I love it here but…

Submitted by No-Cod7466 t3_105bxvb in Washington

I’ve lived here my whole life and I absolutely love it, but that’s the problem. I want to experience new things but I can’t imagine anything better in terms of outdoors, is there anywhere you guys have been that offer a similar but different experience. I want to move somewhere else and do new things but I don’t think anything can top the pnw, any suggestion will be appreciated

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Brandowmayor t1_j3a3196 wrote

The western half of Canada is very similar but way larger. Provincial parks in Canada feel very similar to our national parks.

Alaska

Maine

Northern California

Western Wyoming/western Montana

North Idaho

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3afttx wrote

Yeah a lot of the comments are starting to sway me in favor of Canada

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poppinwheelies t1_j3azcgd wrote

Hate to be that guy but it’s very difficult to just “move to Canada”. They have immigration laws there, too.

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avitar35 t1_j3czqsq wrote

However they’re also planning to substantially grow their population so if OP has a degree or some kind of technical experience it should be pretty easy to go through that process.

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Old-AF t1_j3a8j3z wrote

I have been in 32 of our states, and 9 foreign countries. The only place I’ve seen, so far, that compares to here is Switzerland.

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3afnkq wrote

Where in Switzerland have you been! I’d love to visit but don’t know where to start!

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Old-AF t1_j3ajxr2 wrote

We were in Crans Montana in the French Swiss Alps and then we did a short trip to the Matterhorn in Zermott, which is the German side. It was very lovely and so we’re the people.

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Hopsblues t1_j3dpfir wrote

r/SwitzerlandIsFake

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Quiet-Context_ t1_j3a1nbj wrote

Go travel and figure it out. Northeast is nice, people love Colorado. Utah seems to be getting popular. Northern CA has redwoods. Google places and travel. Also, try out places that are out of your comfort zone and see how they feel. If you move somewhere and don't like it, move somewhere else or back to WA. WA isn't going anywhere.

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3ag0dg wrote

This is honestly what I needed to hear, for some reason I feel like if I move away from Washington it’s going to disappear or something

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funwhileitlast3d t1_j3bcqbs wrote

I’ll double up on this comment. No, nothing is LIKE the PNW. But some things have their own beauty that’s different. I find Colorado to be drier and more intense in its own way. The population centers are right against the big ranges, creating a wild culture of outdoorsy people in big cities.

The NE is softer. Smaller mountains, less stunning views from a photographic sense, but there’s a gentleness to the landscape that can be just breath taking if you give it time. Wander the woods of VT/NH/Maine and you’ll see what I mean.

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roochimie t1_j3aeaxl wrote

I agree with your suggestion of visiting, however, I would caution to stay away from Utah - the Great Salt Lake is drying up and releasing toxins (heavy metals) in the form of dust. The Colorado river basin is also drying up and water in general is going to become an issue out there in the near future and the state government isn't doing anything about it as they care more about business than people. Outside of that, your list looks good, I would possibly add Oregon to it as well.

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Alarmed_Economics_90 t1_j3a1xfb wrote

My wife and I talk about this all the time. Nowhere in America, save Hawaii, could be better. (We don't want to move to Hawaii for a few reasons, but cost is the big one.)

When it warms up from climate change, Alaska might be in the running, but I think we're stuck unless we want to leave the country.

(I came from Colorado, btw - 20 years there - it's great but.. it's not as good. Mainly because we're green, they're brown.)

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nbuggia t1_j3b31y7 wrote

I’m from Maine. It is equally beautify, but in a slightly different way. It has 2,000 miles of the most beautiful coast line that I’ve seen anywhere in the world. Lots of woods, small mountains and much more of a sense of community then I’ve seen in Washington. Of course I’m biased, and I grew up in Maine so I have a different relationship vs someone moving there as an adult. But it is a truly wonderful place if you are looking for ideas. (downside: not a lot of great jobs, black flies)

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kataakitaa t1_j3arjqw wrote

Where do you live in WA? I want to move out there for the same reasons. I live on the east coast and hiked the entire appalachian trail. Ive been on the east coast my entire life and want to get out of my comfort zone and move somewhere completely new.

