Good areas to buy land in Washington?

[msjones]

I am attending the Log Home Builders class in January. While I am in Washington I would like to take a look at some available land suitable for building a log home. I have seen some pictures of Washington area that members have posted in this forum and it looks very beautiful, especially the mountains and it looks like an area I would consider living in. From some of the research I have done it seems the western part might be too expensive for me. I am thinking I would like about 5 acre minimum and pay under 40k plus or minus. I have followed some links from other member posts to land available and it seems like that price might be possible. I also read in a publication that the Spokane area is a great area. Being relativly close to a larger city would be a big plus. Curently I live in Chicago IL suburbs and drive 45-60 minutes to Chicago a few times a week. Taxes and cost of living is getting too high here though, and winters too cold. Any thoughts on areas to look at would be greatly appreciated. Besides a view and trees, other things that are important to me are:
* Counties that are easy to build in.
* Schools, as I have two small children.
* 30 to 45 minutes max to a decent sized city.
* No homeowner's associations. I have one now and don't like it.
Any thoughts, suggestions or resources from people in the Washington area would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Mark

[msjones]

OK, I've found some areas around Davenport, Colville and Newport that look like they have property available in my price range. Can anyone give me any insight into these areas?
Thanks.

[adubar]

msjones,

The areas you picked are popular within the state for getting some "elbow room." However, they are not known for public services such as hospitals and schools.

Unfortunately, Washington State puts the bulk of its money on King County and Seattle interests. The rest of us must fend for ouselves in many situations.


The main problem is that the state is already over 58% privately owned and many have been priced out of the urban areas, so we are seeing prices increase even in rather remote rural areas--especially if they have a view or water frontage.

So at $40,000 you need to look very hard for deals near areas with good services. I would venture to say that there are good deals on land in the state, you just won't find them in the real estate listings. Once they are listed, the price is usually so inflated that it is not worth the effort.

-A

P.S., ask questions in class. You will get a wealth of information regarding land and as you are interested in WA , you will undoubtedly will get some pointers on where and how to look.

My experiene has been that the best properties (does not mean the most expensive--some can be had for a steal--you just have to ask) are not listed. Generally, land that is listed that seems to be too good of a deal, usually is. We do have alot of wetlands, so quite a bit of property that is listed at a "great price" usually has some sort of building restriction on it.

[msjones]

Thank you for your advice adubar.

[pclarke]

Mark, I have 5-1/2 acres for sale in Ashford, WA at the SE entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park. I'm asking $59k. It is about 90 minutes to Tacoma. Contact me if you'd like more info, photos, etc. I had planned to build a cabin, but recently baught something closer to the cities...
You mentioned getting away from the cold, and Spokane & E. Wash. can be very cold in winter, and hot in summer. Climate is more moderate in Western WA, but wet during winter. Many western WA counties have affordable land if you don't mind being further out from the cities.
~Paul

[Juanita]

I have lived in Northeastern Washington, Northwestern and central. I currently have property in Leavenworth that I will be building my home on. I was fortunate when I bought and now property is soaring in the area. Spokane (Newport is close) is probably the most economical area for property and has access to the city. It does snow and is hot in summer but I lived in both Newport and Spokane. Didn't seem to bother me. Loved the balmy summer and the four seasons. Newport is small but very beautiful area out of Spokane. I have a friend from Chicago who bought in Idaho just across border from Spokane and loves it. It's worth a visit.
Colville is more desert, barren and lot of tribal territory. As well as the other area you mentioned. I don't think you would like it there. Pretty remote.

[msjones]

Yes, Idaho seems like it would be very nice. I have browsed some land there on the Internet and it looks like it is my kind of country. Unfortunately, for me, to take a look at it or in Washington for that matter, it is a long trip for me. I wanted to take a look at some land in Washington while I was there for the class but my flight schedule back did not allow it. Oh well, maybe some day!