changing perspective from visitor to potential resident (Seattle, Kent: real estate market, rent)

[puffinz]

Dear folks,

Please forgive the long post.

I may be moving to the Seattle area. The company I work for has not specified which site I may be working. I do know that it may be either off E. Marginal Way or in Renton. The two people who interviewed me stated they lived in Kent and Auburn.

I have been trying to read the information presented to figure out where my family can live. I am concerned about the cost of housing and the trade off between surviving the Insanity I-5 commute or the Insanity Four 05 (I-405) commute and not having time to spend with my family or being relatively close and able to enjoy more urbane things such as live theater and sporting events. I admit to have been spoiled by my 15 minute commute to work (5 miles).

I know very little about West Seattle as most of my trips to Seattle have been along the Lake Washington side of town (Madison Park, Montvale, Leshi, Mt Baker, Eastlake, Queen Anne, or Ballard- yes I have Danish ancestry). However, I do enjoy being in a neighborhood where people gather and live versus 45 housing developments in search of a Wal Mart.

As an added item, I would like to be able to get to work without having to use a car (open to public transit, bicycle, walk, or scooter).

I have read keenly your information about schools as I am have been forced to put my 7 year old in a private, Quaker school as the public schools system leaves a lot to be considered.

Thus, I am open to suggestions... although I would like to keep my housing costs reasonable (our 4 bedroom house cost $216,000).

[findingmesomeday]

West Seattle is great but you won't find a house for that price. Also, the Seattle schools are not so great (but better than the Philly public schools), so you'd have to look at private schools.

You don't want the east side because then you'd have to battle bridge traffic.

Wow, what a quandary. Maybe you can find something small in West Seattle? That's about the only place I can think of to direct you!

[_Charles_]

I can tell from your post you work for the same employer I do. $216k is generally too low to get you anything in the way of a single family house here in the Seattle area. However our company is large enough to be a sub culture in this area. Try networking internally with other employees you might find a deal you would not normally get.

[CityGirl72]

216K - you'd be hard pressed to find a condo.

But the outlying areas - if you don't mind the commute would be a great area to start looking.

[chris]

puffinz,

definitely rent for a year first until you get a better feel for the area. There may be changes in the real estate market by then that may allow you more opportunity.