Washington - Where the Grass Really Is Greener - Relocation Part I





Relocating to Washington From Las Vegas - Part I

 

Moving from Las Vegas to Washington State more than 5 years ago, was a monumental task that I didn’t fully anticipate being as challenging as it was. On top of the move, COVID-19 began raging shortly after I relocated and created layers of complications beyond just social distancing. 

 

As a full-time licensed real estate broker, connecting with people and generating business from conversations is a primary source of lead generation. Coming from Las Vegas where I had lived the majority of my life, the adjustment to a new city, culture and geography took time. I didn’t know my way around. I didn’t know anyone and the pandemic ensured it would be even a bigger mountain to climb than I’d anticipated. As a newcomer from the desert southwest, I’ll share some of my key learnings and how I have navigated the change from Nevada to Washington. And for the record, I’m so glad I made the move, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t things and people I dearly miss. 

 

Las Vegas is a city unique from any other place in the world. It grew out of literally nothing and exploded into a destination metropolis of over 2 million people, and countless tourists on any given day. The pace of life is both laid back and frantic, depending on your occupation and where you live in the city. Downshifting into a Pacific Northwest vibe took some getting used to. The pace here is quieter, but it’s also part of its charm. Of course if you want a faster pace, head north to Seattle and spend time in the tourist corridor to get that bigger city flavor. 

 

The Puget Sound and the towns that run up and down the West are sometimes wildly different from one another, both in geography and accessibility and even politically. 

 

Seattle and Tacoma are quite different in both size, character and amenities. The Emerald City obviously has pro sports teams, and is the home to major companies like Amazon, Boeing, Starbucks, Alaska Airlines, Microsoft and more. Tacoma, offers a more laid back vibe that allows you to live less expensively, while still enjoying all the amenities of Seattle only 45 minutes north. People like to say that Tacoma is what Seattle was many years ago. And with not much room to grow, Tacoma will retain much of it’s medium size character for years to come.

 

Tacoma only gets 45 inches of rain per year, which is slightly above the national average. There is an explosive arts scene, boutique restaurants, incredible parks and wonderful walkability. Once known for foul smelling paper mills, the aroma that once permeated the city is now only near the last remaining mill, which led to a vast improvement in air quality. Ruston Way, once a Superfund cleanup site from the ASARCO copper smelting plant that closed in the 1980’s, it’s now a destination called Point Ruston with high end real estate, fine dining and shopping. Adjacent is Dune Peninsula Park, which overlooks Vashon Island and Commencement Bay.

 

Often forgotten in the Pacific Northwest, Tacoma has quietly been attracting reinvestment and drawing both families and businesses south from Seattle, looking for a more affordable way of life. Buying a home in Tacoma has certainly gotten more expensive since the pandemic, but it’s still relatively affordable compared to it’s northern neighbor. And just outside of Tacoma, you have more affordable options like Lakewood, Bonney Lake, Fife, Puyallup and Federal Way. Though in my option, none deliver the character that Tacoma does. 

 

My favorite reasons for living here include, no state income tax, easy access to an international airport, incredible parks and nature opportunities, access to hiking and kayaking nearby, farm to table quality food, community philanthropy and four true seasons.

 

I’ll continue to dive into my reasons for moving and how I can help you move to Washington and find yourself here. 

As your resource for real estate in the Puget Sound, I welcome hearing from you on this topic or any other real estate topic.

https://erikmolzen.bhhsnw.com/Contact/erikmolzen

#relocate #lasvegastotacoma #movingtowa #realtor #pnw #movetoseattle #relocationguide #findyourselfhere #bhhsnwre

Location: Tacoma, WA, USA

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