For those interested in making a life in Seattle or just settling in for a few years, have I got some information for you! Seattle, Washington is a beautiful place to live (just try to get into a good neighborhood). A good neighborhood depends on your age, your needs and, of course, your finances.
The City of Seattle doesn’t just include Seattle. For many residents it includes the Eastside and North end of Lake Washington as well as the Southern area right before you hit Renton. From anywhere around Lake Washington it is about a thirty to sixty minute commute to Seattle depending on traffic and local events going on, including construction. This should be included in your decision making process.
For example, if you are just out of college, single and love basketball then go for a rental in University Village near the University of Washington Campus. You’ll be near an awesome University library, Interstate 5 which will take you straight downtown to Key Arena where the Super Sonics play, and living in a place with similar aged people. Lake Washington is at your fingertips where you can rent canoes and explore the Lake. College football fans will love this area because the stadium is so close. University Village is located just north of Downtown and on the west end of Lake Washington.
If you are a high income single person who enjoys the night life, then find your home in the heart of downtown Seattle. There is so much to do and there is no need for a car as pretty much everything is within walking distance or a short bus ride away. Seattle has an excellent transportation system. The Puget Sound is at your feet to the west and Capital Hill is above your head to the east. All three sports stadiums are either a short walk, cab drive or bus ride away. And most likely your work is right down the street. But, beware of the property prices. They can be sky high and weekends in Downtown Seattle, especially near Pioneer Square, can get pretty rowdy and hectic. After all, this is where they held the WTO protests and vandalized almost every shop in the area.
For those who want a more subtle city life than Ballard is the place for you. Nice houses, great views and Shilshoe bay at the bottom of the hill to the west. Look out for the drivers – just ask around when you’re up there. Ballard is quiet and serene, but just a short jaunt to a busy nightlife, grocery stores and recreation (Ballard locks and Shilshoe Bay). The neighbors are friendly and the schools are awesome. This is a great neighborhood for anyone who likes the convenience of being near the city, but not living in it.
For families some of the best neighborhoods and schools exist purely on the Eastside of Lake Washington: Kirkland, Redmond and Bellevue. While you would have to drive quite a ways to reach Downtown, if you can afford it, it is worth it! The neighborhoods are great, the schools are awesome and the homes delectable. Just be sure you can afford it. It is pricey: housing is high and there is nothing really in walking distance. But, these three cities have the best in suburbia and for those not wanting to run into their boss after work this is the place to be.
For those looking for good schools and the suburbs, but not at such an outstanding price, I highly recommend the North end of Lake Washington. It is a 20 minute or so drive into the city and not as highly priced as the East side of Lake Washington. The school district is top rated and the neighborhoods are safe and friendly. This is the perfect area for families looking to get out of that starter home who can afford a little bit more. The bus systems are not so great in this area so be prepared with a car or a long, long walk.
For the family or couple just starting out you’ll want to head to the south end of Lake Washington. This is where decent and cheaply priced housing and rentals can be found. No they don’t have the best schools or the best neighborhoods, but they will do for the beginning part of your lives together. The bus system is good down through Renton and can connect you to Downtown Seattle in no time. There is not much to do, but the housing and shopping and even transportation are affordable. If you’re just starting out this is the place for you.
No matter where you live in Seattle you are in for a treat. The mountains, the Puget Sound and the short day and weekend trips are worth the travel and the cost. If you’re moving to Seattle, take if from a former resident who lived in all areas of Seattle for 30 years before moving to Texas a year ago, you’re going to love it!
