Relocating from Midwest to Washington

[notnamed]

Moved from southwest Ohio to the pseudo rural city of Battle Ground which is just north of Vancouver, WA area and absolutely love it out here. It's a good transition area for a midwesterner heh. Few things though:

Do not come out here without landing a job first.

If planning to rent the first year the market is crazy. Expect $1500+ for a 3 bedroom and expect landlords to want 3 times that in income. Or 3 times rent times number of months in lease in savings. And expect to search long and hard for the privilege of meeting those demands. 2 dogs and a cat will close most doors to you.

If buying plan for a minimum of $250k for a 3 bed single family house.

There's no real winter here. Just a continuation of a rainy fall. But you can visit snow on the mountains whenever you want. Even middle of summer.

Housing and medical costs are the major cost of living differences. It in my case anyway the reduced taxes make up the housing difference and the health costs have no impact on my employer health plan. So cost of living is actually pretty even.

[AMeredith61385]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

It'll likely be cheaper for him to come out first, to apply for jobs, set-up interviews, etc., rather than moving everyone out here without a job.

What is your projected income? What is your housing budget and for what?

Projected income would hopefully be between $2500-3500/m just for my husband. Our housing income to buy would be around $150-200k unless he finds a really great paying job. Not sure what our options for renting will be only because of our pets.

We are thinking about filling out applications and scheduling interviews at the same time then flying out for interviews. I would tag along with the baby and explore housing options while he interviews. My sister volunteered to take care of older kiddos and pets while we fly out. Then plan a move as quickly as possible when he finds the right job.
We'll have about $15-20k in funds to cushion the traveling and move. Whatever is left can go into savings or as a down payment for a house.

[AMeredith61385]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

It'll likely be cheaper for him to come out first, to apply for jobs, set-up interviews, etc., rather than moving everyone out here without a job.

What is your projected income? What is your housing budget and for what?

oh and would prefer min 4 bed, 2 bath but we can made do with 3 bedrooms if there's an extra family room/den/office. With this many people, a 2 toilets or more house is a must for sure. 😆

[perigee]

Seacove proved to be correct on this one, I was being optimistic, but will concede the defeat.

OP, not really sure where you can expect to make that kind of money and find a 4 bed 2 bath or 3 bed with bonus room sub $200k. Like I mentioned you are coming from a place where your dollar goes far, to a place that people tend to give up some expectations for the trade off living in this state.

Stealth seems to be our resident frugal ubermensch, maybe they'll chime in with some ideas.

Best of luck.