Re-exploring the Pacific Northwest (PNW)
Our relocation search continues, and we're now planning our next scouting trip--this time back to a region we've always loved: the Pacific Northwest. When we left Bend in 2021, I was fairly certain we'd eventually settle on the Olympic Peninsula. That was our first destination, but unfortunately, the timing wasn't ideal. I was dealing with health challenges--likely lingering effects of COVID or its vaccine--which made it difficult to fully enjoy the experience. On top of that, the real estate market was in a frenzy. Inventory was scarce, prices were inflated, and the homes we did see were often overpriced and underwhelming.
After several discouraging weeks of poor health and fruitless house hunting, we pivoted. We headed south to the desert for some sunshine and then eventually made our way east, which is how we landed in North Carolina. While this chapter has had its merits, there's something magnetic about the American West that continues to pull us back. I think much of it comes down to the vast public lands and the quiet magic of the landscape--particularly in western Oregon and Washington, with their lush forests and strong agricultural heritage.
Over time, my lens has widened beyond just lifestyle preferences. I've become increasingly focused on climate resilience, especially as wildfire season intensifies in parts of the West and air quality continues to deteriorate in the Southeast. My research now includes insights from actuarial firms, insurance consultants, and environmental organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund.
One of the most powerful tools I've come across is the Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI), which evaluates how susceptible a region is to the impacts of climate change. What I appreciate most is its holistic approach--factoring in environmental, social, and economic variables to assess both risk exposure and adaptive capacity.
Encouragingly, my initial instincts have held up. Southwestern Colorado and several parts of the Pacific Northwest coast score well in terms of long-term resilience and environmental stability--especially when compared to the Southeast and inland West.
So this month, I'll head back to the Pacific Northwest on a dedicated scouting trip. The goal is to revisit familiar areas, explore a few new ones, and evaluate everything with fresh eyes.
Real estate inventory has increased dramatically across many parts of the Pacific Northwest--by 300% or more since 2021--which is an encouraging shift. Back in 2021, we were searching at the height of the COVID-era real estate frenzy, when record-low inventory and inflated prices made it nearly impossible to find a decent home at a reasonable cost. It felt like every property was either a bidding war or a fixer-upper priced like a finished home. Now, with significantly more listings on the market, buyers like us have a better chance to be selective, take our time, and negotiate more favorable terms. This shift in supply doesn't just reflect a cooling market--it opens the door to making a more thoughtful and sustainable home-buying decision, especially in areas we already love.