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shebringsdathings t1_j5jrldj wrote

Ok, so I've got some unique experiences I can share here. I grew up in the area, (admittedly the eastside of Seattle not south) and then I moved to Wisconsin. I lived near Madison for 10 years and loved every minute of it. The people in the Midwest are SO welcoming and caring. Neighbors look out for each other and family/community is a real thing.

Please understand, you are moving to one of the most socially hostile areas. There are nice people everywhere, please don't misunderstand me. However, you will definitely experience some culture shock.

The woods are amazing! It is not terribly practical to live in them. I cannot speak specifically to the areas you mentioned, so I will leave the details to others.

However, 40k is going to be tight. It's difficult to find a rental for less than $1000 a month out here. Gas is $4 a gallon. Eggs are $6. A beer at a pub is $7. I just want to warn you ahead of time about the financial strain, the emotional island most of us live on, and the weather. You know how sometimes it's -20 degrees outside, but at least it's sunny out back there? We will regularly go 2 WEEKS without seeing the sun. Yes we own fewer long johns, but do you have 6 raincoats and waterproof lightweight boots? You'll live in them 9 months a year.

Good luck, whatever you do!

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Apfelwein t1_j5kxw23 wrote

West coast native, I am always so jarred the first couple interactions when I travel Midwest. Like why are you talking to me in an elevator lol, I’m not prepared for this.

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shebringsdathings t1_j5kyjie wrote

The genuine nature and innocence of the Midwest people is jarring! I'm fascinated by what that really says about us.

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Apfelwein t1_j5lauip wrote

Nothing good no doubt.

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rosesandpiglets t1_j5lq5fz wrote

Fair.

But honestly, some places where people seem super friendly, they’ll also talk shit the second you turn your back. At least we’re upfront and honest

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uhhidontcare t1_j5s9uy6 wrote

I’m from the Midwest and actually hate this. Moved to Olympia this year and love it. Funny enough we went on a hike in the Olympics and passed a handful of people with nothing more than a polite hi. Then we passed this older couple who asked about what’s to come on their route (where we came from) and it turned into a ten minute conversation we couldn’t get out of…because they were from the Midwest. Had to do an abrupt “enjoy, BYE!” to get out of it. Definitely don’t miss that shit.

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fatmanchoo t1_j5kxuyt wrote

Socially hostile is the most interesting and yet the the most fitting term I have heard so far to describe W. Washington people.

Emotional island is also correct.

One thing I will add, and this could be a plus or a minus, is that recent reports have WA state adults (adults only) among the highest in the nation for "illicit drug use", and lowest when it comes to substance abuse treatment.

A LOT of people are using... for various reasons.

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Merfkin t1_j5l8u2u wrote

"For various reasons"

$1200/month studio apartments and mental healthcare being a luxury service reserved for the middle-class and up are probably the biggest reasons.

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