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All,
Does anyone have any info about the Russian presence in the Pac Northwest???? We are thinking about moving there or POrtland... Any suggestions from the well traveled guys???????????
JOnF

... in response to Seattle area Russian community, posted by JOnF on Oct 31, 2001

There are a LOT of Russians in Seattle area. Seattle and Bellevue area is mostly young people working for Microsoft, students, etc. Further south there is a big Ukranian community, but those are mostly families who moved with help of the church. There are also a lot of Russian-American couples in the area, many activities and monthly meetings for business/economic associations, sister-city, concerts, etc.

If you or your wife have more questions you can e-mail me

... in response to Seattle area Russian community, posted by JOnF on Oct 31, 2001

Jon,
There is a medium sized FSU presence in the Seattle area. The suburb that Jack is thinking of is Bellevue, which is a pretty upscale suburb. A lot of the more recent FSU immigrants are settling in the suburb of Kent. During the past 10 years according to a recent article about 8000 people from former FSU have moved to the Seattle area, don't what the overall total is, probably in the 20,000 range. Due to proximity to Russian Far East there are trade ties and Aeroflot flights.

On a more prosaic note, the economy up this way has just started its slide into recession. Boeing has announced layoffs of 20,000+. The traffic around Seattle is hell; the weather frequently drizzly and cool. Wouldn't live anywhere else!

... in response to Re: Seattle area Russian community, posted by NW Jim on Nov 1, 2001

Jim,

  Boy, have I got a few questions for you...
We have thought about more rural areas... I couldn't handle living near abother big city and with my business I don't need to be there. We are considering Isaquah or something farther north near Everett or Camano Island. Camano is interesting, as it seems peaceful and quiet (for me) and close to all that we need to be (for wifey) Because as we all know, shopping is important to our dear spouses.
  I even looked a bit at SW Washington (Clark County) as it's real close to Portland, but in Wa (no state income tax) and Portland has no sales tax. Property is a LOT less expensive there!! I feel like I need 10 acres, in a forest but need a highway that leads 15 minutes to a grocery store, a home depot and a Nordstrom...
What do you think???
JOnF

... in response to Re: Re: Seattle area Russian community, posted by JOnF on Nov 1, 2001

Jon,
The Vancouver, WA/Portland OR area is a bit unusual. Vancouver and Clark County have become a bedroom community for Portland. Land in Clark county is relatively cheap. Oregon is trying to increase density in urban areas thru zoning laws, resulting in more expensive housing.
The idea of the no income tax v. no sales tax can be misleading. If you live in Vancouver and work in Portland(where many of the jobs are), Oregon taxes your income. If you buy big ticket items in Oregon, WA tries to collect it's sales tax after the fact.  
In reality, for most people where you choose to live is primarily a function of economic opportunity. Sorry, but don't know much about Camano Island or the Everett area. Good luck in your search.  

... in response to Seattle area Russian community, posted by JOnF on Oct 31, 2001

JonF I was surprised at the many Russians in the Seattle area. Just to the east of Seattle there is a community called Bellaire, or Bellview, something like that, and there was a large Russian community in this city.

If you end up going to Portland let me know as I know a few married couples and about three guys who are actively looking for a Russian bride.

... in response to Seattle area Russian community, posted by JOnF on Oct 31, 2001

Some Russians in the USA have set up websites.  There is one for Seattle.  They have a website, but of course it's in Russian.

http://www.russianseattle.com/