schools, old homes, suburb, walkable, 15 miles or< out (Seattle: how much, house)

[trailz]

Trying to narrow down areas to look for a house.... Moving to Seattle area in Spring/Summer
2 kids in H.S - would need a decent H.S.
Would like an area that is mixed... not all affluent, not all blue collar, a little of each.
We'd prefer to avoid areas with all newer construction.
Also, we're very car-light, and would like to be no more than 15 miles outside Seattle.
Also, we'd like to live in area with good walkability (to parks, shops, etc.)
We are looking for a very small house w/small lot.

any recommendations of areas to look into when we're visiting in December?

Thanks all.

[tobester]

I'd suggest Ravenna around Roosevelt High or Ballard around Ballard High.

[Ancalagon]

Try Burien, close to the new Town Center. They've done a good job building a 'downtown' there and with the Burien Transit Center expansion you've got a lot of routes going through there.

Park & Ride Lots - South Seattle Area

[hamellr]

Originally Posted by Ancalagon

Try Burien, close to the new Town Center. They've done a good job building a 'downtown' there and with the Burien Transit Center expansion you've got a lot of routes going through there.

Park & Ride Lots - South Seattle Area

I have been extremely impressed with how much Burien has changed for the better overall. I remember getting lost through there about 2000 or so. Revisited a couple of months ago and while I didn't recognize a thing, the entire area just felt more friendly and inviting.

[Ancalagon]

Originally Posted by hamellr

I have been extremely impressed with how much Burien has changed for the better overall. I remember getting lost through there about 2000 or so. Revisited a couple of months ago and while I didn't recognize a thing, the entire area just felt more friendly and inviting.

My wife grew up in Burien and then Des Moines (Mother in Law was a flight attendant). Since I’ve deployed she’s moved back to the area (I will be leaving the Army soon after getting back from Afghanistan, no need for her to sit around alone in NC) and is currently living with her Brother in Burien. Since the move back she has been VERY impressed with the changes. Totally different from when she grew up there according to her.

[texastrigirl]

Can you give us a budget and also what you mean by "decent" HS?

[Ira500]

Burien is lovely, but I've heard nothing to convince me that Highline HS is any good. I'd like to be wrong, since Burien really does have a lot going for it.

[Inkpoe]

I'd throw in Shoreline. Good economic mix, good mix of constuction, bus lines, great school district... I think the walkability is ok though.