Where would you go? (Seattle, Kirkland: apartments, rentals, condos)

[alissaz]

I know there have been a ton of threads asking for apartment advice, and I've read through a lot but am looking for some more advice. I am a young (mid-twenties) single female relocating to Seattle from the DC area. I would love to find an apartment that is in a very walkable area with a lot to do. I like restaurants, shopping, etc. and want to be kind of in the midst of it. I had started looking at apartments in Belltown (Archstone Belltown, Elliott Bay Plaza, Moda, to name a few). However, after reading some posts, I'm starting to think that safety and noise might be an issue. I definitely don't want to feel unsafe walking around my place. I also commute out of town for work so would be coming home late at night on Thursday evenings. I do have a car so want somewhere where parking is a good option. Any other ideas on where I should look? Are Queen Anne or Lake Union good areas with a mix of culture/safety?

[phoenixmike11]

yeah-queen anne (upper queen anne in particular) and south lake might be better options than belltown for you-here is a website if u havent visited already
Seattle Apartments at Seattle Rentals .com - condos, houses and apartment listings and online rental classifieds

[eskercurve]

SLU is an up coming area, but not the thriving hub of culture or shopping (yet).

Fremont, Ballard, and Kirkland might be your best options if you want shopping. Also, the shopping district of downtown has apartments. I toured a couple when I was searching back in 2006. Some nice places, and not too unreasonable.

[alissaz]

Thank you both for the quick responses! I think you saved me a lot of hassle touring Belltown apartments that ultimately wouldn't be for me!

[Inkpoe]

Keep in mind... With Belltown, you also would be in addition paying ~200 bucks or so for your parking slot. QA (and Capitol Hill) can be trying in terms of parking space. South Lake Union-- not really familiar with their parking. Fremont/Ballard would be a little better. Kirkland much much better. I think you should also look into West Seattle, Columbia City.

[eskercurve]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

Keep in mind... With Belltown, you also would be in addition paying ~200 bucks or so for your parking slot. QA (and Capitol Hill) can be trying in terms of parking space. South Lake Union-- not really familiar with their parking. Fremont/Ballard would be a little better. Kirkland much much better. I think you should also look into West Seattle, Columbia City.

Clarification: if West Seattle, then check out either directly by the water, or California ave.

If Colombia city, keep in mind you'll have the "less savory" but still safe areas to the north along the Rainier valley, suburbia more south, and the main area as a little pocket of stuff to do. It's not a bad area, but not the "center of it all" as you suggested you wanted.

Also keep in mind that Belltown is where it's at for the clubs and stuff. Kirkland is suburbia, but has awesome shopping for girls, so my wife tells me. Unfortunately the only option you will have for an apartment close to BOTH shopping AND clubs is either Belltown or the downtown core. Everywhere else is shopping but no clubs. Good luck.

[Kayela]

I recommend checking out Capitol Hill. Uber-walkable, lots of shopping, tons of restaurants, neat coffee shops, lots to do at night, and easy access to freeways and transit. The shopping here is more on the 'eclectic' side, but you're only 15 minutes from DT if you want something more mainstream and trendy. I'll grant you that parking is nasty. I wouldn't rent here without a reserved spot, but once I'm home there's no need to drive. It's probably not as safe as QA, but it's safer than Belltown. I'd stick towards the area north of Olive.

Queen Anne is also lovely - although it's quieter than Cap Hill and doesn't have nearly as much going on at night. It's easier to park there, and it has this oasis-within-the-city feel, but it's less easy to get in and out during rush hour. Freeway access has gotten really ugly at certain times of the day - especially with Amazon and the Gate Foundation there now. One of the things I like most about Cap Hill is how very accessible all the major transit corridors are.

Good luck with your search! The funnest thing about renting is that you're not stuck somewhere and you can try them all in time if you like.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by eskercurve

Also keep in mind that Belltown is where it's at for the clubs and stuff. Kirkland is suburbia, but has awesome shopping for girls, so my wife tells me. Unfortunately the only option you will have for an apartment close to BOTH shopping AND clubs is either Belltown or the downtown core. Everywhere else is shopping but no clubs. Good luck.

... I take it you haven't been partying in Kirkland? There is definitely a night scene in Kirkland DT. I actually preferred Kirkland over Belltown for safety and comfort reasons... plus less douchy guys. But I'd recommend either living close to Kirkland DT or along the waterfront.