Couple getting ready to go

[yvonne]

Hello...
We're looking to prepare for retirement from the rat race in a busy CA area to somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. We'd like to find land, probably 2-3 acres, and are looking for suggestions on an area. So far the Oregon coast (Coos Bay) and Washington's Olympic Peninsula appeal to us. Basically we want a place that's fairly rural but within driving range of a larger city. A place with a friendly atmosphere, available services, etc.
Any feedback on these areas, or suggestions for elsewhere, would be greatly appreciated.

[chinaco]

welcome.

[Keim]

If you aren't looking to live near an ocean, Moscow, Idaho fits the description quite nicely. Small college town, with all the arts and culture that implies, with an easy drive to Spokane, Washington.

Moscow Chamber of Commerce

[Dog]

The coast is a fairly long drive from Seattle or Tacoma. There are la number of islands in the Puget Sound area that have relatively short drives to Seattle, but could involve a ferry ride. It really depends on what you want to spend and what you consider "within driving range" and "a larger city" to mean. Bellingham is a nice size city on the puget sound, lots of rural area nearby and close to Vancouver, B.C. (also home to Western Washington University).
Weather might also be a consideration for you since you are relocating from California.

[socca]

There was a recent long thread regarding the pros/cons of living in the Pacific NW. A little search might uncover it.