Hmm. I am not sure yet where I want to live. Because I tend to move between clients, I think I will probably make a map with 25 largest companies in the area on it, and triangulate possible neighborhoods from where they tend to cluster. I still will likely end up with an evil commute sometimes, but that is part of my field of work. I am not worried about the weather (except making sure I can ski if there is snow, knowing that snowfall is flukey everywhere these days). Okay. I am going to pack bags for Goodwill now!
It’s hard to think of the weather as a negative. as we’ve had such a warm, dry winter, I forgot whatever I was complaining about! Even in bad years, it’s not so bad, really. I would probably not live right in Seattle, as it is pretty expensive, however if you’re looking at condos, I think you could still get something reasonable. Another way to get a good deal is to rent out a floor of a house. Two friends we have rent out the top floor of two separate houses in Seattle, and rarely see the owners. There are separate entrances. There are locations outside of Seattle, but still commuting distance to Seattle that are more reasonable.
As far as people, I think if you join a group, you can find friends. There are groups for everything, especially athletic groups, hiking and biking. We don’t really have big churches, so the concept of everything you do being focused around your church is rare. People here are universally nice, but non intrusive, so maybe that’s why some think it’s hard to find friends. But if you go with your interests, keep meeting with the same groups of people, I think it’s pretty easy.
we spent last week in the Methow valley. Sunny everyday, the stars are * breathtaking*, and the snow was skiable.
It takes about four hours to drive over during the winter when highway 20 is closed, but it is so worth it.
http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20121130-cross-country-skiing-in-washingtons-methow-valley
Duplexes are really common in the Twin Cities, so a larger house split into two separate living units like you described above. I am open to the idea of a duplex, although here they tend to be older houses. I lived in a 100 year old house in St. Paul for many years, then about 10 years ago moved to a brand new house in a rural area within commuting distance of the cities. I admit to liking the conveniences of newer housing/apartment stock. 
But I think I will be flexible on this. I won’t really be looking in earnest until I know for sure when I am moving, of course. I did like living more “in town”, and don’t really want to live in a suburb when I move. But we will see… the apartments I looked at online last week seemed to be about the same as apartments in town here for the same square feet and amenities, so that is good. I wouldn’t want to live right downtown, but I like “city neighborhoods” if that makes sense. Probably won’t attempt to pin it down any further until I can come out for a visit.
So I am wondering if there is a state business tax on S-Corporations. I assume I will probably form a new S-Corp in WA state. Here in MN (and at the federal level), the net income passes through to my personal return. With no personal income tax in WA, I am curious about how that income will be taxed. I will have to do some online research on this…
Yeah, really, it’s probably not even worth worrying about specific location until you decide where the companies are located, and go take a look. It would be a big difference if they companies you are looking at are more clustered in Bellevue, as opposed to Seattle. It would be a tough decision as far as the apartment/condo, or duplex. On one hand you get the workout facilities and amenities, but far more neighbors. My friends have such a great deal with the entire floor. Only one person near them, who is really quiet, and a lot of space, but no gym. I think there are still some decent deals in Seattle, though, as long as you aren’t going to buy a house.
We have good friends who moved back to Tacoma. They love it. Plenty of snow in the Methow…but not plenty of snow at their house. They have had a particularly mild winter.
Just did 23 yrs in S. Only thing I miss–good ramen. But it will come.
Wait, ramen is all you miss about Seattle, or your last place? If Seattle, how could you not miss the sight of Mt Rainier looming, the Cascades, the Olympics, the lakes, the Puget Sound, any athletic thing you desire?
Maybe he moved to Alaska
Well, I wouldn’t say there was * plenty* of snow, in the Methow. The downhill resort, Loup-Loup, is closed, and we could have another bad fire season, as well as water rationing in the west side this year.
But certainly lots of recreational opportunities.
You might consider joining a sport related group like the Mountaineers, or the Snoqualmie Nordic club.
S corporations don’t file tax on income, but there is a B & O tax on receipts.
http://dor.wa.gov/content/FindTaxesAndRates/IncomeTax/
Ive been out working in the yard all day in a light fleece pullover, barefoot in my garden clogs. Last night we walked three blocks to a micro brewery, and ate from one of the rotating food trucks.
For ramen we go about five blocks farther.
http://bloomballard.com/current-menu/
Soon it will be time for Mai Tai slurpees.
Hmm… even though the B&O for my type of business is on Gross Proceeds, it would still be a lot less than I pay in MN on the net proceeds passed to my personal return!
Enough snow to go cross country skiing in Methow, @emeraldkity4? We’re thinking of going either there or Leavenworth in a couple of weeks, to go cross country skiing or snow shoeing. Though we don’t have any skis, I’m sure REI rents them, or maybe we can get them in the area. This has been the best winter ever! Except for downhill skiing.
We were in Mazama a week ago, to ski, which was fine for my purposes, and they may have gotten some new snow.I would go to Winthrop to rent skis, they are new and well priced at Winthrop Mt Sports, on the main drag through town.
http://www.winthropmountainsports.com/index2.html
Methow Trails has an app that will tell you the trail conditions and when they were groomed.
http://www.methowtrails.org
There are also lots of snowshoe trails (& even ski trails where you can take your dog.
I love it here in the Seattle area. A couple years ago a joined a few hiking / snow shoeing groups and formed close friendships quickly. I am downsizing and briefly considered moving back to where I grew up, but this is really an amazing place and I can’t imagine living anywhere else. Yes, it’s expensive and you have to make compromises, but there are options.
Coming from MN, you will barely notice the weather. We moved out to the Seattle suburbs in 1998 from upstate NY.
A rain hat, Gore Tex jacket, and waterproof shoes make this area’s weather comfortable.
We participate in many of the city activities. We have pared down our memberships this year -currently Seattle Mountaineers, ACT theater subscribers, and National Geographic lecture series - but have been to most of the others at some point.
My wife has an S-corp and just sent a $1900 check to King County. They have property taxes on inventory and equipment. She also has to pay a state tax on revenue. http://dor.wa.gov/content/FindTaxesAndRates/BAndOTax/Default.aspx#whatis
We are an outdoors family - bikes, hikes, camping, skiing and fishing. S2 was XC skiing in the Methow a couple weeks ago and went on a hike yesterday to Annette Lake. The trails are open unusually early this year, though still cold and some snow at 3600’.
Given a choice, we would probably be in Ballard with EK4, but our jobs are over here on the Eastside.
We considered Seattle for retirement- before son moved there. Ended up in FL for weather-much more sunshine even though it rains many more inches here. Excellent, liberal choice you are making. Find your job then your area to live in. btw- Seattle Norwegians more than the Swedes of MN I thought(Norwegians in south central WI- there is a difference!).
Plenty of Norwegians in MN too . . . Um Ya Ya!
Great skiing info, thanks!
It’s so neat to read this thread. One of my kids accepted a job offer for a company in Seattle after graduation. Neither my husband or I have been there and our son was only there for about 30 hours. Sounds like a great city! I’m looking forward to visiting.