That would be one heck of a commute, if you live out on the ocean coast and he has to work at Seatac or Portland. Puget Sound may be salt water, but it looks and acts more like a large lake. I think I might wait and see where he gets a job. Maybe you'll get lucky and he'll find a job that really is close to the ocean proper. There are lots of good small towns in the general area, around Puget Sound and north of it, and on the ocean coast there is hardly anything but small towns.

willamette valley region

My husband has been in the United States Army for several years, and is currently in the out-processing process to become a civilian. He has been trained as a helicopter mechanic and has his A&P license (license to work on airplanes). We understand that we.ll have to live reasonably close to an airport, however big or small, such as the Seattle airport, SeaTac, Portland airport, etc. We have an 8th month old daughter, and have plans of expanding our family in the future. For me, I would love to live near the ocean, and I don't want to live in an area that is huge. I would like something with a small town feel. Also, great school districts. Anyone have any input on areas that would be great to live in? Thanks in advance!