hoping of moving from Boston area with family (Seattle, Bellevue: best neighborhoods, sales)

[jtilley7]

My wife and I are looking to move from just outside Boston to Seattle this fall. We are both PAs which are in high demand in Seattle so finding a job shouldn't be too hard. We will be having our first kid within the next month so an area that has good schools is a priority. Where we currently live has below average schools. We also would like a little bit of land, >5,000 sq/ft lot because we have 5 chickens and 2 dwarf goats. Our budget will likely be about $375,000. We have visited a few times and love the city, we cant wait to get away from the snow and cold winters (actual temp was -11 a couple weeks ago). From my research the best area that I could find that balanced everything we are looking for is Olympic Hills area.

What do locals think of Olympic Hills? How are the schools and is it safe?

Are there any other areas that may better fit what we are looking for?

thanks

[homesinseattle]

Hi tilley. Olympic Hills is quite nice but there is no way you can buy there for $375,000. Keep in mind that many listings you see in relatively central neighborhoods of Seattle are selling for $75,000 to $100,000 over list price with multiple offers. If your budget really is capped at that, you may want to look at Burien to the south. You might also accomplish that in Snohomish County to the north.

[jtilley7]

I forgot to mention we are looking for a bit of a fixer upper. I have followed home sales in Seattle for the past 6 months or so and have seen a pretty good amount of homes in the Olympic Hills area that would fit our needs. I could be wrong though because online searches don't give you the full picture.

Here are two house I found that would be pretty good fits, unless there is something about the area that makes it not so appealing.

13815 27th Ave Ne, Seattle, WA 98125 - Recently Sold Homes & Sold Properties - realtor.com®

2328 Ne 128th St, Seattle, WA 98125 - Recently Sold Homes & Sold Properties - realtor.com®


I haven't spent any time south of the city, all our driving was pike place and north. I did take the light rail from the airport and the southern part of the city didn't look like the best neighborhoods. I really have no idea though since I have never been through those neighborhoods. I have looked into Shoreline a bit but would prefer to be in the city. If we can't afford the city we would consider the burbs.

[homesinseattle]

You might be able to slide into something small in Mountlake Terrace or outlying areas of Edmonds. Shoreline would be about $450K to start, especially for a larger lot. Don't mean to burst your bubble but "fixer-uppers" are in high demand around here, by investors and normal buyers. Going to what we would consider the suburbs (Bellevue and the Eastside) isn't any less expensive as Microsoft, Google, T Mobile, Costco and a number of other sizable companies are centered there. There are less expensive suburbs to the north and south, Bothell and Kent come to mind. As a general rule, prices would be lower to the south than north, unless you go north to Snohomish County.

[mkarch]

IIRC you need a minimum 10,000 sq ft lot for 2 miniature goats.

[homesinseattle]

To really understand us in Seattle, you should also watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUQyOpcBEdk

[jtilley7]

I have already spoke to someone from the city and per Seattle code dwarf goats are considered small animals and you are allowed up to 3 small animals without a lot size minimum. I currently live on a 5,300 Sq ft lot which is all we need.

[MountainHi]

You can't afford Seattle on your budget. Look outside the city, as the real estate agent recommended.

[jtilley7]

so the two house I previously listed which sold for $350k and $375k were just a fluke?

Where outside the city would you suggest?

[homesinseattle]

tilley. Didn't know you were open to small homes but I see the listings you have noted. They aren't flukes but pretty rare at that price. You may have a chance in these areas you showed, usually fixers under 1000 SF. You just have to have to be very focused and on your game.