I actually know hardly anything anymore 'bout good spots to live. Haven't lived 'in town' for over 30 years though my daughter has. She's just moving up to Tacoma area for work on the railroad there.

I confess I always prefer somewhere nearer work than farther..... When I lived in Portland decades ago it was hard to get by on 20k or less driving per year. Always a long way from here to there, even in Portland.