Commute times to Microsoft? (Seattle, Bellevue: rent, home, neighborhoods)

[Moon Waffle]

Where could I live and have a 30 minute or less commute time (one way) to Microsoft? I'm trying to get as far out to have cheaper housing, and yet not go over 30 minutes of commute time (including traffic).

Woodinville? Bothell? Sammammish?

Thanks for your help ahead of time...I really don't know Eastside traffic very well...

[GoDawgs06]

You may as well live in Redmond, it might be a little more expensive on average, but if you are working for Microsoft it shouldn't be too much of a problem finding something that fits. Then you can ride your bike to work!

The Seattle Times: Business & technology: Home Values

That has the median price for each neighborhood, just click on the area you would like to see.

[gallo]

Hi Moon,

I think it might help greatly if you would give us a price range that you are shooting for.

Thanks.

[Moon Waffle]

I'm simply looking for the most affordable housing within a 30 minute drive of MS. It appears from the map link above that Redmond itself is not significantly higher than surrounding areas, but that's the kind of information I am hoping to gather.

[CityGirl72]

Well Woodinville is expensive!!! The cheapest one you listed was Bothell - also look into Mill Creek (right next door)

[scirocco22]

Everybody knows what my suggestion is going to be!

Stay close. Eastside traffic can be a mess. Why spend time commuting when there are better things to do?

Rent for awhile if you can. That way, you can get a better feel for the area and can really get a better perspective on where you'd want to settle in and buy a house. You'll have more time to leisurely look around as you get input from co-workers and friends in the area.

Just my opinion.

[aussiegal]

Hi Moon Waffle,

I just had a quick look at the MLS for the more affordable areas surrounding Kirkland. I found that Bothell has properties from the $300's, Sammamish from the $400's, Monroe from the $300's, Woodinville from the $400's, Redmond from the $400's and Duvall from the $300's. Monroe wouldn't be too bad cutting across on Hwy 522 but the 405 is what it is - crowded mostly from 6.00am to 9.00am. Therefore Redmond might not be so bad after all. Some days better than others. I've driven it at all different times and you can never account for accidents etc.

Again, I agree with scirocco22 and suggest that you rent for a while to get on your feet and get a feel for the area. Take drives at weekends and see these surrounding areas for yourself. Some of these areas are really nice country areas but then you have to weigh the commute time with the "at home" time. As you already know, the commute can be a killer.

All the best with your plans.

aussiegal

[bcollie]

We live to the west of 405 right off 132nd and it takes about 45 min at 8am and 6pm. I've tried all sorts of different routes and they are all about the same.

[jwb123]

Yep, and Bothell/Mill Creek is going to be at least an hour. You don't want that commute.

(One of the reasons we moved!!)

[bobbysangelwife]

Redmond/Kirkland/Bellevue/Sammish will be your best bet. My folks live about 4 miles up the road, takes about 10 minutes.