Northern suburbs v. Southern (Seattle, Federal Way: house, transfer, purchase)

[SophieAnn86]

My husband and I were originally planning a move for a Northern suburb of Seattle. However, after budget concerns and overall being a planner/worrier, we are wondering if we should consider the southern suburbs and cities. (just for a few years and then move and purchase a house where we really want to be) We really do not want to live in Sea-Tac, but are going to start looking into: Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way and even Gig Harbor. Like I said, we are starting to look into these places. We might be able to cross some of them off right away but I was just going to get your opinions on here since most of you already live in the area and have some opinions and/or experience. Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks so much!

[Ancalagon]

Of those I would go with Burien. Place has made some long strides in the last little bit. It actually has a bit of 'downtown' area, and is actively working to improve/expand that area.

[Inkpoe]

What exactly is the budget?

Is Maple Valley completely out of the consideration? One of the best school districts in the Southern area and still pretty affordable.

If you're considering Burien and Des Moines, surely you should include Normandy Park (which is sandwiched between the two, has the better schools out of the B/DM area, has that remote feeling and great beach and DT access access).

[SophieAnn86]

Awesome... thanks for the advice.

Inkpoe- We dont exactly know the budget. This is why we are looking around and researching. We just want an "affordable" place. My husband will be transferring and I will be moving up there and getting a job as soon as I possibly can. So we just do not want to think we can afford it, move and realize we stretched over what we can really afford.

I am definitely going to look into the areas you suggested! Thanks SO much!

[SophieAnn86]

Are southern places as pet friendly as Seattle and some of the northern areas?

[LookinForMayberry]

Originally Posted by SophieAnn86

We really do not want to live in Sea-Tac, but are going to start looking into: Burien, Des Moines, Federal Way and even Gig Harbor.

None of those would be an improvement on Sea-Tac. You'd be better off looking at Shoreline or Lynnwood. Still not great, but better than anything south.

Try checking out Google street views. That should give you an idea.

[Seacove]

If the husband is transferring, where will he be working?

[SophieAnn86]

Google street view- excellent idea! haha I cant believe I never thought about that! Thank you! We were looking at Shoreline before the southern areas were suggested.

My husband works for Sherwin Williams and luckily has a choice of several stores both north and south.

I am still concerned about pet friendliness for the southern area... I did do some research and am not just totally "falling in love" with anything. We really like Magnolia - we stayed in the area on a vacation, but I think that area is too expensive for us. that is an area we would like to end up in but for now, have to get settled in careers.

[Ira500]

There's plenty of pet friendliness in the southerrn suburbs...Renton has an off leash area, and there's another very large one near the Kent Sea-Tac border. Schools are generally better in the northern suburbs, so if schools matter, you have to be more selective when choosing an area south.

[SophieAnn86]

Great info! Thank you! ANother area we are considering is Portland. I will say that I have posted on the Portland boards and have some great information, but am not sold - so now I guess I need to shift my original question to: why should we choose Seattle over Portland in your opinions?

Thanks!