How is Ellensburg, WA for an Outdoors-inclined Family? (Seattle, Yakima: homes, buy)

[Fiddlehead]

Hey all,

I am looking at a teaching position at Central Washington U. It would be a substantial paycut, so want to learn about cost of living and quality of life there. Also, what are the prospects for the future of the town and university?

We are a family of three living in S. Oregon. We love the outdoors, hiking, camping,etc. Also hope for good schools for my 6 y.o. son. How is the job situation? Housing market? Could we buy a 3br/2ba home with a good sized yard or land for under $250k?

Thanks in advance.

[JustCallMeTC]

My Alma Mater. A few things to know. Homes are reasonable. You're 100 miles from Seattle, and a mountain pass in between which can get really ugly in the winter.

You'll get 4 seasons there for sure. And you might not see the ground for a few months in the winter. It's pretty warm and dry in the summer, cold and also dry in the winter. And then there's the wind. It really is a factor, especially in the summer and fall. Bear in mind, it's a cow town, so there's the smell.

Having said all that, it is a nice small town that's close to amazing recreation. Hiking, skiing, water skiing, floating the Yakima River, wine country, and close to the Gorge Ampitheater (Great Summer Concerts) Close enough to Seattle that you can do it in a day.

Can't speak to the schools there, but you can go to Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and check all the test scores and compare the schools there to other areas.

[skinem]

TC has it right.
You should be able to get a 2/3 bedroom with decent yard for that or less.

Great outdoor rec opportunities and you can't get too much more centrally located for what the state has to offer!

[Fiddlehead]

Thanks folks, I appreciate the feedback. Sounds like it is worth looking into a bit more.

[j_k_k]

If your faculty position is in Psych, let me know--a friend of mine is a professor at CWU in that field. In fact, one of the few halfway balanced psych profs I've ever known. I think it's a reasonable school for its size. As far as the community goes, it's part ag and part college town, neither of which is going away any time soon. Economic prospects are not likely booming but also not likely busting.

I echo what others have said: Ellensburg is convenient to lots of outdoorsy stuff, and quite affordable. The vista of the valley as you come off Manastash Ridge heading north is one of my wife's favorite views--and one she sees often enough, having had various business-related dealings at CWU over the years. There's a viewpoint on the descent where once in awhile on a crystal clear moonless night we're willing to drive over an hour just to lay in the back of my truck and stare up at the stars free of urban light pollution. You're convenient to Leavenworth (which I personally consider ridiculous, but I'm in the minority about this odd northern WA town that woke up one morning and decided to play German), skiing (at and near the pass), lots of fresh regional produce, and as much hiking as you can possibly want. Vantage is beautiful and not very far; same for concerts at George. A lot to like about it.

[cabocurtis]

As a former student and resident I echo what's been said. Good area for rafting down yakima river, hiking, boating on Columbia river, and good camping areas. Skiing is an hour away at Snoqualmie or in Wenatchee. As I look at colleges for my future high school graduate it reinforces what a good school Central was and likely is. Its a great balance between size and quality of teachers. In addition they have the best college football team in the state. Go Wildcats!

[Fiddlehead]

Originally Posted by cabocurtis

As a former student and resident I echo what's been said. Good area for rafting down yakima river, hiking, boating on Columbia river, and good camping areas. Skiing is an hour away at Snoqualmie or in Wenatchee. As I look at colleges for my future high school graduate it reinforces what a good school Central was and likely is. Its a great balance between size and quality of teachers. In addition they have the best college football team in the state. Go Wildcats!

Thanks everyone! Great to hear your perspectives on the town. I have a few more weeks before submitting an application. I welcome other thoughts about it.