Move to Seattle?
Sep 30th, 2006, 08:17 AM
#61
If what I see outside my window this morning is any indication... fall is here. It's rainy, drizzly, and gray.
What you saw last week was not unusual for the time of year, but don't expect to see that in February -LOL!
What you saw last week was not unusual for the time of year, but don't expect to see that in February -LOL!
Sep 30th, 2006, 10:40 AM
#62
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Yes, I too have felt like I was in So. California again for the past few weeks (except I could breath the air 
) Another suggestion as far as finding places to live--check out areas near Park and Rides. I live in Bellevue, but whenever I go into Seattle in the day, I take the bus, which is really simple and I know it goes right by REI, so it may be a good solution for you.
Good luck!
) Another suggestion as far as finding places to live--check out areas near Park and Rides. I live in Bellevue, but whenever I go into Seattle in the day, I take the bus, which is really simple and I know it goes right by REI, so it may be a good solution for you. Good luck!
Sep 30th, 2006, 01:43 PM
#63
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Glad to hear that you had a chance to look around. We (and our lawn and other greenery) welcome the gray drizzly days! You missed a near-record drought...there was measured precip on June 17, before summer began officially, and then not a drop until the middle of September. Throughout that period there was .07" of measured precip in the Seattle area. The TV weather guys were wondering if we would break the all-time record low, which is something like .3 inches over the summer months. But it did rain a little, and the record remains.
My wife and I don't mind a few days of unbroken blue, welcome fair-weather cumulus, and pray for drizzle.
My wife and I don't mind a few days of unbroken blue, welcome fair-weather cumulus, and pray for drizzle.
Sep 30th, 2006, 01:50 PM
#64
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For rental property, you might check at: http://marketplace.nwsource.com/rentals/
Oct 1st, 2006, 11:46 AM
#67
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Today's Seattle Times has an article on downtown living that might be of interest to you, entitled, "City Hall Cultivates Downtown Housing Boom." The article describes the experiences of different couples who have chosen to live downtown.
If you click on the "next" arrow above the picture, it will move to a map that identifies the downtown districts where 3,200 condos have been built since 2001.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsourc...query=Eskenazi
If you click on the "next" arrow above the picture, it will move to a map that identifies the downtown districts where 3,200 condos have been built since 2001.
http://archives.seattletimes.nwsourc...query=Eskenazi
Oct 2nd, 2006, 12:50 PM
#68
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Interesting article Orcas. Unfortuneately it didn't do much to convince me of downtown living. I've been looking at Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Cap. Hill as they're all pretty close to work. I've also heard that Lynnwood is a bit better priced, but I have the commute to figure in as well. I'm not a huge night life person and while I love to eat out, hate paying high prices to do so. I usually prefer eating at some local dive with good food and cheap prices than a high priced restaurant.
Growing up in Detroit, we lived in one of the neighborhoods on the west side and I have some great memories of that which is why I'm interested in Magnolia and Queen Anne.
If anyone knows of nice neighborhoods other than those listed above where you can still get to know your neigbors I'm all ears. I'll really be looking forward to decorating for halloween again and passing out candy (favorite holliday). Where I'm at now we don't get any trick-or-treaters being so far off a main road.
Growing up in Detroit, we lived in one of the neighborhoods on the west side and I have some great memories of that which is why I'm interested in Magnolia and Queen Anne.
If anyone knows of nice neighborhoods other than those listed above where you can still get to know your neigbors I'm all ears. I'll really be looking forward to decorating for halloween again and passing out candy (favorite holliday). Where I'm at now we don't get any trick-or-treaters being so far off a main road.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 01:19 PM
#69
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I'm not sure about the logistics of the commute (others here will know), but many years ago I lived in Alki and loved it. I still go back sometimes and even though it (like every place) has changed and become more upscale, it still seems like a great area and may be worth checking out.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 01:43 PM
#70
You couldn't pay me to live in Lynnwood!! Sorry to be so blunt, but to sign-up voluntarily for such a horrible daily commute, well I just can't imagine doing that. I'd rather live in a smaller house, smaller lot, lesser neighborhood, whatever it took to be closer to my place of work.
Central Distric is a mixed residential area just south of Capitol Hill that still offers some more affordable housing.
Magnolia, while not that far away, has a bit of a "you can't there from here" quality... same for Ballard and West Seattle (Alki) imo.
