Affordable Apartments in Seattle Area? (Kent, Renton: rentals, condo, credit)

[heiamseattle]

We have moved in from Minnesota a few days ago. We are having some difficulty finding affortable housing. We, my son, wife and I are still driving around town in a Budget truck which is due today.

Does anybody around the Seattle area including sub-burbs know of any affordable housing? Driving (CDL) is my profession, so location in the metro area is not as much as a concern.

Just trying to keep family out of homeless shelter.

[VeronikaW]

What's your definition of affordable? That would help in sending you in the right direction. You might start checking out places in Renton or Kent. Forrent.com is a good source, or you can find rentals on Craig's List.

Good luck!

V. =)

[toughguy]

Just keep in mind that the further south you go, generally the more "rednecky" it will feel. That doesn't really apply to Kent or Renton, but keep on going south and you will notice it very much.

[Ira500]

I'd say the closest areas to downtown Seattle with the least expensive rents would be Kent, Renton, Tukwila, and Burien.

[heiamseattle]

Thank you everybody. I will check these area out!!

[BB_206]

You could also try Kemore/Bothell or Lake Forest Park/Lake City.

[jojo7]

You can also check out this website. Rental rates are determined by income. You may have to call them directly to find out what your options are but it might be worth it. http://www.archhousing.org/rental/index.html (broken link) I hope this helps you.

[azoria]

Originally Posted by jojo7

You can also check out this website. Rental rates are determined by income. You may have to call them directly to find out what your options are but it might be worth it. http://www.archhousing.org/rental/index.html (broken link) I hope this helps you.

That's stunning. You're eligible for subsidized housing in Seattle if you're a family of four making less than $77,000 a year.

Almost anywhere else $77,000 is great money. Here it's bare survival. Astounding. This isn't New York city.

[GetMeOutta32812]

Originally Posted by azoria

That's stunning. You're eligible for subsidized housing in Seattle if you're a family of four making less than $77,000 a year.

Almost anywhere else $77,000 is great money. Here it's bare survival. Astounding. This isn't New York city.

Don't believe the hype. A lot of these organizations (and government agencies) depend on promoting expanded definitions of need for their very existence (read: their budgets; meaning they would have to go out and get real jobs, instead of profiting from "careers" in advocacy).

Also, take into consideration that families often benefit from expanded tax credits and are unlikely to pay any federal income tax at all (or even receive a net refund), the OP has a high probably of not only surviving, but thriving in the Seattle area (or anywhere else for that matter) if they can budget successfully.

I'm not suggesting that it would be easy, but if people were willing to ditch the un-winnable race of acquiring useless crap and trying to keep up the proverbial Joneses, it wouldn't take anywhere near $77K/yr to survive near (notice "near", not "in") Seattle.

[jojo7]

I here ya. Some people wish they made $77,000 a year. My mom is on a very low fixed income per year and qualified to purchase a very cheap condo under the Arch and she was way under the $77,000/a year they allow you to make and I am sure rents are based the same. I think the Arch is a great way to purchase and rent based upon your income. I happened to be from the NYC area and know there is nothing like an Arch type of program for renting and purchasing. Here is the range for rentals based upon how much you make and what you would pay.
Link from website showing the table.
http://www.archhousing.org/rental/guidelines.htm (broken link)