new job in Kent... where to live? commute times? (Seattle: crime, transfer)

[eggreplacer]

I am being transferred from Kansas City to Seattle area. I will be working in the northern industrial part of Kent. I would prefer to live in Seattle, possibly Queen Anne or Capital Hill but I have heard that traffic is a nightmare and am wondering what kind of commute to expect? HELP, please!!!

[Ira500]

Shouldn't be so bad. You'd be doing something of a reverse commute. In the AM most people will be heading north on I-5. Half hour ish in the morning from Queen Anne or Capitol Hill, longer in the PM.

[eggreplacer]

That's a relief. Thanks, Ira! Any suggestions on where to live? Specifically, what portions of Capitol Hill are considered safer/more walkable, etc? Ideally, I would like to walk or take public transit to do most everything but commute...get groceries, go to dinner, entertainment, etc. I've heard that north of Roy, east of Broadway is best--any truth to that?

[Vinylly]

There's nothing wrong with living in Kent ! It's a nice community. If you want to go into Seattle just go on to I-5 and your in Seattle in about 10-15 min. You could also live in SeaTac, Renton, Auburn, Normandy Park, Three Tree Point, Seahurst, Shorewood, and Tukwila, all nice areas and close to downtown Seattle by about 10-15 min. depending on traffic. It would sure beat the real commuter hassel of driving from downtown Seattle to Kent every day. Inspite of what IRA500 says, there is NO reverse commute.

[Ira500]

Somebody who wants to live IN Seattle doesn't want to live in Sea-Tac or Tukwila. You live in Sea-Tac or Tukwila because you can't afford to live anywhere else. I try to read people's posts and answer their questions with honesty. I'd be perfectly happy living in Normandy Park, but I'm an old fart. A younger person looking for the vitality of a big city isn't going to find it in Normandy Park.If you read Vinylly's posts, you'll notice that he never recommends anybody move into Seattle, even though he lives on Capitol Hill. I think he works for the anti chamber of commerce. Let's see him move to Sea-Tac. I hear there's a lovely hovel available on Pacific Highway South, where it intersects Prostitute Place and Drug Dealer Drive

As far as Capitol Hill goes, it's urban, it's dense, and crime exists. But the only place I'd avoid, (other than Vinylly's house), would be southwest Capitol Hill, around Summit and Denny...just a little too slummy, though nothing compared to slums in New York, Chicago, (or Kansas City?) But a bit north, like around Summit and Mercer, is pretty nice
The retail/restaurant hubs on Capitol Hill are the Pike/Pine corridor, Broadway, 15th Ave, and to a lesser degree 19th. I've lived in three locations on Capitol Hill. Summit and Denny ( which is why I suggest avoiding it), 12th and Mercer ( near Volunteer Park: nice, but 12th is kind of busy) and 17th , between Denny and John, behind Group Health hospital...I like the area behind( east of) Group Health, and even a bit south of there is nice, with some cool old buildings.
As far as the commute, there will be traffic on I-5 while you're still in Seattle going south. Once you get past Seattle, it'll be fairly smooth sailing. There are also buses to Kent from downtown Seattle that are about as fast as driving, the Metro bus # 150.
Disclosure: I spent 20+ years working for Metro, and my wife spent 30 years working for Metro.

[tobester]

I do the "reverse commute" Ira refers to nearly every day - Seattle to Kent - never a hassle. Only a little traffic from 520 to downtown, then speed limit all the way to Kent. When you get to the "collector-distributor" near Safeco, stay on the right side - always faster. Traffic the other direction is usually bumper to bumper from Boeing Field, so yes Vinylly - there IS a reverse commute. The only way to get from Kent to Seattle on I5 in 15 minutes is by helicopter (or very early or very late in the day).

[noexcuseforignorance]

Well I'd go with a bus. Why waste that much of money and life in a car? That said, why not just live in Kent. It's a cheaper cost of living, you'll have no commute time and you can drive to Seattle as needed.

[Inkpoe]

Meh... Kent sucks. Even with the lower cost of living and even within the Kent, traffic sucks. But if the OP wants to pay a premium, then let him/her... s/he'll get whatever s/he wants out of it.

Though, I would veer the OP to look towards the Seattle more southern neighborhoods like Columbia City. Capitol Hill could work. West Seattle should be an option. Dealing with the QA/DT traffic is no bueno.