OK, so that's two votes for the Central District


To clarify further, that is the name of the neighborhood where Seattle University is actually located.

Suze, I meant less than the $700-800 price range for a decent one bedroom within walking distance of Seattle U, so I'm not sure how you are disagreeing with me, exactly. If there *is* in fact a plethora of decent 1 BRs available for less than than $700-800 within walking distance, then I stand corrected ;-), but I don't think that's the case. I have a friend with a VERY small 1 BR condo at 18th and Spring and he's thinking of renting it out and based on other rentals in his building, he's pretty sure he can get $1000/month for it. So if Mahanandi's budget doesn't stretch to more than $700-800 a month, I'm just saying she might want to broaden her geographic parameters to further than walking distance to increase her chances of finding something.

I agree that Capitol Hill and the Central District are great places to look. I don't know if I'd rent sight unseen in the CD, though, or maybe anywhere, since you just never know from pictures if it's on a busy street, or next to a crack house, or somehow otherwise undesirable. I think on Capitol Hill, north of Seattle U, there's less of a chance of ending up on a scary block. Even it you end up a bit further than walking distance to school, it would be a quick bus ride.

I wouldn't want to live right next to the interstate at 7th and James.

NWWanderer... Yes I was disagreeing (but in the nicest way possible -lol). Because my two closest girlfriends found new apartments in the past few months in exactly this neighborhood, each got a nice 1-bedrooms for less than $750 in a lovely neighborhood (14th & Howell, 17th & Republican).

BUT I think it takes being here to do a good search. I definitely agree that I would not rent sight-unseen, especially in the Central District or west side or south of Capitol Hill. While there are some great blocks, turn the corner and things could get kinda sketchy (or noisy or whatever).

Mahanandi- If you find other addresses and they are in my neighborhood (Capitol Hill, First Hill, Central District) I can do a drive-by of the building and report to you what I see, if that would be of help.

We are going to be at 7th and James for now, for at least 7 months. Just leased yesterday. Safety and being near to University are the two most important things for us right now. Traffic and noise are not that big concern for us. Once we get the feel of the city, we will move to a more pleasant neighborhood, that's for sure.

Thanks for taking time to respond. I really appreciate it. Also many thanks to Suze for the generous offer of help. Thank you Suze!

For helping me out, a treat for you kind folks:
Mahanandi
http://www.nandyala.org/mahanandi/
Great help to try out some authentic Indian recipes. If Indian is not your thing, check the sidebar, you can find a world of cuisines, an eye candy there. I hope you enjoy it.

Thank you!

Welcome to Seattle, Mahanandi. And thank you for the website. What beautiful photographs of the food---everything looks delicious, and I can almost smell the aroma. We love Indian food at our house, so I'm already planning what to make first---perhaps the panir tikka? Or maybe the stuffed capsicums. Or maybe. . .?

We drive by that 7th and James apartment building every morning on our way to work. If you don't mind the freeway, the location is fine---very close to the center of downtown. Be sure to walk up the hill and enjoy the Frye Art Museum.

I hope your move goes smoothly and you and your husband soon feel at home here in Seattle.

That's great news! I understand the need to have a place to "land" when you arrive a new city (did the same thing myself years ago). Another plus to that location is that is you are walking distance to Pioneer Square historic district and the south end of downtown in one direction and Seattle U in the other. Ditto above, don't miss the Frye Museum, it's a real hidden gem.

I hope that works out well for you--you'll have to report back once you're settled in, I'll be interested to hear how it is! I drove by there at 9 PM last night (as I often do driving to the freeway on James) and was thinking of you...it just seems a little deserted at night so you'll want to be attentive to your surroundings at night (but of course that's true of any urban location). If nothing else you will get into great shape walking up and down that hill, LOL!!!

Good luck.

Half the battle in life is to pick a trustworthy spouse, doctor, dentist, lawyer, financial advisor, spiritual counselor, confidant, etc. The other half is to heed what they have to say, even if it isn’t what we want to hear.