So, in my infinite wisdom i have decided decided to leave California South
for the Pacific northwest. Tacoma to be exact. Quitting the band. Leaving some of the best friends i have ever had.
Reasons for leaving? people that work at REAL TV stations make REAL money. Not this namby pamby not-for-profit bullshit.
I will never own a house in this part of Southern Ca.
(unless i win the lottery).
I am tired of not having seasons, sunlight makes me paranoid.
I am getting older and want to try this shit before i really get tied down.
Sometime in February....so.....
Any advice? horror stories? anecdotal vignettes?
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
2I wish you luck.
Marsupialized wrote:I want a piano made out of jello.
It's the only way I'll be able to achieve the sound I hear in my head.
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
4Tacoma? Wow. Well, at least you'll still feel like yer in California.
Seriously, Tacoma is the armpit of the northwest. I live in Bremerton, which is just across the sound from Seattle (about an hour ferry), and I'm shocked at how much I like it here. I too moved from socal. L.A. to be exact. If you can find a nice place near one of the ferry towns, or one of the towns just across the Tacoma Narrows, you'll be a million times happier.
If you like cool weather you'll like Seattle/Tacoma. I've lived in Seattle (off and on) for about 6 years now. I've lived here from L.A. about a year, and a bunch of time in the early-mid 80s. It's better now - even though there's bands for crap out here now.
I kinda fear the suburban US. Here, in these smaller northwest towns I feel comfortable. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but people seem to be well educated here, and don't generally worship the cult of TV or Stress.
One thing interesting about the area - crack is insanely popular. Set the way-back machine to 1991!
Not a lot of good wine shops. There's a good shop on First below the domes.
Seriously, Tacoma is the armpit of the northwest. I live in Bremerton, which is just across the sound from Seattle (about an hour ferry), and I'm shocked at how much I like it here. I too moved from socal. L.A. to be exact. If you can find a nice place near one of the ferry towns, or one of the towns just across the Tacoma Narrows, you'll be a million times happier.
If you like cool weather you'll like Seattle/Tacoma. I've lived in Seattle (off and on) for about 6 years now. I've lived here from L.A. about a year, and a bunch of time in the early-mid 80s. It's better now - even though there's bands for crap out here now.
I kinda fear the suburban US. Here, in these smaller northwest towns I feel comfortable. I can't put my finger on it exactly, but people seem to be well educated here, and don't generally worship the cult of TV or Stress.
One thing interesting about the area - crack is insanely popular. Set the way-back machine to 1991!
Not a lot of good wine shops. There's a good shop on First below the domes.
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
5There's a TV station in Tacoma? I did not know that. Anyway, an early welcome to the northwest.
Tacoma is indeed an armpit, but I just drove thru the downtown section the other day and it's kinda cool. Lots of potential, but it was a bit of a ghost town.
Tacoma sometimes has a smell known as the 'Tacoma Aroma'. Depends on which way the wind blows, I believe.
Anywhere south of Tacoma is shit, especially Lakewood. This is where they often shoot the TV show 'Cops'. Down by Fort Lewis is pretty crappy too. It starts getting nice around Olympia.
If I were you, I would consider Ubercat's advice and try to live across the Narrows Bridge somewhere, maybe Gig Harbor. Unfortunately it's no longer free to cross the bridge into Tacoma, but if you pay in advance it's $1.75 per trip which isn't too bad.
Aside from all the negatives, Tacoma's not too bad. You could do much worse!
Tacoma is indeed an armpit, but I just drove thru the downtown section the other day and it's kinda cool. Lots of potential, but it was a bit of a ghost town.
Tacoma sometimes has a smell known as the 'Tacoma Aroma'. Depends on which way the wind blows, I believe.
Anywhere south of Tacoma is shit, especially Lakewood. This is where they often shoot the TV show 'Cops'. Down by Fort Lewis is pretty crappy too. It starts getting nice around Olympia.
If I were you, I would consider Ubercat's advice and try to live across the Narrows Bridge somewhere, maybe Gig Harbor. Unfortunately it's no longer free to cross the bridge into Tacoma, but if you pay in advance it's $1.75 per trip which isn't too bad.
Aside from all the negatives, Tacoma's not too bad. You could do much worse!
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
6There are still really good deals on houses in Tacoma so if you're looking to buy a house. It's pretty ridiculous in the Seattle area.
If you didn't want to go so far south (it's only 1/2 hour drive to Tacoma from Seattle....w/out traffic) you should check into places like Burien, Des Moines, and Tukwila. Minutes from Seattle-proper and still somewhat affordable.
If you're ok with rain I think you'll really enjoy yourself.
And even if you're not the rain's not that bad.
If you didn't want to go so far south (it's only 1/2 hour drive to Tacoma from Seattle....w/out traffic) you should check into places like Burien, Des Moines, and Tukwila. Minutes from Seattle-proper and still somewhat affordable.
If you're ok with rain I think you'll really enjoy yourself.
And even if you're not the rain's not that bad.
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
7ubercat wrote:Not a lot of good wine shops.
Oh, well, then FORGET it.
Redline wrote:Not Crap. The sound of death? The sound of FUN! ScrrreeEEEEEEE
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
8Tacoma has improved 619% between 2003 and 2006. While this specific area is more of a shopping district, there's a lot to do in the 6th Ave. If you can afford to buy, that's a good area of Tacoma to do it, I'd imagine. Rocket Records and Hell's Kitchen are there, and they usually put on lots of good rock shows. Well, I saw NoMeansNo do two nights in a row there a year ago. Also Hell's Kitchen sells a T-shirt that says "FUCK YOU, PAY ME" on the front. It's my favorite T-shirt.
Downside: Bob's Java Jive is now gone.
Downside: Bob's Java Jive is now gone.
"Pro Tools is too California Hollywood bullshit.”
Ducking out of Ca. for Wa.
10mackro wrote:Tacoma has improved 619% between 2003 and 2006. While this specific area is more of a shopping district, there's a lot to do in the 6th Ave. If you can afford to buy, that's a good area of Tacoma to do it, I'd imagine. Rocket Records and Hell's Kitchen are there, and they usually put on lots of good rock shows. Well, I saw NoMeansNo do two nights in a row there a year ago. Also Hell's Kitchen sells a T-shirt that says "FUCK YOU, PAY ME" on the front. It's my favorite T-shirt.
Downside: Bob's Java Jive is now gone. :(
Shakabrah is a great place for breakfast, despite the horrible name.
tocharian wrote:Cheese fries vs nonexistence. Duh.