Commute times to Seattle from different areas. (Federal Way, Kent: apartment, rentals)

[Wobtasb]

We are relocating to the Seattle area for work. My office is downtown and we are trying to find a family friendly area that is within a reasonable commute to downtown. We are going to rent at first and our budget is no more than $1800 a month.

What are the commute times from different areas? I am going to have to be at the office no later than 6am

[cmswazey]

Depends on if you're driving or taking an express bus or the train or ride sharing in a Metro Van Pool.

I live in W Seattle-9 miles away, but you have to do some city driving before you can get on the freeway. I take an express bus. It's about 45 minutes. It's a straight shot, no transferring.

People who live closer to the freeway can lop off at least 10 minutes if not 20.

If I were heading in to be downtown by 6- which I don't- I could make the same trip in under half an hour.

[Wobtasb]

Ok that makes sense. I do need to have my vehicle at the office so public transportation is not an option for me

[CrazyDonkey]

$1,800 for what? If a 3bd/2ba house, the pickings are very slim anywhere near downtown Seattle. If willing to settle for an apartment, your chances are much better. Getting through the traffic to arrive at 6am will be a lot easier than at 8am.

Note: The first Sounder run, leaving the Kent Station at 5:27am, gets to King Street Station in Seattle at 5:54am. Whether you could hoof, bus, or light-rail it to your place of work in time depends on where it is. Sounder Stations have free all-day parking:

http://www.soundtransit.org/Schedule...kewood-Seattle

[Wobtasb]

We're looking for a house, that's why I am trying to figure out commute times from different areas. We don't mind being further out... just not sure how far is too far.

[Hemlock140]

I also start at 6am downtown and can make it from Sammamish in 35 minutes at that hour, about 50 going home at 2:30. Unfortunately a house here would rent for about $3,000 if you could find one, so you will most likely have to go farther out. I had to stay later one day for a meeting, and I must say, if you have to change your hours the commute will be much worse. I left at 5:10 and it took an hour and 10 minutes. I suggest looking for the affordable rental, then google the drive time. At 4:30-5:30 am it will be accurate. By 6:30 it will increase, to nearly double by 8am. Try looking at rentals in Renton, Federal Way, Lynwood, and Snohomish.

[cmswazey]

Also, you'll want to figure out how close the parking garage you're going to use is from the office. That adds time.

[Wobtasb]

That is all great information thank you. Still trying to figure out how far is too far...?

[cmswazey]

If you're leaving your home 5ish, the traffic won't be bad. But housing's gotten expensive here.

There are lots of outlying cities like SeaTac, Burien, Shoreline...

[amaiunmei]

The cost of housing will limit things.

Also, what's not clear is whether you have parking worked out. That won't be free in Downtown Seattle.