Depending on what you want to spend, there are lots of decent places around Redmond. I live just south of there, in Bellevue, near the Issaquah line. Plenty of fishing, excellent schools, decent access to work commutes. Just bring $350,000 or more for a house.

The Carnation/Duvall area is very nice, but the commute could be trouble. North Bend is also very nice, and more affordable. That's getting a bit far out, but it is very pretty..

I'd stay away from the Monroe area, as all the commute traffic has to get through only a couple of undersized highways, and the traffic is going to get way worse before it gets better.

Matter of fact, the traffic is going to get way worse before it gets better all over this area, because of the know-nothing votes on the initiatives and referendums recently. Be ready for it.