Researching King County

[Ryan]

North Bend is definitely the nicest place that's been mentioned thusfar. It's rural, but close to town and a reasonable commute to the Lake Union area. It is getting pricier and a lot of wealthy folks have been building there so I'd imagine it would be a great investment area. If it was me though, I'd set down anywhere on Bainbridge Island and ferry to Lake Union. It goes right there, it's cheaper than gas and you wouldn't have to worry about traffic (and yes the traffic in and around Seattle is flat out horrible). Bainbridge is extremely pretty and serene, but also very landlocked (it's and island after all). That keeps ALL of the bad element out, but also keeps you in. Not much shopping on the island, but you're just a short drive (>10mi.) away from Poulsbo, Siverdale and Bremerton. It's the kind of place I'd like to retire. Pricey for WA, but much more reasonable than O.C., and a better investment than N. Bend. Good luck.

[Iam me]

I moved to North bend 2 years ago and love it. It feels more rural then a true suburb and the commute to Seattle isn't that bad. There is alot less traffic when you head east of the city reletive to the traffic when headed north or south. The people here are friendly and its absolutly one of the(if not) most scenic places within cummuting distance of seattle.

[Sailor Girl]

I have lived in a number of the suburbs in King County, and ultimately I returned to the city. I have lived on the north side of Lake Union and found it immensly satisfying. You would find yourself with no commute time, access to the Burke Gilman trail, bicycling or bussing to all of your downtown events in a few minutes. Also, you can walk or ride to many restaurants, the UW football games, little or no yard chores and immediate boating access.

Once I realeased the concept of needing lots of land, I found myself completely liberated, and rarely get in a car.

[shadow42]

Just wondering if anyone has comments on Maple Valley. It looks like a nice area with very affordable housing. Some highly rated elem and middle schools, but not sure of the high schools. Also, what about Mukilteo?
We are looking to get out of So. Ca. and my husband works for Boeing. No job yet, but we are looking so I have been researching various areas. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

[Mark S.]

Originally Posted by shadow42

Just wondering if anyone has comments on Maple Valley. It looks like a nice area with very affordable housing. Some highly rated elem and middle schools, but not sure of the high schools.

I think Maple Valley was probably a very nice place 10-20 years ago, but it has gotten very, very crowded. It's still green (lots of trees) compared to the other suburbs, but lots of housing developments, apartments, and houses crammed together. Traffic is pretty bad, too.

Originally Posted by shadow42

Also, what about Mukilteo?

I don't know anything about it. Sorry.

Originally Posted by shadow42

We are looking to get out of So. Ca. and my husband works for Boeing. No job yet, but we are looking so I have been researching various areas. Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.

Are you looking for more urban, suburban, or rural communities? Would your husband be working in the Renton/South Seattle area, or do you know yet?

[shadow42]

We don't know yet. He is still applying for various positions, so we will have to see. I am researching areas to live in and around all the Boeing sites. Maple Valley looked nice and much more affordable than the Lake Washington area. Do you know anything about the Bothell area? Seems to be good schools there as well. Thanks for the input.

[eastsearch]

Maybe I missed it, but is the commute from North Bend to Redmond or Bellevue very long?