Looking for advice - relocating for jobs, but we can't figure out where to live (Seattle: rent, home)

[Roasted-Avo]

Hi there! Hubby and I are relocating with our two kids to W. Washington in the next 3-6 months. However, we are struggling to narrow down where we want to live (rent first, eventually buy). The biggest problem - his new job is in the center of Seattle, and my potential jobs (still lining things up) are mostly in the Olympia/Lacey area. Everything I've read suggests the commute between both is horrendous!

We've talked about Tacoma, but I'm really hesitant about the size (I prefer smaller, Olympia-sized cities). I'm also hesitant about safety and the school system (which has terrible ratings in Tacoma!). I want to be in an area with good schools for kids. I'd also prefer that one of us works near where kids go to school in case of a sick kid/other school day emergency, rather than have both of us commute out during the workday.

Sooo..is the Olympia to Seattle commute that terrible? Are there other places to live in between the two that might be worth checking out? Suggestions on areas with good schools?

[sll3454]

The commute will be bad. How bad depends on what your working hours will be.
There are places between the two - Puyallup, maybe, but you will both have bad commutes and neither will be near the kids.

[MtnSurfer]

If you are seriously considering this, you first need to visit and do the drive during rush hour at least for week. Seriously, it's a nightmare and there's no getting around it. There are hundreds of thousands of people on the freeways and roads at that time. Many times, in addition to the usual gridlock, there are accidents which completely stop traffic. That is no way to start your morning before work... or finally making it home afterwards. One or both of you will have miserable, draining drives. Then add in our winter driving conditions where there will be ice on the roads while driving in the dark on the shorter days of winter and even more accidents. It won't be long before you begin questioning your decision especially while living the nightmare during stop and go rush hour traffic for miles... and miles....

Honestly, I would not do it. IMO, it will be far better for one of you to concede to work near the other for the kids sake as well as your own sanity. That added daily stress will takes it toll on you and the entire family. That may mean one taking a lower paying job while saving their sanity or spouse's. But surely you can find something in such large cities without having to resort to that daily death march. There are simply too many people and cars on the road during this time. That section between Seattle and Olympia has the worst traffic in the entire PNW. Next would be Seattle heading north. The infrastructure was never designed to handle the number of people who attempt to use it daily.


Seattle ranks 2nd worst commute time in US, report finds



Derek

[Roasted-Avo]

Thanks for the insight, it sounds miserable and probably not worth it in the long run. How is the commute from north (like Everett) heading into Seattle?

[StealthRabbit]

Consider the jobs, but focus on the family.
Live as close to the best and most demanding job (walking distance if possible).
Don't task a spouse with a commute if possible (we were single earners, and working nights for 30 yrs solved my commute problems.). Today there are more options, and my last gig was USA based, but Asia reporting (working nights!).

One of my kid's is downtown Seattle based, and bikes from Queen Anne. Nice view!
You'll need to compromise, but spend as much time together as family as is possible. And don't complicate with dangerous or long commute. Kids (at home) are a very short term project, treasure that privilege. (Even if it means not working and conserving funds). Just make it fun, it's never coming back. Poof, they're gone. You can go back to work then, if you must.

Pencil out the home purchase economics.

Renting can be much cheaper than owning in an inflated housing market.
Your RE dollars could be working for you in a cheaper market, spinning off cash flows so you can easily pay rent in Seattle, Saipan, Sydney, Stockholm, or Singapore.... The kids will love it! (Great for the resume too)

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by Roasted-Avo

Thanks for the insight, it sounds miserable and probably not worth it in the long run. How is the commute from north (like Everett) heading into Seattle?

So many people have moved north into Snohomish County for cheaper housing that the commute is horrible. If you can use mass transit it can be more doable. Edmonds is a nice town that you can commute to Seattle from. It's still not a great commute but better than any place north of Edmonds.

[MtnSurfer]

Originally Posted by Roasted-Avo

Thanks for the insight, it sounds miserable and probably not worth it in the long run. How is the commute from north (like Everett) heading into Seattle?

Roasted-Avo, while I hate to be the bearer of bad news, Seattle traffic is really bad and there's no way to sugar coat that fact beyond the obvious truth of it. Every city has its pluses and minuses. And traffic is a major problem for Seattleites.

There will definitely be big traffic jams into and out of Seattle from the north as well. Expect over an hour each way. Some days will be worse taking longer due to accidents. It's common knowledge that the commute is bad into Seattle from the north also. Your best bet is to live as close into the city as possible. And Everett, unfortunately, is not that close relative to the amount of traffic flow into/out of the city daily. Its a big choke point for many commuters.

Study: Everett is worst city in U.S. for time spent in traffic gridlock

Commute from South Everett to Seattle (UW)?

I would seriously consider requesting an alternate 'off hours' commute, hybrid telecommute, mass transit (where available) or living closer in. Its the same dilemma many, many Seattleites faces as they deal with a hellish daily commute. Many got a reprieve during covid and now some do not want to return to the office after experiencing freedom from that daily torture.

Derek

[AADAD]

I would candidly see if you can align your position closer to Seattle. The Tacoma to Seattle will spank you most every day. What skills do you (or he) have which could align work in other locations?

[texasdiver]

No, don't do it. Seattle to Olympia is literally insane. As is living in the middle and commuting in both directions.

If you don't want to live in Seattle then perhaps consider Bothell or Woodinville up at the top of Lake Washington. Excellent schools and nice community but not quite as completely wealthy as other nearby suburbs. You have decent public transit options into Seattle from there. And then see if you can find work somewhere in that area.

As a parent of 3 kids I will tell you that you do NOT and I mean absolutely DO NOT want to be both working 1+ hours away from your kids schools. That is not sustainable.

[Wile E. Coyote]

Yeah, once when I was living in the Bay Area I decided to get the best job I could get regardless of commute (because I had never done that before). OMG nightmare!!! I would get home and not remember which route I drove. I literally had to pry my hands off the steering wheel as it was so stressful.

Commuting sucks and will drain you of the will to live. It will be short-lived and you will be searching for an alternative lifestyle soon after. Just do something else altogether. Live somewhere that it is possible to have a family nowadays.