Looks like Drifter is moving to Seattle! (1 Viewer)

[the rover]

Drifter, you're looking at a house, right? If for any reason you're buying a condo, talk to me first. Newer condos in Washington have some issues you need to be able to steer clear of. Some are fine. Some will cost you tens of thousands if you buy into them.

 

[Drifter]

Drifter, you're looking at a house, right? If for any reason you're buying a condo, talk to me first. Newer condos in Washington have some issues you need to be able to steer clear of. Some are fine. Some will cost you tens of thousands if you buy into them.

We'll be buying a house eventually but we'll be renting for the first 6-12 months

 

[Drifter]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

 

[Drifter]

Rainier Beach? I think I remember seeing that on the light rail, right?

 

[Fennis]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

do you want urban living or suburbs or rural? How much do you want to spend on a house? Where did you live in Colorado?

 

[Drifter]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

do you want urban living or suburbs or rural? How much do you want to spend on a house? Where did you live in Colorado?

We want urban or suburban to start with. When we buy we will probably look at suburban to rural.Last year we moved from my little house in a hip gentrifying urban neighborhood to a suburb. We are currently around 15 minute from downtown so we're not in the way out there burbs - we're in the immediately adjacent suburbs.Since we're not worried about schools at all on the initial rental, urban is cool provided it's safe and the wife will be comfortable taking the kids on walks and such. I do, however, have two dogs so the typical hip urban cottage isn't going to cut it with 4 people (albeit 2 tiny ones) and 2 dogs.

 

[Fennis]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

do you want urban living or suburbs or rural? How much do you want to spend on a house? Where did you live in Colorado?

We want urban or suburban to start with. When we buy we will probably look at suburban to rural.Last year we moved from my little house in a hip gentrifying urban neighborhood to a suburb. We are currently around 15 minute from downtown so we're not in the way out there burbs - we're in the immediately adjacent suburbs.Since we're not worried about schools at all on the initial rental, urban is cool provided it's safe and the wife will be comfortable taking the kids on walks and such. I do, however, have two dogs so the typical hip urban cottage isn't going to cut it with 4 people (albeit 2 tiny ones) and 2 dogs.

Baed on what you said, I would look in Queen Anne or Ballard.

 

[Drifter]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

do you want urban living or suburbs or rural? How much do you want to spend on a house? Where did you live in Colorado?

We want urban or suburban to start with. When we buy we will probably look at suburban to rural.Last year we moved from my little house in a hip gentrifying urban neighborhood to a suburb. We are currently around 15 minute from downtown so we're not in the way out there burbs - we're in the immediately adjacent suburbs.Since we're not worried about schools at all on the initial rental, urban is cool provided it's safe and the wife will be comfortable taking the kids on walks and such. I do, however, have two dogs so the typical hip urban cottage isn't going to cut it with 4 people (albeit 2 tiny ones) and 2 dogs.

Baed on what you said, I would look in Queen Anne or Ballard.

Isn't Queen Anne expensive? - like really expensive?

 

[Hooper31]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

Only consider Bellevue if you don't mind the smell of money.

 

[Rodeojones]

Rainier Beach? I think I remember seeing that on the light rail, right?

Stay away from Ranier Beach or the Central District (CD)...high crime and and alot of gang activity. I live south about 45 minutes but I love West Seattle...Alki area is gorgeous.

 

[the rover]

Rainier Beach? I think I remember seeing that on the light rail, right?

Stay away from Ranier Beach or the Central District (CD)...high crime and and alot of gang activity. I live south about 45 minutes but I love West Seattle...Alki area is gorgeous.

where do you live?

 

[Mr. Clean]

Am I crazy if I look at Bellevue or Kirkland?

Only consider Bellevue if you don't mind the smell of money.

Bellevue and Kirkland are both really nice areas, but pricey and the commute across the bridges will be teh suck for you.

 

[Drifter]

Seward Park? How's that?

 

[Mr. Clean]

Seward Park? How's that?

I ran through that neighborhood during one of the Seattle marathons - it seemed like a very nice area. Older homes, no idea of price? I think that area has a heavy orthodox jew population (NTTAWWT) - just FYI.

 

[Britney Spears]

I live south also. Down in Kent.

Columbia City is good food, but the majority of it is complete ghetto.

 

[Drifter]

I live south also. Down in Kent.Columbia City is good food, but the majority of it is complete ghetto.

Do you commute all the way to the HQ? That's not far from where I'll be.

