Redmond, Issaquah or Kirkland? (Seattle, Bellevue: rental, houses, buy)

[Armydoc]

Hello,

I just got out of the Army, and we (wife, child and myself) are about to relocate from Honolulu, HI to Bellevue, where I am going to be starting my new "civilian" job. My parents currently reside on the East Coast, and I am trying to have them relocate to the area soon after we get there. My father worked in the technologies engineering field for many years, and retired a few years back -- but he would be open to doing some independent consulting work in his field(s) of expertise (acoustics, electronics, etc). We would like to be somewhat close to them in proximity, but also with a reasonable distance so as not to overcrowd each other (i.e. not Bellevue). We have found good potential rental communities for them in Redmond, Issaquah and Kirland, all of which seem to be nice areas and fit the bill in terms of proximity/location; now, we're trying to decide between them. They are of (Asian) Indian descent, and would like to be in a nice, safe town with ethnic diversity and decent amenities. My dad would also want reasonable commute proximity to the tech companies, in case he decides to go ahead and do some consulting. Of these 3 towns, which do you think would be the best fit for them? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

[gallo]

These three suburbs are basically all the same.


In other words, they are not different enough that one would be a better fit over another

[scirocco22]

Hi doc. I'd say any of the three would be good.

I'm partial to Redmond because that's where I lived for over 30 years. It's convenient to the tech corridor and well diversified. At one time I had East Indian neighbors on both sides and they were wonderful. I still keep in touch with one family.

I hope more people will post and let you know the pros and cons of all three as they see it.

Welcome to the forums.

[jwb123]

Over the three, my first pick is Issaquah, with Redmond as a close second - and I personally don't really prefer Kirkland ... UNLESS you can afford waterfront property.

These are all personal preference, but like other posters above said, one doesn't have anything striking about them, over the other, that would make it stand ahead.

All are diverse, easy to access and all will have commute issues one way or the other.

[Armydoc]

Thanks guys for the replies, appreciate the advice. Any additional advice/opinions would be appreciated!

Best wishes.

[scirocco22]

(I've already deleted it, doc ...I think you'll get better responses here as our T.O.S. doesn't allow cross-posting.)

[haggardhouseelf]

Originally Posted by Armydoc

Hello,

I just got out of the Army, and we (wife, child and myself) are about to relocate from Honolulu, HI to Bellevue, where I am going to be starting my new "civilian" job. My parents currently reside on the East Coast, and I am trying to have them relocate to the area soon after we get there. My father worked in the technologies engineering field for many years, and retired a few years back -- but he would be open to doing some independent consulting work in his field(s) of expertise (acoustics, electronics, etc). We would like to be somewhat close to them in proximity, but also with a reasonable distance so as not to overcrowd each other (i.e. not Bellevue). We have found good potential rental communities for them in Redmond, Issaquah and Kirland, all of which seem to be nice areas and fit the bill in terms of proximity/location; now, we're trying to decide between them. They are of (Asian) Indian descent, and would like to be in a nice, safe town with ethnic diversity and decent amenities. My dad would also want reasonable commute proximity to the tech companies, in case he decides to go ahead and do some consulting. Of these 3 towns, which do you think would be the best fit for them? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

Check out Sammamish! It's first place that came to mind while reading your post. Of your three, it would be a toss-up between Redmond and Issaquah. We are in Redmond. Redmond Ridge might be ideal for your parents and their needs. Good luck.

[Redline]

IMO Issaquah is farther away from Bellevue than Kirkland or Redmond so if you enjoy "city life" then you might want to consider that. The houses you can buy out there will probably be bigger though compared to anything in Redmond or Kirkland.

[kittyhox]

I disagree that they are all the same. I think Issaquah has a more unique feel that I would prefer over either Redmond or (especially) Bellevue.

I would vote for Issaquah or Redmond, since I prefer a smaller-town vibe. Bellevue is really a pretty large town with an actual skyline.

I think all three are pretty ethnically diverse. All would have good amenities and be a decent commute to most tech opportunities on the East side.

Of course, being new in a new region, they might be most comfortable living wherever is closest to you!

I hope you all love the area and feel right at home here! Welcome!

[newinwa]

I would recommend Issaquah - I-90 corridor is better location to be for easy commute to Seattle and Bellevue - You can take easy by road off I-90 to get to Bellevue instead of getting on to 405.

Redmond would be a close second though commute can be a problem.