White Mountains in New Hampshire are where Id want to live if I stayed East or near the Adirondack area in NY.

Whatever you do, dont go to FL. Was able to paddle board and kayak lots of cool places but missed hiking way too much and gosh I hated the heat.

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ExcellentAd7397 t1_j3b2lr8 wrote

I tell you what the air here in pnw is unreal it’s addicting unless you live next to a salmon run during there dying season 🤮

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washdot t1_j3ctwhw wrote

My job allowed me to live other places and return here. I lived in Denver, Washington DC, Maryland, Tahoe City, CA, been to all 50 states, lived in Europe, brother lives in Maine and lived in WY. They just left WY and returned to Maine. So I was there a lot. Always return to WA. Keep your roots in WA, just do some travel. I would go to Maine and say, “where are all the tall tree forests”? They have forests but the trees are squatty and unimpressive. Mountains unimpressive after experiencing anything west of Denver. I go to MT or WY almost every winter to ski…yes, beautiful, but I find the people weird. Weather on the east coast in the summer? Do you like to sweat in the humidity? Do you like bugs? Just do some travel…you’ll be really glad to come back to WA.

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[deleted] t1_j3anidq wrote

I grew up in WA but moved to Madison, WI for about 5 years. I cannot say enough good things about it.

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[deleted] t1_j3bgifx wrote

How’s the snow 😂

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[deleted] t1_j3d6ony wrote

I know, but the advantage there is people actually know how to drive in it and they’re good about clearing streets and sidewalks. Even with way more snow it’s way better than the minimal snow we get here.

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Practical-Stuff- t1_j3bi04b wrote

I grew up in Oregon and have lived in Washington, Arizona, and New Mexico. Last year we bought an RV and traveled Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas to pick a place to live. Ultimately we chose to buy a house in Washington and I’m really happy with the decision. We have family in Oregon so staying semi close was a factor, if it wasn’t I might have chosen northern New Mexico. For some reason Washington has always just felt like home though, I’ve moved back four times over the past 12 years, to Anacortes, Vancouver, and Spokane, it truly has a lot to offer.

I would say though, if you’re young and don’t have a ton of commitments, you should pick a place and go for it.

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FizzgigsDentist t1_j3a84yg wrote

I currently live in Reno. I'm just a short 20 minute drive from Tahoe. I love the lake and surrounding forests. Not a bad drive to Yosemite either

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Spookylittlegirl03 t1_j3b5ofi wrote

Why can’t you just travel and keep living in Washington? Seems more expensive to move/uproot your life, when you could travel & see new things, but keep experiencing your lovely home base, so to speak.

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Visual_Collar_8893 t1_j3a148x wrote

You have to expand on what ‘new things’ means to you. The world is large and there are many places just as beautiful. What is it that you want to see and experience?

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3afjtv wrote

Yeah the world is a huge place, that’s what scary 😅

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curtmandu t1_j3c7ef8 wrote

I’m awfully fond of Appalachia. My dad has a few acres outside of Beckley WV. Very lush and green, but still different than it is here, in its own ways.

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bananapanther7 t1_j3a4r3t wrote

Banff, AB

Estes Park, CO

Bend, OR

Jackson, WY

All of Alaska

Been to all of these places and they’ve all been unique in their own way. Go and travel and see what you like!

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3afgry wrote

Banff is on the list of places we were considering, I love it there, are there any trails or locations there that could possibly turn a tourist into a local, I’d love to check them out !

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bananapanther7 t1_j3afl2b wrote

For sure!

For the record, I haven’t been to every square inch of Alaska, but it’s worth considering.

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someguy_358 t1_j3a7d2u wrote

Utah has some of the coolest national parks in the country.

