[Allison]

It seems highly unlikely.

[HitTheTrail]

[MtnGoat]

No lie. I was completely not into the entire deal until my ex wife brought her then three year old into the mix and that was a shakeup but then nothing but great, and when we added one of our own it got so much better it can't even be explained. I wish now I'd listened to everyone when I was much younger, i'd have wanted at least one more and maybe two. Kids are a total pain in the butt...and sooooo much more worth it than the the problems that come with them. There is nothing better in life than a kid running up and screaming daddy daddy daddy with joy when you pull up after work.

[Backpacker Joe]

Where ever it is, it's in Eastern Washington!

[HitTheTrail]

I think the most rewarding experience in my life has to be carrying on a conversation with a three year old.

[sarbar]

We were out tonight having dim sum and our 19 month old was having a conversation with me. I have no idea what he was saying but oh was he happy. He was laughing and smiling and yakking away. Then he stole my steamed bun off my plate He loves to pat my belly as well - he has that toddler concept of babies and doesn't quite understand he will have competition soon

[peppersteak'n'ale]

Arlington - big enough, but still small enough, and not too far away....

[SwedishHiker]

[like2thruhike]

The PCT,before it's too late.

[AR]

I second that (Stanwood). Great schools and easy going people. **Minus the crazy people who think a public road is their driveway , and wild dogs down Jensen Rd.

[jimmylegs]

Not sure what city has more relevant 'hoods: Seattle or Portland? Feel like my heart is telling me to form an indie band. I can almost taste the pBR.

[Deereguy]

My thoughts: First look for land and seclusion. The rest of the stuff will take care of itself. Ideally, enough acres so when you're old the kids can build home(s) on the place and help take care of you and their mom. Consider home schooling, building your own home and plant a garden. Oh yes, some mountains close to climb would be important. No bills, live within your means. You're young with skills, the job thing will take care of itself. Work hard, love long and laugh with gusto. Deereguy

[iron]

great suggestions everyone; thanks! changing course a bit --- what about in canada? no geographic region in mind, but again, close to mountains. since i think the US is going down the drain on many levels, and canadians are so cool, 'ey, i could totally see heading up there too.

[Malachai Constant]

Well if you want to be by mountains it would be BC or Alberta. Vancouver is a beautiful city but housing is very pricy. While employment is higher here it is still not easy unless in the oil industry in cold climates far from the peaks (same as US in ND). Taxes are high but health care is essentially free. Goods are more expensive. There are some nice small town in central BC like Clearwater close to the mountains. Some larger towns like Quesnel, Prince George etc. have a Forksy vibe (logging lots of alcoholism). Housing is far cheaper in Eastern Canada (except Toronto). pm me if you have specific questions.

[Burke M]

Why not just go to Switzerland?