December 3, 2009
I guess I should start the story with my last big move. When I moved to London, newly married and bright-eyed I had a short-list to find the perfect place to live: commutable within 30 minutes door-to-door, quick access to the Underground, convenient large shopping centre no more than 10 minutes away, and affordable (the hardiest criteria by far). Chelsea, Kensington, Pimlico, and Victoria, all in West London were lovely but fell short of the criteria, so we increased our search and found a lovely flat on the less fashionable Southside of the river, in Southwark, close to the Jubilee line that is hit every mark and more.
So here I am, beginning to look at the Wenatchee valley trying to find the best place to live and coming up with the short-list just isn’t as easy. Do I live in Wenatchee with its lovely downtown area, or do I live in East Wenatchee with its larger acreage, or do I live outside of both and commute into work everyday?
All the options meet my 30-minute commute requirement, and it would seem that public transportation is not really a viable option, and there is high quality shopping everywhere. So what’s the best answer?
The only thing to add to my selection criteria, from the last time, is that my family has expanded and I now have two kids that are both in primary school with very active extra-curricular calendars – swimming, football (soccer), dance, gymnastics, music – it seems the list is endless.
So the question, that I am posing to the readership is – if you were moving the Wenatchee Valley for the first time, and had a selection list like mine, where would you choose to live, and why?
Comments
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Goldy (G oldy) says...
First figure out which school you want your children to attend. There are reports on the various schools and some are more desirable because of their various programs . You definitely don't want to live out of town with two in school otherwise you'll find yourself driving into town ALOT. Also the bus schedule is earliest in the morning and latest in the afternoon for the school kids who live out of town. Check out the neighborhoods close to the schools you like. Your real estate agent should be able to also provide helpful neighborhood information. If you get a dog, don't let it be a big one that needs room, because it'll just drive your neighbors nuts with its barking from being cooped up in the backyard all day. East Wenatchee you get a great view, but you also get that late afternoon hot sun shining into your house.
December 3, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mavulous (mav ulous) says...
Hi Genie. It's been said that "home is where your heart is". IMO, roots have a lot to do with that--especially if one has positive memories associated with those roots. So, and again imo, the circle of life often takes us back to where we began...must be the salmon within us.
Now I've read all of your postings here as I found it interesting that you came from London. That said, I cannot hear a British accent when I read your words. No "our" endings anywhere to be seen as in colour and humour, etc. Of course, this is all beside the point as you are asking about where a stranger in Wenatchee should live. So I'll give you a straight answer and I think you should be extremely selfish in your decision: Live wherever "YOU" want to live. You see, this isn't about the kids. They're good at adapting as long as they can live with Mom and Dad in a peaceful setting and a peaceful setting means a happy location of YOUR choice. So for now if Wenatchee really is your choice, I suggest you find a good and knowledgeable local "guide" and see what the Valley has to offer and then when you find it difficult to leave that one particular offering because your heart really wants to stay, then you're there.
Having said all this, if you cannot find that place that you truly want to call "home" here, then the Internet should make it possible for you to explore options outside the local area while still maintaining your position here. If that still doesn't work, then no job is worth living in an area that doesn't make your eyes dance and your smile sing. JMO, but I suspect you may not have been entirely happy in London, which is why you passed by landmarks and extraordinary sites seated on a bus without ever really even seeing them. Don't make that mistake here. Enjoy our Valley if you honestly can and call it home if you so choose, but in the end if you find yourself climbing too many stairs, then take the elevator and follow your heart to wherever home really is for "YOU".
December 4, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
G oldy good point, I will remember no large barking dogs - actually thinking about a turtle; my daughter has wanted one for years.
Mavulous - I am sure that I can find a home that is perfect here, was hoping that those that have lived longer in this wonderful environment could give me a few pointers. Trying to git rid of the "ours" and "res" using spell check, but find it harder with biscuits, braces and flats.
December 4, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
douglas (Doug Shirk) says...
When my folks came out to visit 25 years ago, Dora and I gave them the dime tour (we're not cheapskates, although we didn't opt for the 25 cent delux package). All up and down the valley, Leavenworth, up the Entiat, the whole bit. Before they left, I asked Dad "If you moved here, where would you live/?"
"East Wenatchee" was his response.
My mother was aghast. "But Rick, every time we went over there you said you didn't like it."
"I don't," he responded. "But if I lived there, I wouldn't have to look at it."
No morale, just make sure the view's good......
December 4, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
Doug - Great story. That's the same experience my parents had when I brought them here during my interview process.
December 4, 2009 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Annsboy (Jerald Sargent) says...
I live in E-wen, wouldn't have it any other way. The lowest electricity rates in the nation, good schools, lower crime vs Wenatchee, plentiful irrigation water, less traffic, better local government (read less intrusive) generally more conservative. Can't think of one reason I would move to Wenatchee.
December 6, 2009 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Martin (Martin Reginald) says...
When using the term 'football' to describe soccer, it may be best to move to the Seattle area.
December 6, 2009 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
Annsboy - You raise very good points for E. Wen, is there any truth to the rumor of bridge traffic?
Martin - Went to the Wenatchee Wild game last night - maybe we'll switch sports affinities, sounds a much better option than moving to the other side of the mountain.
December 6, 2009 at 9:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
anniebear (Annie Bear) says...
Mysuggestion is the the historical district in Wenatchee. The houses have so much character, you are within walking distance to downtown, and the parks/trails are very close too so you can ride bikes with the kids in the spring/summer time. It is very centrally located for activities for kids (hence you can run home for a PB & J and not fastfood in between activities), As for all the pluses and minuses in Wenatchee you get free dumps ( I dont think they do in East Wenatchee and we can have as many garbage cans of garbage with out an over payment fee). Electricy may be a bit cheaper but not too much more it is still cheap in Wenatchee :) As for crime I can not answer factually but I would think per capita we are closer than people think.