 

[Britney Spears]

I live south also. Down in Kent.Columbia City is good food, but the majority of it is complete ghetto.

Do you commute all the way to the HQ? That's not far from where I'll be.

Yep! Just a 20 min drive. Not terrible for me.I work just south of the baseball park...We can meet for happy hour if you are close!

 

[proninja]

If rover invites you to Springsteen, watch out for your face

Hey, I didn't know you were still alive. Tried to reach you for free golf.

I sent you a few bbm's, and even tried to invite you to my wedding, which you wouldn't have wanted to come to anyway, but I thought I might have been able to get you for a good gift. I'm sad about free golf, but I'd be up for not free golf or beer sometime soon. Still have clients in Kirkland? Also, I still have your ugly blue Eddie Bauer coat and want to give it back to you.

 

[proninja]

I moved to Kirkland from LA 5 years ago, what you'll quickly learn its not so much the rain, its the lack of sun that gets to you. Despite that, Seattle is a great place to live.

Hi, neighborRe: Bellevue/Kirkland - I live in Kirkland, and I like the Eastside. As a single person, I'd much prefer living in Seattle. As a married guy with kids, I'd prefer the Eastside, but only if I commuted at off hours. If you go to work at 6 and come home at 3, it'd be a short, easy commute. I wouldn't deal with bridge traffic working 8-5 for much of anything. There are indeed very, very well off areas in Bellevue, but there are plenty of middle class areas too.

 

[Rodeojones]

Rainier Beach? I think I remember seeing that on the light rail, right?

Stay away from Ranier Beach or the Central District (CD)...high crime and and alot of gang activity. I live south about 45 minutes but I love West Seattle...Alki area is gorgeous.

where do you live?

Puyallup

 

[Sofa King Money]

Always liked that profile pic - welcome to the NW - if you want suburban and can commute be train to Seattle, you might consider this area to the north - Money Mag - top 10 best places to live - small towns

 

[Drifter]

Always liked that profile pic - welcome to the NW - if you want suburban and can commute be train to Seattle, you might consider this area to the north - Money Mag - top 10 best places to live - small towns

So, an hour commute in traffic. Probably a little far since I'm likely to be putting in some pretty good hours and don't want to extend the time away from my family too much.

 

[Drifter]

I actually just looked into the train thing and the station is right next to where I'll be working and is only 45 minutes. I could do that. I'll definitely consider that option.

 

[Drifter]

Is that right that you only pay a small fee based on the GVW of your vehicle? So like $60 or so?

If so, that answers my question as to whether re-register here or do it up there (my registration is up next month).

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Is that right that you only pay a small fee based on the GVW of your vehicle? So like $60 or so?If so, that answers my question as to whether re-register here or do it up there (my registration is up next month).

Accurate. They used to have a horrible tax scheme and registrations were like $300-$500, but it is now a nominal ($60 sounds right) fee.

 

[Drifter]

This is more with an eye to buying but here's a list of neighborhoods/towns that seem to have the right combo of affordability and commutability with low crime. Schools were looked at but not critical since by the time the oldest is in elementary school, we can buy again.

Des Moines

Seattle (Highland Park)

Seattle (Greenwood)

Shoreline

Seattle (Broadview)

Seattle (Arbor Heights)

Edmonds

Bothell

Kenmoore

Seattle (Victory Heights)

Mukilteo

West Seattle

These all had commute times listed as well and are supposedly all under 30 minutes with Edmonds and Bothell being the most distant at 26 minutes. I realize those numbers are probably somewhat low and would figure +50% with bad days being +100%. That's about the equivalent of my current commute.

Feedback is appreciated.

 

[Drifter]

Secondary choices because of affordability or higher crime:

Kent

Burien

Seattle (Meadowbrook)

Seattle (Crown Hill)

Issaquah

Seattle (Maple Leaf)

Seattle (Green Lake)

Lake Forest Park

Seattle (Alki/Admiral)

Kirkland

Seattle (Queen Anne)

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

This is more with an eye to buying but here's a list of neighborhoods/towns that seem to have the right combo of affordability and commutability with low crime. Schools were looked at but not critical since by the time the oldest is in elementary school, we can buy again.Des MoinesSeattle (Highland Park)Seattle (Greenwood)ShorelineSeattle (Broadview)Seattle (Arbor Heights)EdmondsBothellKenmooreSeattle (Victory Heights)MukilteoWest SeattleThese all had commute times listed as well and are supposedly all under 30 minutes with Edmonds and Bothell being the most distant at 26 minutes. I realize those numbers are probably somewhat low and would figure +50% with bad days being +100%. That's about the equivalent of my current commute.Feedback is appreciated.

