Moving to Washington State, what should I expect?

[Palomino21]

Hey all, my husband and I are moving to Washington State, what should we expect? I've never lived anywhere other than Tornado alley. What is it like there? We are leaning more towards Olympia area.

Annie

[LoudLou]

Lots of trees... Lots of Rain... The Olympia area is nice.

http://www.theolympian.com/ The local newspaper

http://www.ci.olympia.wa.us/

http://access.wa.gov/living/index.aspx

[Cataholic]

Lots of green....lots of misty days.....very temparate weather....lots of coffee...he he he. That was my favorite part, and the thing that pushed me from affeciadnado to addict!!!

[RubyMutt]

Good choice

Lots of trees, gray skies, very moderate weather, and HORRIBLE traffic (the only downside, IMO ). I don't think I could ever permanently live anywhere other than Washington, it's without a doubt the most gorgeous state I've ever been to. If you're an outdoorsy person like myself, Western Washington is paradise

I've referred this site to friends visiting from out of town, it's pretty good:
http://www.experiencewashington.com/

[catland]

If you like to get out on the weekends you are only a couple of hours from the coast or the mountains. You are about an 90 minutes south of Seattle and a couple of hours north of Portland.

I'm not 100% sure of Olympia - but down here in Portland it is an allergy sufferer's nightmare with the damp winters and the mold and pollen. The eastern parts of both states are much drier.

Also, once again not being able to speak for Olympia, but in general this area has been the slowest to bounce back economically. We still have a higher than average unemployment rate so be careful if you come out here with out employment unless you are in a field that is still doing well.

Once you survive the winters, the summers are wonderful. Mild weather - no tornados, no earthquakes, no blistering neverending heatwaves.

Good luck on your decision.

[Lillycat]

sounds like a great state to live in to me!!!