Dan, if you get near Seattle, give me a call. We can get a beer or something
David's observation about Portland is appropos; it is 20+ years ahead of Seattle relative to public transportation.
But it doesn't have any salt water and the lakes are puny.
Living in the Pacific NW really depends upon how much gray you can handle. If you are used to clear and cold winters, you might have trouble with the lack of sunlight between November and April.
I continue to be envious that you have these choices and experiences in front of you.