Washington, Where to move???

Hey guys,

My wife and I want to move out to Washington, her family is from the Pac NW area and she has family between Salem OR and Seatle WA, and actually about an hour ago I got off the plane from spending about 5 days out there. When we were there we took a few days to look for houses around near her brothers place a little north of Seatle, and a few months back we were looking in the Centralia/Chehalis area, and we still don't have any idea where we want to be. We are thinking somewhere not too far from I-5, but also not as expensive as the areas around Seatle...

What are good areas???

Who knows the differences between houses/schools and all the stuff like that say from the Centralia area up to Everett or so??? I grew up in a smaller rural town similar to the Centrailia/Chehalis area and my wife and her family is used to more city type stuff like up in the Edmonds/Everett area, so we can adapt to anything area. What are the thoughts from those out there?

Thanks for any good info...

Do you have a family.... schools important? How much are you willing to spend on a house? I live about 30 minutes NE of Everett. I love where I live which is good because I can't afford a house closer to work (1 hour commute south each way every day). Normal houses in my area (3 bed, 2 bath 1200 - 2000sf) normally range in the 250-350K range. Cost of living is not too bad but as is everywhere, traffic sucks. The farther north of Everett you go, the cheaper the houses. Marysville, Everett, Arlington, Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Granite Falls (my home) and Monroe would all cities/towns north of Seattle and within an hour drive of Seattle.

Good luck,
TOM B