However, this valley is a great place to raise a family and all the schools have incredibly dedicated educators, so no matter where you find a house Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Orondo, Malaga, I am sure it will feel like a home in no time at all
December 7, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Annsboy (Jerald Sargent) says...
Bridge traffic, why is it those who live in Wenatchee seem to work in east Wenatchee and Vs-vs?
If I had no kids I could see myself living in one of those converted lofts in an old warehouse downtown, too cool! close to the waterfront, downtown etc..
December 7, 2009 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mom (Susan Feil) says...
Martin,
I don't think they use "football" to describe soccer in Seattle, but they do in England and just about everywhere else in the world. I guess England is where you got the name, football, for soccer, Genie. Also, soccer or football, whatever, is pretty popular over here in Wenatchee, too.
As far as where to live, we do have a great view from almost anywhere in East Wenatchee. Not partial or anything, though.:-)
December 7, 2009 at 7:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
Thanks Anniebear, Annsboy and Mom for the thoughts.
I agree that downtown Wenatchee is a great option, where I am living now in an efficiency flat, and it would be perfect without the kids. It has fantastic architecture, that Doug commented on in an earlier post.
My daughter is definitely going to swim for the Barracudas so there is an appeal to keep close to the Eastmont YMCA, although a daily commute across the bridge to practice is workable.
December 8, 2009 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Martin (Martin Reginald) says...
"I don't think they use "football" to describe soccer in Seattle"
Oh, but I disagree. I've had the 'pleasure' of hanging around the 'enlightened' politically-correct, liberal, birkenstock-wearing, pretentious, tree-hugging-yet-SUV driving soccer-mom community in the Seattle area. Say the word 'soccer', and you get looks. Listen to the conversations and the word 'football' is always used to describe the sport.
I agree with you about the view, though :-)
December 8, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Mom (Susan Feil) says...
Martin,
You must be hanging around with the "wrong" people over there. LOL. My relatives are not that liberal, pretentious, etc... I guess. They always called it soccer. But, that has been many years and things change. The younger generation may now be calling it football. :-)
December 8, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Enesvy (Nicole Villacres) says...
Go, Cudas!!! :) I'm friends with Coach Bob.
.
I love Wenatchee. I live by Washington Park and absolutely love my location. Walking distance to downtown and to my job. Frankly, nothing is far away in Wenatchee or East Wenatchee. But I'm a Wenatchee fan.
.
Personally, I would not want to drive over the bridge during rush hour every day, but it wouldn't be a deal breaker if I found a good place in East Wenatchee.
December 9, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knight (Rainne Knight) says...
I've lived in the Wenatchee Valley off and on for ten years, and just moved from East Wenatchee to Wenatchee.
The pros to living in East Wenatchee (where we lived for three years): the view, less traffic, proximity to Costco.
Cons: 1) Dealing with bridge traffic during rush hour, whenever there was an accident, etc. Usually wasn't a problem, but when it was, it was a BIG problem. 2) Farther away whenever I wanted any store other than Costco or Fred Meyer...just not many shopping options on the East Wenatchee side, and sometimes it WAS too far to cross the bridge.
I've been living in Wenatchee now for two months, and I'm surprised by how much more I like it...and honestly, the views can be just as pretty. I'm living in the north end of Wenatchee, near Home Depot and Walmart, and am pretty surprised by how convenient the location is. We only cross the bridge now to make our weekly Costco shopping trip; everything else we need is right here. In winter, there are a lot of idiots driving in the snow, and the less you have to drive, the better.
One question I didn't catch from your post: are you looking to rent, or to buy in the immediate future? If renting, the property manager matters just as much as the location; there are some BAD managers around here that you should really avoid.
December 9, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
Definitely think I am going to rent for a while, and still conflicted after everyone's wonderful stories of one side of the river or the other as to appropriate location to purchase.
Plan on renting on the Wenatchee side and see what the counter commute for the swim team is like. My daughter just got PBs and qualifying times in all of her races for UK districts this past weekend, which just adds an additional level of complexity to the grand move.
December 9, 2009 at 8:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
knight (Rainne Knight) says...
Ok, renting: how much space are you looking for? Unless you like shoveling, I'd suggest renting a condo or in a smaller nice apartment complex so you don't have to mess with snow removal. Most homes for rent don't include shoveling the driveway. Some of the condos around here also include garages, and nearly all have at the minimum covered parking.
Public transportation for the kids around here is actually pretty decent. The Link buses are really geared well for school-aged kids, so I'd say look over the schedules to see if that would be of a benefit. If it would, then that takes a bit of the pressure off as far as location of housing.
December 12, 2009 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
David123 (David 123) says...
I'd say consider Cashmere. You'd be within 15 minutes of Wenatchee and 15 minutes of Leavenworth. Also there is bus service to both from Cashmere. You get your peace and quiet and mtn settings with access to every possible outdoor sport imaginable minutes away without the crowds and traffic.
December 12, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Genie (Genie Lutz) says...
David123 - Went to Cashmere for the first time this weekend and it is beautiful!
All,
I have decided to take a short-term rental in Wenatchee in the Washington elementary school district, moving out of my efficiency apartment, and letting my family decide on our final destination based on all of the input you've given on the topic.
Thanks for giving me some quality ideas and some real food for thought!
December 14, 2009 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Enesvy (Nicole Villacres) says...
You're welcome. Glad you found a place you like. :)
December 16, 2009 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dutchy (Kent Lenssen) says...
I would say Malaga is the place.
Have you checked it out? Unbeilevable scenery, no traffic, 5 minutes from town w/ no lights. We live on the golf course, super peaceful, inspiring place to live, we love it here.
December 19, 2009 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )