[Suggestions on where to live]

On 6/18/2019 at 11:22 PM, JayB said:

Based on your requirements, I'd rule out just about anyplace west of the Cascades for an infinity of reasons. Focus on Leavenworth/Mazama. If you are willing to live up to 30 minutes away you may find that rates are a bit more reasonable. Probably not much of a singles scene in Chumstick or Cashmere, but life's all about tradeoffs.

Also - if you are mostly into rock climbing, then Walla Walla is worth a look. Between the wine scene and the presence of a small liberal arts college, it punches above its weight culturally for a town its size, has reasonable access to crags, is right next to the blue mountains, etc. There's a geology professor at Whitman named Kevin Pogue who's been active for decades that could give you a pretty good rundown on what it's like to live there. 

 

Appreciate the suggestions! I'm more focused on finding a core group of likeminded mountaineers to venture forth with than a good singles scene. Asheville's ruined the singles scene enough for me to swear off dating forever. (Crystals. Are. Not. Deodorant. OK?)

As for rock climbing, I'm very much a novice there. Right now I'm focusing on building my aerobic base and learning the basic skills I need to slog it safely up the less-technical peaks. That will change as I get more experience, though.

[Suggestions on where to live]

@DPS You're the best. Thank you very much!

[Suggestions on where to live]

Sounds like I need to look into Bellingham and Seattle 'burbs! 

I might consider Leavenworth and Mazama. I'll need to rent, so those will be dependent on property availability. I also have two pit bulls, so that tends to limit things as well. Olympia is interesting, but I'd rather be closer to climbing if possible.

Wondering... does anyone have a favorite Seattle neighborhood? 

[Suggestions on where to live]

@JasonG Thanks for the intel!

[Suggestions on where to live]

Hey folks! I'm considering a move in the next year to Washington to get closer to mountaineering opportunities. At the moment I'm based in Asheville, where unsurprisingly there's not much to say for a mountaineering/alpine community. I've never been to the PNW before, so I'm flying a bit blind here. What would you consider the best places in Washington to live in terms of finding mountaineering community, education, and ascents?

More context:

From what I've found online so far, Seattle seems like the preferred option. Thing is, I grew up in Washington D.C. and I'm not super fond of living in a busy metropolitan zone. I have two dogs who need a big ol' fenced backyard to run, and I need some space to stay sane. A smaller town sounds appealing (Leavenworth maybe?), but I worry it'd be too far from the educational clubs/courses in Seattle, and possibly too far from the community. I work remotely and can technically live anywhere with a solid internet connection. 

I appreciate the help!