You can throw Mukilteo out. That is in Snohomish County and would way too far. Edmonds is almost as far. I think Shoreline should be your northern limit, and that would be a longish commute.Bothell and Kenmore would also be wicked commutes.West Seattle and Des Moines are good options that would be easy commutes. Greenwood is also a good option, but is a bit farther. I don't know many of the other Seattle neighborhoods that you have highlighted.

 

[TheAristocrat]

Congrats, Drifter! Keep us updated. I'm most likely making the same move in a little over a year.

 

[Drifter]

This is more with an eye to buying but here's a list of neighborhoods/towns that seem to have the right combo of affordability and commutability with low crime. Schools were looked at but not critical since by the time the oldest is in elementary school, we can buy again.Des MoinesSeattle (Highland Park)Seattle (Greenwood)ShorelineSeattle (Broadview)Seattle (Arbor Heights)EdmondsBothellKenmooreSeattle (Victory Heights)MukilteoWest SeattleThese all had commute times listed as well and are supposedly all under 30 minutes with Edmonds and Bothell being the most distant at 26 minutes. I realize those numbers are probably somewhat low and would figure +50% with bad days being +100%. That's about the equivalent of my current commute.Feedback is appreciated.

You can throw Mukilteo out. That is in Snohomish County and would way too far. Edmonds is almost as far. I think Shoreline should be your northern limit, and that would be a longish commute.Bothell and Kenmore would also be wicked commutes.West Seattle and Des Moines are good options that would be easy commutes. Greenwood is also a good option, but is a bit farther. I don't know many of the other Seattle neighborhoods that you have highlighted.

Someone mentioned Mukilteo earlier and it seems the commuter train is only 40 minutes to the ID. That seems reasonable.

 

[Rodeojones]

This is more with an eye to buying but here's a list of neighborhoods/towns that seem to have the right combo of affordability and commutability with low crime. Schools were looked at but not critical since by the time the oldest is in elementary school, we can buy again.Des MoinesSeattle (Highland Park)Seattle (Greenwood)ShorelineSeattle (Broadview)Seattle (Arbor Heights)EdmondsBothellKenmooreSeattle (Victory Heights)MukilteoWest SeattleThese all had commute times listed as well and are supposedly all under 30 minutes with Edmonds and Bothell being the most distant at 26 minutes. I realize those numbers are probably somewhat low and would figure +50% with bad days being +100%. That's about the equivalent of my current commute.Feedback is appreciated.

You can throw Mukilteo out. That is in Snohomish County and would way too far. Edmonds is almost as far. I think Shoreline should be your northern limit, and that would be a longish commute.Bothell and Kenmore would also be wicked commutes.West Seattle and Des Moines are good options that would be easy commutes. Greenwood is also a good option, but is a bit farther. I don't know many of the other Seattle neighborhoods that you have highlighted.

Someone mentioned Mukilteo earlier and it seems the commuter train is only 40 minutes to the ID. That seems reasonable.

It really depends on what you think is a reasonable time to spend on the train. My vote is still West Seattle and you won't spend much more vs. Mukilteo.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

This is more with an eye to buying but here's a list of neighborhoods/towns that seem to have the right combo of affordability and commutability with low crime. Schools were looked at but not critical since by the time the oldest is in elementary school, we can buy again.Des MoinesSeattle (Highland Park)Seattle (Greenwood)ShorelineSeattle (Broadview)Seattle (Arbor Heights)EdmondsBothellKenmooreSeattle (Victory Heights)MukilteoWest SeattleThese all had commute times listed as well and are supposedly all under 30 minutes with Edmonds and Bothell being the most distant at 26 minutes. I realize those numbers are probably somewhat low and would figure +50% with bad days being +100%. That's about the equivalent of my current commute.Feedback is appreciated.

You can throw Mukilteo out. That is in Snohomish County and would way too far. Edmonds is almost as far. I think Shoreline should be your northern limit, and that would be a longish commute.Bothell and Kenmore would also be wicked commutes.West Seattle and Des Moines are good options that would be easy commutes. Greenwood is also a good option, but is a bit farther. I don't know many of the other Seattle neighborhoods that you have highlighted.

Someone mentioned Mukilteo earlier and it seems the commuter train is only 40 minutes to the ID. That seems reasonable.

