| Weather |
Lousy most of the time. It rains a
lot. One TV commercial suggested that prospective visitors prepare themselves by
taking a cold shower, in their clothes, for about a month. It's common not to see
the sun for 30 or 40 days in row. Weather reporters use the term 'sun-break' to
describe momentary glimpses of the sun. Sun-breaks are newsworthy here.
However, the Summers are nothing short of spectacular, albeit short.We
do have a unique weather vocabulary here in the Pacific Northwest. |
| Schools |
Great private schools but not many of
them. The public schools are also very good. |
| Housing |
Surprisingly expensive.
Big companies like Microsoft and Boeing have driven up real estate prices by double digits
each year since 1990. Seattle is far more expensive than
one would think! |
| People |
Wonderful. Northwesterners
are some of the friendliest people on earth. Very
unpretentious. You can go to the finest restaurants (and we got lots
to choose from) in an open shirt and cowboy boots and no body gives a
second look. |
| Crime |
Low
compared to most places although things seem to be changing. |
| Lifestyle |
Way cool. You name it, it's
here. Fly fishing is the best anywhere!
Lot's of antique cars as well since rust is not a problem. |
| Taxes |
Less than Northeast, but not as cheap as
you might think. |
| Environment |
The
Puget Sound area is spectacular and a trip into the San Juan Islands is
indescribably beautiful. I spend many of my weekends
just driving around in the hundreds of federal and state parks just taking in the
view. Magnificently rugged coastline, beautiful volcanic mountains, virgin forests,
white water rivers, and high desserts. |
| Food |
Like Salmon? I didn't think that
much of it until I moved out here. Now, give me a thick thick salmon steak,
marinated in mixture of fresh rosemary, thyme, balsamic vinegar and throw it on a
hot mesquite grill. Add the item below. Heaven! |
| Wine |
Washington is now producing some of the best
white wines on earth. It's
worth a visit to Chateau Ste Michelle Winery. It's Washington
state's oldest and most acclaimed winery and
offers award-winning wines and a tasting experience second to none.The
Chateau is located on historic grounds near Seattle. The winery
combines Old World winemaking tradition with New World innovation.
|
