Best Place For Climber To Live

So I am moving bak to Wa in early summer and would like some input on best location. Mine and my friends main priority is a cabin somewhere out of the city. But, we would like to be within an 1hr to 1 1/2 hr drive to Seattle. Its also of great importance that we be within an hour of climbing as well. We mostly sport and boulder but are breaking into trad as well. What locations do you guys have in mind that would fit the bill? I was thinking the best would be somewhere between Monroe and Gold Bar....any other ideas?

I would bet that the best place for a climber (or anybody for that matter) to live in the Seattle area would be Bill Gates' house.

It rains over there man, you want to live in Colorado. Somewhere near RMNP, l'd say, that place Rocks!

Leavenworth? Probably the best all around area in Washington. I'm not really into the touristy insanity though.

easy, leavenworth!

Stiles wrote:It rains over there man, you want to live in Colorado. Somewhere near RMNP, l'd say, that place Rocks!

I already live in Boulder...it's pretty awesome but I miss my home (the PNW) so I am going back. Plus the alpine oppurtunities in Wa are awesome. Just wondering what the best place is to keep in good climbing shape relatively easy.
Milfred and Michael thanks for the replies but Leavenworth isnt really less than an 1 1/2hrs from the city.

If (when) I move back to the PNW I already have a general location picked out. It would be right near where you said. I would live near Everett.

Highway 2 is right there, close to Seattle, close to Highway 90, North to Mt. Baker Highway. It's kind of right in the middle. Easy access to all types of climbing.

Cheers.

Gary N wrote:If (when) I move back to the PNW I already have a general location picked out. It would be right near where you said. I would live near Everett. Highway 2 is right there, close to Seattle, close to Highway 90, North to Mt. Baker Highway. It's kind of right in the middle. Easy access to all types of climbing. Cheers.

Thanks Gary. I think where I've first thought, and where you said, is probably the best general location. Easy access to stevens pass for skiing as well. Looks like its either that area or the North Bend area with easy I90 access to the city as well as exit 32/38 crags and Alpental.

For Washington, and if you ARENT tied right to a major city, I'd say the Cle Elum area would be really nice. Not too far from Tieton, or from Vantage, or from Leavenworth, or from all the Northbend/Exit 38 stuff.

ps- to the colorado noob... you do realize that Washington state has a desert side to it, right? ;P