It really depends on what you think is a reasonable time to spend on the train. My vote is still West Seattle and you won't spend much more vs. Mukilteo.

Agreed. And when you want to go somewhere to do something fun, West Seattle is right across the bay from Downtown and has it's own attractions, whereas Mukilteo is basically a suburb of Everett.

 

[Drifter]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

A wicked commute is something like going from Bellevue or Redmond to downtown Seattle. A drive that can take no more than 25 minutes with no traffic, but on a typical day is 45-50 minutes and on a bad one over an hour.People that commit to commutes that regularly take over an hour are, by definition, insane.

 

[Drifter]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

A wicked commute is something like going from Bellevue or Redmond to downtown Seattle. A drive that can take no more than 25 minutes with no traffic, but on a typical day is 45-50 minutes and on a bad one over an hour.People that commit to commutes that regularly take over an hour are, by definition, insane.

So Mukilteo and Bothell are more than that? The distances seem similar but I obviously don't understand the traffic dynamics of Seattle.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

A wicked commute is something like going from Bellevue or Redmond to downtown Seattle. A drive that can take no more than 25 minutes with no traffic, but on a typical day is 45-50 minutes and on a bad one over an hour.People that commit to commutes that regularly take over an hour are, by definition, insane.

So Mukilteo and Bothell are more than that? The distances seem similar but I obviously don't understand the traffic dynamics of Seattle.

Mukilteo: Southbound I-5 from the Snohomish county line to downtown is a pretty rough stretch of freeway. Traffic is always bad for a lot of it, even during off-peak hours. Bothell: You have to go south on I-405, then merge onto 520 and go across the floating bridge. The 405/520 merge is one chokepoint. The bridge itself is another. At rush hour, they often sort of combine to make a giant cluster####.

I may be off on my time estimates, but these are both commutes I would be wary of. And, as I said earlier, I would probably rule Mukilteo out because it is BFE.

 

[Fennis]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

A wicked commute is something like going from Bellevue or Redmond to downtown Seattle. A drive that can take no more than 25 minutes with no traffic, but on a typical day is 45-50 minutes and on a bad one over an hour.People that commit to commutes that regularly take over an hour are, by definition, insane.

So Mukilteo and Bothell are more than that? The distances seem similar but I obviously don't understand the traffic dynamics of Seattle.

Mukilteo: Southbound I-5 from the Snohomish county line to downtown is a pretty rough stretch of freeway. Traffic is always bad for a lot of it, even during off-peak hours. Bothell: You have to go south on I-405, then merge onto 520 and go across the floating bridge. The 405/520 merge is one chokepoint. The bridge itself is another. At rush hour, they often sort of combine to make a giant cluster####.

I may be off on my time estimates, but these are both commutes I would be wary of. And, as I said earlier, I would probably rule Mukilteo out because it is BFE.

We live in North Kirkland (borders Bothell) and my wife used to work at UW. Her commute would average 40 minutes during rush hour. Going downtown would take another 15+ minutes. Bothell is pretty large (by area), so depending on where you live in Bothell you can add on some. Of course you could go around the lake, but I don’t think its significantly faster.As an FYI, they will also be tolling both bridges this spring. $6 round trip.

 

[Drifter]

The commuting poll started me thinking: Let's put some perspective on this. When a Seattle-ite talks about a wicked commute, what do they mean?

Currently in Denver, my commute is just over 20 miles. With no traffic it takes just about 30 minutes. Rush hour is typicaly 45 minutes and accidents/weather/whathaveyou will push it to an hour or a bit more.

Is that in line with what people have been talking about as far as commutable distance in this thread?

A wicked commute is something like going from Bellevue or Redmond to downtown Seattle. A drive that can take no more than 25 minutes with no traffic, but on a typical day is 45-50 minutes and on a bad one over an hour.People that commit to commutes that regularly take over an hour are, by definition, insane.

So Mukilteo and Bothell are more than that? The distances seem similar but I obviously don't understand the traffic dynamics of Seattle.

Mukilteo: Southbound I-5 from the Snohomish county line to downtown is a pretty rough stretch of freeway. Traffic is always bad for a lot of it, even during off-peak hours. Bothell: You have to go south on I-405, then merge onto 520 and go across the floating bridge. The 405/520 merge is one chokepoint. The bridge itself is another. At rush hour, they often sort of combine to make a giant cluster####.

