How about Lake Forest Park? Help needed -- wanting to rent a house (Seattle: rental)

[francou]

I'm French Canadian, relocating from Montreal to Seattle in less than 2 weeks, to start working at UW and doing my doctorate in Piano Performance there. I'm looking for a house to rent because I want to buy a grandpiano and be able to practice without having neighbor problems. I've been looking online and it looks very difficult to find an affordable, preferably furnished detached house to rent. I found one in Lake Forest Park that looked great. How would that be? Would the commute kill me? How is the area? I don't know Seattle at all, have been there only one day last February for my audition! Thanks for your help!! Or if you have any suggestions to help about different areas or tips to find what I'm looking for... thank you!

[CJMom]

Congratulations!

Affordability is a big issue in this area. I think Lake Forest Park (LFP) is a nice area. It's an older, established community close to Seattle. And, the commute should be reasonable from there, to the University.

Edmonds, Kenmore, and some parts of Bothell are close to LFP, and would still be a reasonable commute, but it may be more expensive to rent than LFP. Another option is Bellevue. It's across the lake, which means you have to commute over a bridge, but it's not bad to the University and there's lots of bus service. You might find home rental prices in the same range as LFP there too.

Others might be more familiar with rental prices than I am.

Best of luck.

[francou]

Hello,

Thank you so much for your reply. I was looking into bus commuting but it sounds terrible -- especially because my working hours mean I won't be finished before 10.30pm, 4 nights a week. According to the Trip planners and schedules, means long wait at transfer point and buses running once an hour at nights. I wouldn't get home before 12.15am or so. Not great for a single female walking by herself.
So I was thinking maybe I'd have to buy a car. How much per month would you estimate the cost of a car in Seattle (for this 12 mile or so commute back and forth, 5-6 times a week)? and how much does insurance average -- I have no clue, only know the Canadian costs. If it's all too expensive maybe I'd get a scooter instead!?... The bus sounds like a nightmare, I don't know if I'm right. Is there any night service for people going out late at night like in most cities? Or is it just dead after 12am like in the bus schedules I found? Thank you very much for your help!

[the dufferz]

Francou,

If you can get a place in LFP that meets your criteria, nab it!

As for a car, yes, seriously consider getting one. While Seattle is moderately safe for walking around, as a father of a female college student, I would not be comfortable with my little girl walking around and busing that late at night.

If you get an economy car, figure 20 MPG for a 15 mile round trip, 6 times per month would translate into 18 gallons of gas, or about $60 per month. Be aware that seattle is a autocentric city. Once you have a car, you will find you drive around more than just the 15 mile round trip.

Car insurance is something you would need to make a call to an agent in the area (google search would do well). They should be able to get you a cost. Believe me, if you can afford it, do it.

As for a car, you can check our local version of craigslist. (seattle.craigslist) You can get basic transportation for around $2,000.

Keep in touch as you investigate your options. Will be happy to assist in any way I can. CJMom is also a very reliable source for information.

[francou]

Thank you both for your help. I decided to "nab" this house in LFP! I'll see once I get there how I cope with the buses, and investigate about getting a car. I'm looking forward to get there (in about a week!) and start my new life on the West Coast! I'll post again if I have other issues. It's great to know that people like you are there to help, for people like me who are coming from outside and don't know anybody or anything yet in the area! Thanks again, Cheers, francou

[Yac]

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