SHA01,
If you aren't looking for an abundance of the arts and what most would look at as events of culture its a nice place to live. Wal-Mart, Sears, and Les Schwab are about 35 minutes away, Costco, Fred Meyer, The Bon, Sportco, and everything else is over an hour. Rains and blows frequently. The mayoral race was won by an individual named "Hawk"...he replaced the incumbent, "Ugly Ed". Yes, that is how they were listed on the ballot. We do have a McDonalds, Subway, and Dairy Queen for your eating pleasure. Aside from that, you are in luck if you like to eat fried gizards for breakfast cause every place has them.
The economy has gone from bad to horrible. There is only one tavern left in the actual town, one whole city block burned down two years ago and another fell down in last years earthquake. On the upside, there is a group of individuals in town who have worked very hard utilizing government grant money and are doing some community revitalzing and looking to attract new business to the area.
Real estate values went up about 75% five years ago and have not dropped with the slow economy. However, I believe properties are significantly less expensive here than closer to the Puget Sound area.
It is isolated and quiet here and yes we are within a 40 minute drive of the Wynoochee and Satsop. Westport also is fairly close for ocean access as is the Columbia. There are year round opportunities for clamming and access to state oyster beds on the bay.
I suppose if you can come here with secure employment already lined up it would be OK. I wouldn't reccomend looking for booming economic possibilites otherwise. Its small town living and everyone knows every gnats ass detail of most others lives. But, it does have bonuses. Might be a little warmer than Libby in the winter months!