East vs. West Cascades? Wenatchee vs Everett areas.

MorganH, I prefer moderate trad multi pitch and I'm working my way into more alpine climbing. I enjoy sport climbing and have been doing a fair bit of it while in North Carolina, but I would take a day of running up easy/moderate terrain to the top of a peak any day.

Mountain biking is equally or more important. We are willing to drive for quality mountain biking, but also highly value mountain biking and trail running straight from the door (not having to load of the bikes) regardless of quality. In Salt Lake we had the go-to foothills ride that is nothing fancy, but gets you and the dogs out for some exercise and back in no time. Wenatchee has this and it looks like some of the Everett suburbs have some short secluded options (chime in if you think so!). Skiing is also as important as climbing.

I've heard that regardless of political leanings in Wenatchee that there is a solid and inclusive outdoor community that gets after it together. Can anyone attest to this in Wenatchee or on the west side?

Thanks again!

Based on those recreation preferences, go Wenatchee. It is definitely better for “out your front door” access to open space. The ski access is much better too. If you were in Everett you’d have to deal with the often terrible weekend ski traffic going to/from Stevens Pass. From Wenatchee the skiing is closer and there is no traffic.

Also, since you prefer moderate multi pitch rock in the mountains, you will really like the alpine zones around Leavenworth. 

As others have mentioned the options for steep/hard sport climbing are better west side. But if that isn’t a priority for you, that is irrelevant. Access to Index from Wenatchee is a bit further than from Everett, but there is generally no traffic.