While Fremont, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Central District, and First Hill are all a straight shot to downtown.
Central Distric is a mixed residential area just south of Capitol Hill that still offers some more affordable housing.
Magnolia, while not that far away, has a bit of a "you can't there from here" quality... same for Ballard and West Seattle (Alki) imo.
While Fremont, Capitol Hill, Queen Anne, Central District, and First Hill are all a straight shot to downtown.
Oct 2nd, 2006, 02:35 PM
#71
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Maybe try Madison Valley or Beacon Hill. Sometimes termed as "transition areas" it's kind of a street-to-street thing. We have friends who live there and they have some great little areas.
Otherwise, if it were me, I'd also opt to live closer to the City/work in less SF over being in Lynnwood.
We have friends who work in Bothell and Redmond and live in Belltown. They head up and over (I-5 to 405) for their commute, as it's easier, faster and more reliable than going over 520.
Perhaps just find a 6 month lease in the city and see what you think. There are plenty of "local dives" in the Capital Hill/Belltown areas, so please don't think that eating out downtown needs to be expensive.
Otherwise, if it were me, I'd also opt to live closer to the City/work in less SF over being in Lynnwood.
We have friends who work in Bothell and Redmond and live in Belltown. They head up and over (I-5 to 405) for their commute, as it's easier, faster and more reliable than going over 520.
Perhaps just find a 6 month lease in the city and see what you think. There are plenty of "local dives" in the Capital Hill/Belltown areas, so please don't think that eating out downtown needs to be expensive.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 11:54 AM
#72
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Might be a good idea on the 6 mo lease love. Thing is that I'll probably end up in Woodinville 3 nights a week at least, which is why I was kind of looking at some of the northern areas. But that's 3 nights vs. 5 days and being on call 24/7. I think I'd rather have to hop in my car at 3am and drive for 10 minutes than have to hoof it in for 45 minutes along 5 or 520.
Ok, two more questions for you, what's the scoop on the 520 construction that they're proposing and will the Sonics be going to Oklahoma? I'm a huge basketball fan so it'll be tough to have to rely on Portland for my fix.
Ok, two more questions for you, what's the scoop on the 520 construction that they're proposing and will the Sonics be going to Oklahoma? I'm a huge basketball fan so it'll be tough to have to rely on Portland for my fix.
Oct 3rd, 2006, 12:00 PM
#73
You will be on call 24-hours per day, 5 days per week? You really need to live near your work imo.
I wouldn't hold my breath on 520 bridge construction, or make any plans that hinged on that happening!
I wouldn't hold my breath on 520 bridge construction, or make any plans that hinged on that happening!
Oct 3rd, 2006, 09:42 PM
#74
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DD's boyfriend lives in Woodinville and he's in tech support, is young and they even let him have a dog, and I doubt if he's paying big bucks for rent. If you're interested, I can ask her about the place and if they have vacancies or others nearby. Woodinville is really nice and I never even knew there were apartment rentals there until now. Like others have said, the commute over 520 is pure hell!
Oct 6th, 2006, 09:53 AM
#75
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Hi,
You have much to consider. I have lived here in Seattle for 9 years from Portland. We live in an area called magnolia, about 7 minutes to downtown, as my husband doesn't like to commute. Our tiny two bedroom home is worth around 470,000 and it's 1947 with an old bath and kitchen. We do have a patch of yard for our two kids (age 3.5 and 2). I don't work currently but am constantly worried about the cost of living here and I think it's only fair to share this with you. Gas is outrageous, food is pricey, restaurants for good cuisine are at least $100 for a couple with wine. Property taxes are high, earthquake insurance is a joke, our bridges are a mess and all need replacing with no money projected to do it for at least ten years. On the up side, you can hike, ski and enjoy the water to your heart's content. We are actually considering a move to find a more affordable life. While after nine years we have a few friends, it's not the most friendly place that welcomes kids everywhere. To the contrary which is why we're motivated to go. IF you have good paying jobs, it's worth considering, and perhaps it can be less pricey on the East side. Good luck.
