 

I'd check Zillow for housing. If you let me know your budget, I'd happily let you know of some good neighborhoods in MV in that price range... have a couple friends selling right now too in the 300,000 range. One in particular is really nice, but only on about .5 acres. Housing isn't too cheap around here compared to other parts of the country.

 

 

Our remodeled historic 1800 sq ft home was $75k, and we have a teacher's salary, so we are spoiled for housing. Lol That's why I'd be willing to live a little further out so that we can afford a house and a little more yard space. When I briefly checked out housing, it appeared cheaper than when I looked for a place in Portland! but still more expensive than I'm used to.

[Mnemosyne]

Flooding is a yearly thing, often around November. Most of MV isn't that affected, the more rural towns and the farm areas often are.

 

No tornadoes, very few earthquakes (and those are generally not even noticeable). Flooding is really the only thing. Snow, but not much usually. It's really fairly mild here. If  you want goats and chickens and such, you may need to look more at the outskirts or even outside of city limits. Not sure if they are allowed in city limits. West Mount Vernon (more farms and such) may be a good place to look) or even Big Lake or Sedro Woolley. Burlington is always an option if you don't see anything you like in MV, they may as well be the same city.

 

Sedro, Concrete... pretty much east country is going to be a lot cheaper and more rural.

[Tsuga]

I don't think there are a ton of burglaries here, sorry it came out that way. I just meant, it's the US, and there is crime, and burglaries are the worst part for the most part.

[mommymilkies]

I don't think there are a ton of burglaries here, sorry it came out that way. I just meant, it's the US, and there is crime, and burglaries are the worst part for the most part.

I gotcha. :) Meth and theft are huge here. But other than idiots stealing stuff from my yard, it's not usually an issue. I'll take burglaries over rape/murder. I used to live in Rockford. *shudder*

[Tsuga]

Sadly I think meth is just the scourge of rural America right now. :(

 

http://money.cnn.com/interactive/news/meth-lab-map/chartmapie.png

 

The dark part in Washington is Pierce County. It's actually not a bad place but there are a couple of pockets of really weird places where you get a ton of off-the-gridders, not because they love nature, but because they fear people. Plus there's a military base and a lot of creepazoids set up shop near installations because it's a guaranteed source of relatively young people with a stable income. :( And then, of course, there's poverty, and the land is pretty good there, so... meth labs and trailers.

 

On the upside, for you anyway, Skagit looks relatively free of meth labs. Who knew?

[mommymilkies]

Strangely enough, heroin is replacing meth in our tiny rural community. I wouldn't have guessed it. But they are less trouble than the meth addicts, so I guess that's something!

[msjones]

Honestly, that all sounds great (barring the burglaries, lol). Honestly, I was raised in a big city and am very introverted, so small talk, eye contact, having to talk to everyone...really bothers me. I'm friendly, but live in a very rural town where everyone knows everything about you and you're expected to talk to everyone every time you see them. It's very annoying. I just want to grabs loaf of bread, dang it!!! Lol

 

As for houses, we have 1800 sq ft now and that's more than enough if the house layout is better-this one sucks. More outside space is more important than having over 2000 sq ft.

 

What about inclement weather? I saw flooding is an issue. What about earthquakes? Tornadoes? I'm used to tornadoes, provided it have shelter.

 

As for teaching-college, but not tenured phD, so pay is higher than elementary teachers and lower than high school! ;)

The weather is gray and drippy and chilly for much of the year (3 seasons with breaks now and then on a good year).  Some people really struggle with that after they move here.  

 

Earthquakes -- yes.  Supposedly we're 'due' for a big one, but haven't had a big one for at least 10 years now.  

 

No tornadoes.  

 

Definitely flooding if your house is in a flood zone.  The rivers flood just about every spring in certain areas.

 

No nasty bugs other than the previously mentioned house spiders.  They are horrifying.  

[Tsuga]

Strangely enough, heroin is replacing meth in our tiny rural community. I wouldn't have guessed it. But they are less trouble than the meth addicts, so I guess that's something!

 

It's always easier at first because the prices are low. Prices rise, people get desperate, and that's when it all goes downhill.

[pollyanna]

I am about 90min South of MV (Seattle) and from the NE. It can be dreary. I struggled with it for the first few years. Its never truly HOT here and some years it can feel like we barely saw the sun at all. I do love this part of the country though!

[mommymilkies]

Well, looks like we're looking at Mount Vernon again! The job opened back up!