I may be off on my time estimates, but these are both commutes I would be wary of. And, as I said earlier, I would probably rule Mukilteo out because it is BFE.

We live in North Kirkland (borders Bothell) and my wife used to work at UW. Her commute would average 40 minutes during rush hour. Going downtown would take another 15+ minutes. Bothell is pretty large (by area), so depending on where you live in Bothell you can add on some. Of course you could go around the lake, but I don’t think its significantly faster.As an FYI, they will also be tolling both bridges this spring. $6 round trip.

What about Kenmore? Since it's more around the lake already does that improve things?

 

[Drifter]

Seeing some decent places in Renton.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

What about Kenmore? Since it's more around the lake already does that improve things?

If you are in Kenmore, then you would wind through Lake Forest Park and get onto I-5 near the Snohomish County line. The drive time from there to the ID would still be about 25-35 minutes during the average rush hour, at best, I think. I am not exactly sure what your total travel time would be like, but it wouldn't be fast or easy.It would be better than Bothell though.

 

[Jaysus]

Jax and Brit are good people. They come highly recommended.

Jax and Brit are good people. They come highly recommended. Be wary of guys that bring laptops to NBA games.

 

[the rover]

If rover invites you to Springsteen, watch out for your face

Hey, I didn't know you were still alive. Tried to reach you for free golf.

I sent you a few bbm's, and even tried to invite you to my wedding, which you wouldn't have wanted to come to anyway, but I thought I might have been able to get you for a good gift. I'm sad about free golf, but I'd be up for not free golf or beer sometime soon. Still have clients in Kirkland? Also, I still have your ugly blue Eddie Bauer coat and want to give it back to you.

no more blackberry, so no more bbm. text still works. give jacket to a homeless guy.

 

[bueno]

You can come over to the east side sometimes. It doesn't rain as much and I have NFL Sunday Ticket....

My friendship can be bought with wine. Or gold. Sometimes Arrogant ******* or Guinness. I also fish.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

tried to invite you to my wedding,

Wait...what?!?

 

[the rover]

tried to invite you to my wedding,

Wait...what?!?

He and GM are trying to keep up with Herbert the Hippo.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

tried to invite you to my wedding,

Wait...what?!?

He and GM are trying to keep up with Herbert the Hippo.

Poor, dumb *******

 

[Drifter]

Leaving next Thursday driving out with a buddy. We plan to arrive in Seattle Friday afternoon and sample some of Seattle's night life Friday and Saturday night. Any suggestions? I haven't gotten my corporate housing choices yet so I don't know what part of town but I'm guessing (hoping) it will be downtown.

Just got confirmation. I will be downtown. 9th and Stewart

 

[Mopap]

I know nothing about Seattle but I do know something about train commuting, having done it for 25 years into Philadelphia. My ride is a nominal 50 minutes. If you have comfortable cars with plenty of room, it's not bad. If you're in a subway type car with plastic seats crammed full of sweaty commuters, it's not so nice. Also, while the ride may be 40 minutes, you have to factor in the time it takes to get to the station from home, and to work from the station. Finally, you are a slave to the train schedule. It runs on it's schedule, not yours. This is a deal breaker for some people. During the day, trains that run out as far as me, run every hour. That means I can't suddenly pick up and get home if there is an emergency. During rush hour they run more like every 20 minutes, not too bad. That said, train commuting definately works for me. I wouldn't try to commute into Philadelphia any other way. Good luck on your move.

 

[Drifter]

Leave tomorrow morning for the drive out.

Built a fence, changed my oil and put a new battery in the truck over the last couple days.

Leaving behind my wife, a 1 week old and a 21 month old who isn't too happy about the 1 week old. I'll be lucky if she doesn't kick me to the crube before I get them out there.

Oh, and no offers on the house yet despite about 8 showings over the last week. Looks like I might have to add a 2nd rental property to my portfolio for a while.

 

[RedmondLonghorn]

Leaving next Thursday driving out with a buddy. We plan to arrive in Seattle Friday afternoon and sample some of Seattle's night life Friday and Saturday night. Any suggestions? I haven't gotten my corporate housing choices yet so I don't know what part of town but I'm guessing (hoping) it will be downtown.Just got confirmation. I will be downtown. 9th and Stewart

There are some fun bars in Ballard (Seattle neighborhood). Also some others in Fremont (another neighborhood near Ballard). Belltown also has a lot of bars, but rubbing elbows with MS-13 drug dealers can get a bit dicey.