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3af9r8 wrote

I almost went to college In Utah, I love it there, but it seems so far from everything else

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12-32fan t1_j3ajdkr wrote

I’ve lived here the majority of my life, I’ve moved out of state a few times but I keep coming back

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mesmee t1_j3a0nkx wrote

Colorado

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GuardianSock t1_j3a7wip wrote

Wife grew up here and moved to Hawaii with a friend. Friend is still in Hawaii over a decade later, and we’re back here. I think she was in a similar boat and loved it enough to come back, but enjoyed the adventure of Hawaii.

If you’re young, explore. You never know what’s out there if you don’t look.

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3af6fv wrote

I really want to explore, I’m just nervous to venture beyond what I know I guess 😅

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mossy-log t1_j3ajhog wrote

I think Maine is fairly comparable. I just moved to WA and that’s the only other place I like as much.

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Lirpa_the_Lurker t1_j3akfub wrote

I hear ya. I don’t think that I could ever leave this northwest crisp air. The more that I travel, the more that I realize that I want to explore more of the PNW. I’d prefer you try Chelan, Yakima wine country, or the San Juan’s over traveling out of the region.

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eyeoxe t1_j3alut0 wrote

I know its more populated out east, but I would love to know if it feels crowded, or if cities are just closer together.

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puma8604 t1_j3av7hg wrote

Go to South Island of New Zealand

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Fairybanks t1_j3b8edm wrote

Grew up my whole life 40 min. North of Seattle, moved to Alaska at 24. Now I go back to Washington and I absolutely don’t think I could ever bring myself to move back. Alaska ruins you.

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Old-Emphasis9994 t1_j3bc6i7 wrote

I grew up in PNW and moved to Northern California for my BA and then lived in San Diego for 3 years for my MA. I think SD is wonderful. Balboa Park, perennial sunshine, 20min to the beach, chill hippy vibes, healthy beautiful people. Cost of living was rough but, the quality of life was great. I then moved back up to WA and felt very different about it. Especially when it gets dark at 4pm in October. It’s still the most beautiful place on earth in the summer, and the puget sound is so good for the soul- but id recommend trying San Diego, or just beach life in general.

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ChampagneStain t1_j3bfhdc wrote

I highly recommend an Alaska trip. If you like majestic scenery like the PNW, it’s kinda like that but on a much MUCH larger scale. Like, mind-blowing big. Explore the southeast. Get on your feet and hike. To me, it’s the absolute best place on the planet to explore. I also like people, and music, and culture, so live in Seattle to get that social fix, but travel to Alaska at least once a year to really absorb true wilderness.

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_kurtvon t1_j3cgpky wrote

I just moved to WA from NYC area. I spent much of my time in the Adirondacks of upstate NY. Lake placid is a great mountain town with tons of lakes for canoeing. I feel like that’s the closest I’ve experienced which compares to the PNW. Also costal Maine is gorgeous and reminds me of the port towns here.

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danielletheninja t1_j3ea54o wrote

I live in NYC and I’m currently thinking about moving back to the PNW. Born and raised in northern California and lived in North Idaho from high school up until 2018 when I moved to NYC and I’m desperately wanting to move out.

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kR4in t1_j3co64i wrote

I've personally moved to Oklahoma and I know others who have moved to Texas and Kansas and they have all returned to Washington except me. My move was a recent mistake lol and I'm still trying to figure out what to do about it

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jd1955rn1985 t1_j3cpvgk wrote

If you’re under 30 I’d recommend getting a working holiday visa and moving to New Zealand. The scenery of the South Island definitely rivals Washington and there are less people.

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EmilyG702 t1_j3d15x3 wrote

I moved from Las Vegas and stayed and visited many other states. There’s nowhere like the pnw. I love it here.

