How do people find places to live in seattle? (apartment, leasing)

[iamme9182]

I found the neighborhoods I want to live in but I am having a heck of a time finding what is for rent in those neighborhoods. Is there a local website that lists more then the leasing offices of the corporate apartment buildings? I tried the seattle times for classified today and was amazed at how small the classified section was. Am I looking in the wrong place or is the rental market really that weak?

[silverstar23]

It depends on what your searching for. People have different definitions of an ideal community, as you know. So, I would say, start with the U.S. Census....it's a bit dated but still very useful. And of course....stay with this forum.

[gwix98]

Originally Posted by iamme9182

I found the neighborhoods I want to live in but I am having a heck of a time finding what is for rent in those neighborhoods. Is there a local website that lists more then the leasing offices of the corporate apartment buildings? I tried the seattle times for classified today and was amazed at how small the classified section was. Am I looking in the wrong place or is the rental market really that weak?

I'd use Craiglist/Seattle...the Times is a "shell" of the paper it once was,
particularly in the classified section.

[Anders15]

Have you tried hotpads.com?

[teralyn]

hi, i'm teralyn, i am also trying to get info on places to live in seattle. i am living with relatives in ft lauderdale for a short time. if you can drop me a line. thanks

[Gaard]

There are plenty of place to rent. As stated above, try Craigslist.org. You can search by neighborhood and price range.

[vandygirl]

Don't trust craigslist, especially if you are looking for a place in a nicer area. I tried craigslist when I first decided to move here but I found that there were a lot of bait and switch deals on it. An ad would say $700/month, but when I'd go to the actual property the landlord would tell me that there was a problem, that unit is no longer available, but they have a lovely unit available for $925. After days of falling for bait and switch deals and going to places listed on hotpads that were no longer available when I'd show up, I decided to just drive around and look for rent signs on buildings. That's how I found my apartment, so I have to say that pounding the pavement is the only fool-proof way to find a place here.

If you can't do that, then get one of those apartment guide books and start calling. Ask them what is available today and what the price is, and then go look on the SAME DAY. Get started early in the morning because it can become an all day affair.

[BB_206]

Seattle Property Management Company | Real Property Associates

[AlohaHuey]

I found a great place in Fremont driving around the neighborhood looking for For Rent signs. It's legwork but good places usually need little advertising.

I'd also start networking and see of you know anyone who knows someone in that neighborhood that may know of a place...