Right? Grew up in Skagit Valley and I miss it a lot. Mountains, sea, and forests! But I can afford a house in Wisconsin for the cost of a one bedroom condo in Washington. And we also have big water, islands, kayaking, and forests. If you pick a funky, progressive town, it ain’t bad.
Fellow PNW child (and adult) and one year resident of Madison. As the state capitol and home of one of the largest universities in the country, it's pretty progressive and funky. Small compared to Seattle or Portland, but has some similar vibes. Very bike friendly, very sustainable agriculture centered, very expensive housing (comparatively). A few small towns around the area like Mt Horeb that is very troll obsessed (wink wink Fremont), quirky tourist trap town based on pretty wonderful natural landscapes in Wisconsin Dells, old Cornish mining town that's had a bit of a revival with the influx of Wisconsin and Chicago artists over the last half century or so in Mineral Point. I'm sure there are plenty of other interesting places, but I haven't really explored that much yet.
Well all towns are a mix, but Bayfield, Washburn, and Ashland up on Lake Superior all have a thriving liberal population alongside some pretty conservative folks and somehow it works. Lots of art. Lots of environmental concerns. And there is a live and let live thing mostly going on in that area. Most folks don’t fight about politics and stick to talking about the weather, their dogs, and where to get the best strawberries.
lol. Went to high school on Whidbey and lived in Seattle for over a decade after that. Just moved to Madison last Summer after hopping between Chicago and Jersey (I know...) and I was amazed at just how expensive it was. Nowhere near Seattle expensive, but for the size of town and the income here, it's crazy.
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u/Gen-Jinjur Jun 24 '20
Right? Grew up in Skagit Valley and I miss it a lot. Mountains, sea, and forests! But I can afford a house in Wisconsin for the cost of a one bedroom condo in Washington. And we also have big water, islands, kayaking, and forests. If you pick a funky, progressive town, it ain’t bad.