I want to move to Seattle from Chicago within the next year--what are the coolest affordable neighborhoods to
rent apartments? Also, How is the restaurant job market?

You want Belltown, I'll bet.

I'd agree with Belltown but also suggest Capital Hill.

Coolest does NOT equal affordable, especially in Seattle. In Belltown and on Capitol Hill, you're looking at $600-900 for a studio apartment, $750 - 1300 for a one-bedroom. Vacancy rates are down, but rents are still high.
Some up-and-coming cool neighborhoods are Ballard and Georgetown.
The restaurant biz seems fine -- there are always restaurant jobs to be had. Guess it depends on whether you're a waiter (easy to find a job) or a chef (harder, and chefs are not paid much in the Pacific NW).

Thanks for the replies folks....I currently live in an artsy, young rock'nroll/ puerto rican neighborhood, so I'm looking for mid-priced cool restaurants, at least a grocery store and some cool bars/music. I have to drive everywhere now and would like to be able to walk to a few places, but I don't forsee myself being able to afford to be right in the middle of the action.

I would look first on Capitol Hill for young, cool, compact (no driving needed),and diverse. Ballard is nice, and quiet, but not as young or cool or diverse.

Thanks Alf-I think you understand where I'm coming from. I do need to keep my car because I need to visit my elderly parents in Idaho, but I've heard parking is a pain in the a@# around Capitol Hill etc.. True? Can I find an apartment with a driveway without spending too much more? I've also heard finding hardwood floors is tough. Thanks and I look forward to more replies !

Hi, I am looking for a place in Seattle as well....how about Queen Ann?

Queen Ann is a beautiful area to live, but rather pricey and parking is very difficult.

Opinions vary, but Fremont probably is the "coolest" neighborhood with some apartment inventory. Parking will be less a hassle in Fremont than in Belltown or Capitol Hill. Good bus connections to downtown, close to the U District, good bars and cafes.
http://www.nwculture.com/NWC/CityDis...FS/1FhpFS.html

Once again, thanks for the replies. Is there anyone out there who has moved from Chicago recently that can give me comparison/contrast - positive/negative between the two cities? I know the initial factors are pretty obvious, but wondering about little things. Still wondering about the hardwood floors. Thanks!

I suggest you try Craigslist.org and go (in the "more cities" menu) to the Seattle forums. Try the Portland forums also - there's at least one person hanging around there who moved from Chicago to Portland but was also considering Seattle, so you could learn about how she made her choices.

Andrew

Okay, okay...

Oak or fir (not hardwood) floors are fairly common in older apartments (pre-1950) and houses. As anywhere, though, many landlords have carpeted over the wood floors.

I really thank you all for taking the time to reply... I know I'm asking some random questions, but they're all things I need to know. For those of you that live in Seattle, do you really utilize your natural environment or have you gotten so used to it that you take it for granted? I don't mean that in a wierd way, I just wonder whether you're truly camping every weekend or whether you've gotten tired of it already? I ask that only as a true novice to the west -- I'm a little bit scared that my camping highs out there will eventually wair off and I'l be left with a city that can't keep me occupied. Please don't hate me because I'm a city guy. Is Seattle really an interesting place to live?

Gareth,
My son moved from NYC to Seattle a couple of years ago, to find a job and see how he liked it on the West coast. Several of his friends from college were already living there and liking it.
He really liked it, would live there again. There is quite a lot to do, it is a gentler cost of living compared to NY and the people were all pretty nice
He got a job at the Alibi Room in Seattle when he first got there, and loved the work and the people. He then worked for Hostelling International, which is in the same area..which is near the Pike St Market.
I don't think it is a bad decision to go and see if you like it, what is the worst that can happen?
Good luck!

Garethb--I think the answer to your question depends on the person. We moved here (from LA) 12 years ago and not a day goes by that I'm not awed by the natural beauty here. While I don't like camping anymore, I love taking walks in my neighborhood where we have a state park nearby with miles of hiking trails. (We live on the Eastside in an area with lots of horses around us.) Also, I'm a big doglover and there is a great off-leash park nearby. I also love going to the various sights in the area, especially
to Mt. Rainer where I like to stay at Paradise Lodge (very inexpensive and rustic).

However, I also like what the city has to offer, especially the Pacific Northwest Ballet as well as several good restaurants.

The only thing I'm not thrilled about is the time it takes to fly to Europe and yes, sometimes the rain "gets to me", but then I have to remind myself that we wouldn't have all this beautiful green if it didn't rain, plus, IMO it sure beats the blizzards of winter and humidity of summer I grew up with (outside of Cleveland).

People of Seattle, I thank you for your timely responses and your excellent advice. I know that living in your city will be great because of the kindness of your replies and the honesty that I recieved from you all- I'm not just trying to butter your muffin, I mean that just like you would if you were in my situation. I look forward to meeting you in a random Seattle bar next year!

Queen Anne is not that much more expensive to rent on than Cap. Hill, Beltown or Fremont these days. I've rented there for 4 years. My parking is a breeze, it really depends where on the hill you live.

I think most people who live here really take advantage of the surroundings. Most of my friends and I are constantly going hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking, etc. Or even just taking great drives throught the mountains, wineries, etc.

Check out the Seattle Times online on Sundays and start looking at the rents, areas and amenities. Hardwood floors get more money usually.

Wendy

I have to agree...most of the people who live in the area constantly take advantage of the area...doesn't matter if its winter or summer! We lived on the East Coast for many years and just made it back here (born and raised in PNW) a few years ago and never want to leave. Our kids have already done many hikes that many adults never do. So much to do around here.

Garethb-

Here's a site that lists and shows some apts for rent on Capital Hill, Queen Anne, Ballard, Green Lake, etc. You can see descriptions, prices and locations to start getting ideas.

http://www.seattleapartments.org/

Wendy