Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Jun 7th 2010, 6:27 am
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: Currently in Redmond, Washington, returning to Sydney 2013!!
Posts: 107
Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hi All,
Just wanted to introduce myself!! We made an international move 5 years ago by moving from Berkshire to Sydney - which we love. But my hubby has recently been given an opportunity to move to Microsoft in Redmond so off we go
We have 4 kids (aged 4 - 9) and a dog and expect to go for at least 3 years - at that point our eldest will be starting high school in Australian schools so it's our real decision time whether we stay in the PNW or move back to Sydney - we'll see. I don't know much about life in America but am excited by the prospect. I used these boards (well, the Aussie one) 5 years ago and got a lot out of them, so please bear with me as I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and I'm looking forward to helping out others where I can too.
We'll be off on our recce trip within the month and then it'll be all systems go - I hope!!
Just wanted to introduce myself!! We made an international move 5 years ago by moving from Berkshire to Sydney - which we love. But my hubby has recently been given an opportunity to move to Microsoft in Redmond so off we go
We have 4 kids (aged 4 - 9) and a dog and expect to go for at least 3 years - at that point our eldest will be starting high school in Australian schools so it's our real decision time whether we stay in the PNW or move back to Sydney - we'll see. I don't know much about life in America but am excited by the prospect. I used these boards (well, the Aussie one) 5 years ago and got a lot out of them, so please bear with me as I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and I'm looking forward to helping out others where I can too.
We'll be off on our recce trip within the month and then it'll be all systems go - I hope!!
Jun 7th 2010, 3:56 pm
#2
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 27
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
been living in kirkland now for 2.5 years, the PNW is a great place to live.
If you need any pointers let me know.
If you need any pointers let me know.
Jun 7th 2010, 4:56 pm
#3
BE Site Lead
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: MA, USA
Posts: 92,170
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Well welcome to the US side of the forums
There's a few folks in that neck of the woods, and probably a few threads you could search out to get you started.
Also city-data.com is another place to start.
There's a few folks in that neck of the woods, and probably a few threads you could search out to get you started.
Also city-data.com is another place to start.
Jun 8th 2010, 12:50 am
#4
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Sammamish, WA
Posts: 300
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hey Sam, have PMd you. Am in Redmond right now on the 1st full day of our househunting trip. We got our visa application approved last week and have just filled in all the online stuff for the US embassy.
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Jun 8th 2010, 1:41 am
#5
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 27
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hey Sam, have PMd you. Am in Redmond right now on the 1st full day of our househunting trip. We got our visa application approved last week and have just filled in all the online stuff for the US embassy.
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Jun 8th 2010, 1:42 am
#6
BE Co-Founder
Joined: Feb 2000
Location: Florida
Posts: 25,928
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hi SamG,
Congrats on the job offer.
Congrats on the job offer.
Jun 8th 2010, 2:08 am
#7
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hey Sam, have PMd you. Am in Redmond right now on the 1st full day of our househunting trip. We got our visa application approved last week and have just filled in all the online stuff for the US embassy.
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Today we just pottered about while my husband went in to the office to say hello but we've got Bellvue planned for tomorrow then we have Sammamish/Issaquah on Weds plus we have to do all the social security stuff at some point too.
Weather has picked up (allegedly it's going to be quite nice tomorrow) which is a blessing
Jun 8th 2010, 2:13 am
#8
L2, GC, Surrey, OH, TX!
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Surrey to Dallas (via Ohio)!
Posts: 6,363
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hi All,
Just wanted to introduce myself!! We made an international move 5 years ago by moving from Berkshire to Sydney - which we love. But my hubby has recently been given an opportunity to move to Microsoft in Redmond so off we go
We have 4 kids (aged 4 - 9) and a dog and expect to go for at least 3 years - at that point our eldest will be starting high school in Australian schools so it's our real decision time whether we stay in the PNW or move back to Sydney - we'll see. I don't know much about life in America but am excited by the prospect. I used these boards (well, the Aussie one) 5 years ago and got a lot out of them, so please bear with me as I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and I'm looking forward to helping out others where I can too.
We'll be off on our recce trip within the month and then it'll be all systems go - I hope!!
Just wanted to introduce myself!! We made an international move 5 years ago by moving from Berkshire to Sydney - which we love. But my hubby has recently been given an opportunity to move to Microsoft in Redmond so off we go
We have 4 kids (aged 4 - 9) and a dog and expect to go for at least 3 years - at that point our eldest will be starting high school in Australian schools so it's our real decision time whether we stay in the PNW or move back to Sydney - we'll see. I don't know much about life in America but am excited by the prospect. I used these boards (well, the Aussie one) 5 years ago and got a lot out of them, so please bear with me as I'm sure I'll have lots of questions and I'm looking forward to helping out others where I can too.
We'll be off on our recce trip within the month and then it'll be all systems go - I hope!!
Jun 8th 2010, 2:26 am
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
SamG,
Welcome to Redmond. Or Kirkland. Or Bellevue. Or wherever your family decides to land in the beautiful North West. I’m sure you will be pleased (if not hugely impressed) with your relocation experience which Microsoft provides. I was told that this is something they still do exceptionally well.
Welcome to Redmond. Or Kirkland. Or Bellevue. Or wherever your family decides to land in the beautiful North West. I’m sure you will be pleased (if not hugely impressed) with your relocation experience which Microsoft provides. I was told that this is something they still do exceptionally well.
Jun 8th 2010, 2:53 am
#10
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Congratulations on the job offer ... BUT, have you got your Australian citizenship or will you need resident return visas?
This guide isn't US specific but should give you an idea of what to expect from a relocation package:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia
This guide isn't US specific but should give you an idea of what to expect from a relocation package:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia
Jun 8th 2010, 3:08 am
#11
Shocked of Redmond
Joined: Feb 2005
Location: Redmond, WA
Posts: 3,446
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
I've been living in the center of Redmond now for 8 years. Please feel free to send any questions in my direction.
Jun 8th 2010, 4:43 am
#12
MODERATOR
Joined: Nov 2006
Location: Hong Kong, mostly.
Posts: 5,214
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Second the vote for City Data. Good forum with local knowledge (about nearly any city)
http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/
http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/
Jun 8th 2010, 12:14 pm
#13
Dragon with a Wagon
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 213
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
I spent a year in Bellevue back when I was 18 and I loved it, I love the PNW and would love to take my husband there one day.
Good Luck and I hope you have a wonderful time there
Good Luck and I hope you have a wonderful time there
Jun 8th 2010, 12:24 pm
#14
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2004
Location: Currently in Redmond, Washington, returning to Sydney 2013!!
Posts: 107
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Congratulations on the job offer ... BUT, have you got your Australian citizenship or will you need resident return visas?
This guide isn't US specific but should give you an idea of what to expect from a relocation package:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia
This guide isn't US specific but should give you an idea of what to expect from a relocation package:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia
Jun 8th 2010, 5:04 pm
#15
Catahoula Lover!!!
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Seattle - WA
Posts: 924
Re: Quick Intro - We're on our Way to WA
Hi - welcome "nearly" to the PNW.
Me and Hubby live in Maple Valley, which is a little more out in the boonies, in the foothills of the cascade mountains. We love living here, and you will find a few threads on here showing why
Always willing to answer any questions Good Luck!
Me and Hubby live in Maple Valley, which is a little more out in the boonies, in the foothills of the cascade mountains. We love living here, and you will find a few threads on here showing why
Always willing to answer any questions
Good Luck!