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-make-haste-slowly- t1_j3d4d9o wrote

Give Northern Arizona a try. Flagstaff is in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the world, and is bordered to the north by a sacred strata volcano. It is the first STEM community in the US and the first Dark Sky City. Northern Arizona University provides funding for research, and the USGS has a large presence as well. The Grand Canyon south rim is an hour away for hiking, and Flag has a large river rat presence in town too. Sedona is 45 mins away off of the Mogollon Rim (the Southern edge of the Colorado plateau), and offers amazing red rock hiking and vortex Crystal magic if that is your thing. There is a large influence of the Navajo, Hopi and other tribes. I could go on and on. It’s a special place and the housing prices reflect that. It has been called “poverty with a view” by locals for more than a decade.

Oh, and AZ is the 3rd most bio diverse state in the union given its large elevational gradient and mixtures of different ecosystems like the Sonoran, Mojave, Colorado Plateau, Basin and Range, sky islands… also some of the birds found in the extreme south eastern portion of the state can be found no where else in the country so it’s a Mecca for birders as well.

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cwwmillwork t1_j3ee9t2 wrote

Agree with this one being from Washington State and lived in Scottsdale Arizona for 12 years. It's very different. Another beautiful location.

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Vivid-Winner t1_j3di7e6 wrote

I’m from Colorado. Mountains and trails are something else here and camping has always been my best memories. 300 days of sunshine too.

I’ve been very lucky to grow up here and I’m in the same position of wanting to leave and do new things. Washington is actually plan currently. Saving up to move 2024.

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cwwmillwork t1_j3edpgc wrote

Colorado is beautiful. Absolutely love that place for hiking.

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veritasius t1_j3elp84 wrote

You’re already in a great location, close to Montana, Idaho, Oregon, California and British Columbia if you want, but you’re already in a great state all by itself. I visit from Indiana frequently and I’ve yet to see all that I want to see. Maine is nice, but I really wonder if any of those advocates have spent much time in the PNW. I’ve spent my life in the Midwest and it sucks to have nothing cool anywhere nearby so when my mother dies I’m heading west for good. And if anyone mentions that the Midwest is affordable my head is going to explode. There’s much more to life than affordable mediocrity

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ReluctantCartog89 t1_j3r23qy wrote

Santa Cruz County, CA. Has redwoods, lush forests, killer mountain biking and every type of beach / oceanside environment you could want within an hour. 17-mile drive, Point Lobos, Half Moon Bay. Pinnacles NP within an hour, vast Santa Lucia range and Big Sur for hiking. and Tahoe is only 3 hours away. Shasta, Bend, and NE Oregon are only 8-10 hours away. Laguna Seca raceway for world class racing. The people are friendly and generally level-headed. I left WA and didn’t think I’d find anything better. I was wrong. Cons: real estate and jobs

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stimpalimpadingdong t1_j3a9z1t wrote

East Tennessee is underrated

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No-Cod7466 OP t1_j3aezee wrote

I’ve honestly never experienced the south east at all, is there anywhere over there you’d point someone in the direction of to get a good idea of what it’s all about

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Pretty_Inspector_791 t1_j3ajvc8 wrote

You should get out and about. There is nothing like experience. I've lived all over and found good (and bad) everywhere.

SE USA can be very nice but likely to be something of a cultural shock.

I remain a big fan of NW New Mexico and SW Colorado.

We also enjoyed the Texas Hill Country.

The Coastal Range of Northern California was special when I spent time there some years ago. No idea what it is like today.

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loco_cascadian t1_j3am3wt wrote

It's different depending on where you go in the SE. If you want mountains, East Tennessee or Western North Carolina are pretty rad with lots of outdoor activities and public land. Asheville NC has a bit of a PNW vibe going on (not something very prevalent in the South). The winters are quite mild but if you ski or board you'll be disappointed. If you want beach the Gulf Coast of Florida and Alabama are hard to beat. I'm from the PNW and moved to Charleston SC a couple of years ago from WA, it was really hard to leave but I'm 20 minutes from the beach and 3 hours from the mountains. The food is great, people friendly, and cost of living a little lower.

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