Re-locating to Seattle (Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood: apartment complexes, for rent, public school)

[dnall1986]

Hi there, My family will be re-locating to the Seattle are sometime in the next three months or so. I'm trying to get a head start on the moving process, so I'm hoping I can get some input on good apartments.

We are moving to Seattle to partner with a church in the Northgate area, so we would like to stay as close to the church area as possible. I am aware that this part of the city is not the best part.

We have budgeted around $1200 per month for rent. We are looking for something in North Seattle, Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, etc. I don't want to go too far north, like Lynnwood or Edmonds. Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[dnall1986]

I probably should have mentioned that I will need at least a 2 bedroom apartment, and will be bringing a mid-to-large dog with me. He's australian shepherd/collie mix, so there shouldn't be a problem with breed restrictions. Thanks!

[eskercurve]

A better bet in terms of reviews of specific apartment complexes would be to google "apartment reviews seattle" and see what comes up.

This website is more a general public forum and really isn't catered to specific buildings, though you might get lucky.

[tobester]

Northgate is not that bad ... don't worry.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by tobester

Northgate is not that bad ... don't worry.

I agree, but $1,200 for two bedrooms, especially with a dog will not be easy to find even in northgate where there will be some, but the nicer ones more like $1,300-$1,400.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by dnall1986

I probably should have mentioned that I will need at least a 2 bedroom apartment, and will be bringing a mid-to-large dog with me. He's australian shepherd/collie mix, so there shouldn't be a problem with breed restrictions. Thanks!

Its not the breed restrictions you should worry about... just the fact that you even have a dog (and a M/L one @ that!) will provide some challenge. A lot of people been complaining of being able to find an affordable place that will take in dogs(s), even on this forum.

You might as well include Edmonds and Lynnwood. Also look to Lake City and Lake Forest Park as well.

[sean98125]

Have you reached out to the church for help? My experience in the past is that churches are pretty good about helping to find housing that their staff can afford.

[dnall1986]

Originally Posted by sean98125

Have you reached out to the church for help? My experience in the past is that churches are pretty good about helping to find housing that their staff can afford.

The church we are going to help is a new church, who only has one or two full-time staff members; the rest are volunteers and that sort, as we will be. We are going to ask them to check out any apartments we find that we think we might like, so that at least we can have an idea of what they're really like, versus what their marketing says.

Thanks everyone for your input!

[dnall1986]

I'm also concerned about schools for my oldest, who will be in 1st grade. I realize that public school is public school, no matter where you go, but I would like some recommendations as to which districts are better. Thanks!