Moving to Everett and a Job question

Back in August 2011 I applied for Test Technician A and was considered for employment. I went through the process of interviewing and accepting an offer. It took about 2 months to completely go through the back ground check. There was a few errors on Verification's part but it was sorted out. I am currently over seas and will be returning this month to the US. I have to complete my drug screen test then my pre-employment will be done.

I have been following this forum for months now trying to get an idea what to expect. I do have to go through some schooling at Hanger 49. Not sure if it was 4 weeks or 10. What I was told by the Boeing recruiter is that I will be set up in a hotel with the family for a few weeks until I find a place to stay. I am not able to make any plans with Altel relocation company for moving my family or belongings till after my drug test.

I have never lived in Washington as I am an east cost Floridian. Does anyone out there have any advise about where I could find an affordable 3 bedroom house or apartment (Family of 4)? I know I can Google this but I am looking for where most Boeing employees with families live when working at the Everett plant. Close to schools, hospitals, shopping centers. My entry level job only allows me to afford $500 - $800 a month at the moment. I am aware that there is a few cities nearby that could be an alternate choice. I would think that the further you go from the Seattle area the cheaper the rent can be.Was concerned about crime. Being ignorant about the neighborhoods there, I am looking for a safe community for families.

My second question is about the job itself. I have read through the description and understand I will be testing aircraft as it comes off the assembly line. During my interview the managers asking me questions focused on my fiber optic background. Can anyone give me some more information on this type of job? What to expect? Curiosity kills the cat, so to speak.

You wont find a 3bedroom anywhere around here for $800. Three bedroom apartments are going for about $1,100 for low end, and $1,300-1,500 for a nicer place. Luckily you're working in Everett because thats probably one of the cheapest areas in the pugent sound. I would recommend staying away from places on Casino road. The Mill Creek area is the nicer place around here and has the lower crime rate, but its a little more pricey. Lynnwood is OK, but you might be dealing with crime. Mukilteo, and Edmonds has a better crime rate. You're best bet is staying around Everett, theres some nice places for cheap. I know alot of Boeing employees live at the Avalon Wildreed apartments. Check it out. Also, look on Hotpads.com, and go to the area you want to look at in WA. Alot of places advertise on that site. Good Luck.

Thank you for replying. I checked out the Mill Creek area as the High school is about a mile away or less. I have a teenager that is in 9th grade. It is pricey as you said. Avalon has a 2 Bedroom unit available at the end of the month but not sure about if I am staying in a hotel or how I am traveling to Washington until I complete my drug test. Frustrating as I know as soon as it goes through I will have to make quick decisions on moving to Washington that could be very costly.

Anyone have any information on Aircraft Test Technician A?

i live about 5 miles from the Everett Boeing plant,
i'd stay away from Mill Creek, Bothell, Everett, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, all those little to medium/large cities near or south of the main Everett Boeing plant.
you will get more house for you money the farther North or East you go, try Lake Stevens, Snohomish, Monroe, Arlington, maybe even Skagit County, which is one county north of Snohomish County. STAY away from King County, which is where Seattle is at, overpopulated and EXPENSIVE. I've grew up in Seattle and worked 20+ years in Snohomish County, it all pretty much sucks. sorry.....

Bump does anyone know about aircraft test technician?