Best places to live on the west coast!?

Question

best places to live on the west coast! I need resonable pricing, some sun, some rain, lots of thunder and wind, mild winter, summers under 95 degrees, hip open minded people, clean air quality, lots of nature around, mountains, water, wildlife, artsy and intelligent people. Please help! I am moving in 2 months and need to decide without visiting everywhere...thanks in advance!!! ;)

Answer 1

Please don't set you expectations too high regarding thunder storms as they are extremely rare on the West Coast.  Everything else that you are looking for is available on Vancouver Island.  The mainland area from Vancouver to Hope have major heat problems and temperature inversions in the summer which contribute to dirty air and if it should ever snow there the entire area can come to a sliding stop.  Vancouver Island on the other hand is cooled by ocean breezes although for the past week it has been quite hot but always cools off at night.  We have good clean water, beautiful scenery and wildlife abounds  The ideal spot is the Comox Valley where Oprah Winfrey and Donald Trump have both purchased property.  The secret is finally out.

Answer 2

Vancouver Island. I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed in the thunder part, though. The coast gets thunder maybe 2 or 3 times a year unless you're high up in the mountains. It isn't always very windy, either, except when you get winter southeasters which can really blast. Summer doesn't see all that much wind as a rule except on the far west such as around Tofino. Victoria area might suit you and if you don't mind relatively small town or rural life, you might try around Courtenay.

Answer 3

Probably Oregon or Washington along the coast. SD, LA-SF are too much. Not much fromo SF northward. Maybe along the Oregon coastline or southern Washington I guess. Mostly small communities, no major cities in the area, not sure about the availability of good jobs.

Answer 4

I'd suggest Bellingham, Ferndale & the suburbs around Seattle all in WA state...Also check out the Oregon area

Answer 5

based on your criteria you should really have a look around Vancouver Island in BC.  Victoria/Nanaimo/Comox Valley.  If your really want artsy, free thinking living take the ferry to Saltspring Island.  A world unto itself.

I'd probably start off in vancouver first as big city easy to strat, rent/easy everyhting and then go hunting a bit further afeild on to the islands.