Anyone familiar with the Anacortes WA area and know of where any good places to live are reasonably close? I've heard people talk about Mt. Vernon, Bellingham, etc. but know nothing about them (except what's on wikipedia)...

Anacortes is nice, but there's not much there really. Bellingham might be a bit far if you're working in Anacortes. Try Cedro Wooley maybe... Mount Vernon would be the nearest decent-sized town (I want to live there eventually). The old town center with all of the restaurants and bars is pretty cool...

Oak Harbor is CHEAP to live in because of the Navy base (one of my good friends grew up in Oak Harbor). They finally got civilized and built a Starbucks there too... Still, might be too far for a daily commute, though. Depends on how far you're willing to drive.

Anacortes is right at the crossroads of the San Juans and the North Cascades - I'm jealous...

I'll be heading up there for some hiking at some point this summer. When are you moving? I can take some pics, grab some brochures, etc. for you if I happen to be out that way.

My advice would be to move during the summer while it's still dry. Moving in the rain sucks...

Pierce, thanks. Those were pretty much the same places I had looked at on the map (Anacortes, Bellingham or Mt. Vernon). It does look like beautiful country!!!

I don't yet know whether I'll be relocating - it depends on things at work, and I'm just gathering info in case the opportunity comes up.

Considering the furthest north I've ever lived is College Station, it'd be a heck of an adjustment, that's for sure!!!

No problem.

I'm sort of from the west: Port Angeles, WA, Sitka, AK, and Reno, NV. 70 is a heat wave for me. People from Texas complain about the 160 days of rain a year up here, so be prepared for a diferent climate...

The area of WA around Anacortes is REALLY nice, however. The north sound and Whidbey Island to the west and farms and fields to the east at the foot of the North Cascades. Summers are the best... Living in smaller towns up here will save you some money versus the city.

Best of luck!