You have much to consider. I have lived here in Seattle for 9 years from Portland. We live in an area called magnolia, about 7 minutes to downtown, as my husband doesn't like to commute. Our tiny two bedroom home is worth around 470,000 and it's 1947 with an old bath and kitchen. We do have a patch of yard for our two kids (age 3.5 and 2). I don't work currently but am constantly worried about the cost of living here and I think it's only fair to share this with you. Gas is outrageous, food is pricey, restaurants for good cuisine are at least $100 for a couple with wine. Property taxes are high, earthquake insurance is a joke, our bridges are a mess and all need replacing with no money projected to do it for at least ten years. On the up side, you can hike, ski and enjoy the water to your heart's content. We are actually considering a move to find a more affordable life. While after nine years we have a few friends, it's not the most friendly place that welcomes kids everywhere. To the contrary which is why we're motivated to go. IF you have good paying jobs, it's worth considering, and perhaps it can be less pricey on the East side. Good luck.
Oct 11th, 2006, 06:56 AM
#76
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I've got a call w/ HR to propose a counter offer later today. They want me out there pretty bad, so I should be able to get what I need. Kicker is that my current bills are pretty high right now. I'm paying about 1K/mo for car/credit cards/student loans right now. I'm working feverishly to pay off that debt as I hate paying interest as I'd rather see that money in my 401K/IRA/investments (since I don't see the market making higher than 17% gains).
I'm hoping to keep my rent below $900/mo (preferably around $700) but anything in central/downtown seattle seems to be out of that price range.
It'll be my first big move out of state, so I've got all that nervousness right now too. At this point I'll just be glad to have it all behind me, regardless of what happens.
I'm curious as to how insane the monthly payments are for a house in Magnolia/Queen Anne.
I'm hoping to keep my rent below $900/mo (preferably around $700) but anything in central/downtown seattle seems to be out of that price range.
It'll be my first big move out of state, so I've got all that nervousness right now too. At this point I'll just be glad to have it all behind me, regardless of what happens.
I'm curious as to how insane the monthly payments are for a house in Magnolia/Queen Anne.
Oct 11th, 2006, 11:49 AM
#77
<<I'm curious as to how insane the monthly payments are for a house in Magnolia/Queen Anne.>>
You are picking two of the priciest areas in Seattle. You *might* find an apartment for $900 (a house for that, or an apartment for $700 is fairly unlikely). Those are both very high-end neighborhoods! Anywhere near the city a single family home is going to be more than $700-900 (unless it's in a bad neighborhood or in run-down condition).
You are picking two of the priciest areas in Seattle. You *might* find an apartment for $900 (a house for that, or an apartment for $700 is fairly unlikely). Those are both very high-end neighborhoods! Anywhere near the city a single family home is going to be more than $700-900 (unless it's in a bad neighborhood or in run-down condition).
Oct 11th, 2006, 11:53 AM
#78
Have you looked at the classified yet? Either NW Classifieds (the Times and PI newspaper online) or Craig's List?
$700-900 will get you (if you are lucky!) a 500-750SF 1 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill. Queen Anne and Magnolia are even more expensive and have less multi-residential and more large single-family homes, generally speaking.
$700-900 will get you (if you are lucky!) a 500-750SF 1 bedroom apartment on Capitol Hill. Queen Anne and Magnolia are even more expensive and have less multi-residential and more large single-family homes, generally speaking.
Oct 13th, 2006, 06:05 AM
#79
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I've been surfing craigslist just about every night along with seattlerentals.com. I did accept the offer and it looks like I'll be out there by mid-Nov right now. I've got 30 days of corporate housing to find something more permanent. Right now I'm thinking I'll try finding someone looking for a roommate. At least that way I'll be able to find something closer to work and at a reasonable price. Otherwise it looks like I'll probably end up by Mill Creek or Mountlake Terrace.
Oct 13th, 2006, 06:14 AM
#80
welcome to Seattle bigpanda- You'll be OK especially with a month to look around. i'm pretty sure you'll see once you are here, that it's better to live near work, not commute such a long ways. whether that takes getting a smaller place, sharing with someone, whatever.
I noticed yesterday (I drive thru the area of your office on my way home from work) there is TONS of new construction going on in that South Lake Union area. Not sure if it's apartments or condos or what, but there sure are plenty of new buildings being developed right in that area. You could get a small apartment but be able to walk to work!
I noticed yesterday (I drive thru the area of your office on my way home from work) there is TONS of new construction going on in that South Lake Union area. Not sure if it's apartments or condos or what, but there sure are plenty of new buildings being developed right in that area. You could get a small apartment but be able to walk to work!
