Single mother looking to move to Seattle area (Federal Way, Shoreline: for rent, insurance)

[AJay715]

Hello all!

I have been a lurker for a while and decided to join, since my decision to move have gone from an idea, to a desire to a must-have.

Since March of 2004 I have loved Seattle. I decided soon after my first visit that some day I was going to live there. I am now a 27-year-old single mother and I have given myself a goal...to be in the Seattle area by the end of this year.

I have done a lot of research on the different areas, but I wanted some first-hand advice! I have a 6 year old (will be 7 in April), so a safe area with good schools is important to me. I only have my income plus some child support, so affordabilility is big as well as finding jobs that offers a decent income. I will be renting to start out, but I will be selling my house here, so I could also buy fairly quickly. I currently make a 40k/year salary and hope to make that or more in the Seattle area. No degree yet (in the process, hope to be done before I move) and I have a lot of experience in "office jobs" (business sales, administrative and I am currently working as an accounts payable specialist). I don't mind commuting to another close city than I live for work.

Places I have read up on are Redmond, Shoreline (may be too pricey for me), Federal Way and I have heard a little about Queen Anne, but haven't done a lot of research. So if you could touch on those, that would be great, but please offer any other suggestions for my personal conditions.

Alright, give me any advise you have! I appreciate it

[tobester]

The first big question is housing budget for rent/buy. A 40K/year salary doesn't go a long way in the Seattle area. And, quite bluntly, if Shoreline is too pricey, forget Redmond and Queen Anne.

[Sonnenwende]

Since you get child support, can you even move to Seattle, I mean without affecting a custody arrangement?

[AJay715]

Originally Posted by Sonnenwende

Since you get child support, can you even move to Seattle, I mean without affecting a custody arrangement?

Without getting personal...yes! There would be zero issues with it

[AJay715]

Originally Posted by tobester

The first big question is housing budget for rent/buy. A 40K/year salary doesn't go a long way in the Seattle area. And, quite bluntly, if Shoreline is too pricey, forget Redmond and Queen Anne.

That's the kind of things I need to know! In what areas would that salary be reasonable? Or can I expect to make a higher salary there, perhaps? I get another $6000/year in child support.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by AJay715

That's the kind of things I need to know! In what areas would that salary be reasonable? Or can I expect to make a higher salary there, perhaps? I get another $6000/year in child support.

There are a number of areas with older 1-2 bedroom condos you can probably afford (figuring under $150K purchase price w/ 20% down). While you can find houses in that price range they tend to be in very rough shape or an undesirable area - or both.

I recommend redfin.com for searching listings. They list the schools serving most properties along with the ratings. This should give you some idea of what's available in your price range, where they're at and how good the schools are.

As for Federal Way vs Queen Anne - FW is definitely more affordable but it's not close to Seattle. People do commute from there but with the way things are laid out, you're going to spend most of your time within 5-10 miles of where you live and your kid goes to school. Planning for a longer commute as a single mom is likely to be stressful.

[flyingsaucermom]

You are looking at a 1 bedroom in Shoreline starting at $775-850 (although I once saw a roomshare at $650). If you wanted a 2 bedroom than you are looking at over $1000 (and that's with no promises of a good school district). They say that costs of housing (which I think also includes utilities and insurance) shouldn't exceed 1/3 of your take home pay. You'd be really close to that, if not over.

Also you have to consider support. For example, what will you do with your daughter during holidays and breaks? What if you just want to go out on the weekends? What will you do if she gets sick and you have to work? Have you factored in the cost of childcare for these situations??? If you share custody, who will pay for her to go visit dad..other relatives???

I don't mean to discourage you, just to make it as real.

[AJay715]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

You are looking at a 1 bedroom in Shoreline starting at $775-850 (although I once saw a roomshare at $650). If you wanted a 2 bedroom than you are looking at over $1000 (and that's with no promises of a good school district). They say that costs of housing (which I think also includes utilities and insurance) shouldn't exceed 1/3 of your take home pay. You'd be really close to that, if not over.

Also you have to consider support. For example, what will you do with your daughter during holidays and breaks? What if you just want to go out on the weekends? What will you do if she gets sick and you have to work? Have you factored in the cost of childcare for these situations??? If you share custody, who will pay for her to go visit dad..other relatives???

I don't mean to discourage you, just to make it as real.

I appreciate the honesty I do have a few friends in the area and hope to gain more pretty quick, as well as a reliable babysitter. After-school and holiday's/breaks would be spent at a daycare when possible. I would only accept a job that offered some holidays off, vacation and sick time, etc., as I have now. And there is no joint/shared custody with my son's father. Simply put, the only interaction he has with us is paying his child support. I understand that it's a change, but I have seen women do more with less!

[AJay715]

Originally Posted by mkarch

There are a number of areas with older 1-2 bedroom condos you can probably afford (figuring under $150K purchase price w/ 20% down). While you can find houses in that price range they tend to be in very rough shape or an undesirable area - or both.

I recommend redfin.com for searching listings. They list the schools serving most properties along with the ratings. This should give you some idea of what's available in your price range, where they're at and how good the schools are.

As for Federal Way vs Queen Anne - FW is definitely more affordable but it's not close to Seattle. People do commute from there but with the way things are laid out, you're going to spend most of your time within 5-10 miles of where you live and your kid goes to school. Planning for a longer commute as a single mom is likely to be stressful.

I am okay with not working or living right in Seattle, I know that's a bit unrealistic. But the entire area appeals to me, not just Seattle itself and we can easily take day trips to Seattle for entertainment. I have a friend (married mother of 1) that lives in Federal Way and loves it!

[analogkid84]

Mountlake Terrace, Brier, Lynnwood areas might be a consideration. North of Seattle along I-5 by about 10-15 miles.