Looked but still cant find the answers for the "where should i move" questions i have: (Seattle: apartments, rentals)

[valthenya]

Alright my hubs is possibly getting a job with the Water dept of Seattle up there. I have questions that i cant find the answers to on the forum. We have two children and a older mid weight range dog (about 40 lbs) which is a golden mutt with a lovely temperment. We would be (like i see alot of people doing) moving from Phoenix.
So here are my needs:
My daughter has special needs and would need a school which would be welcoming to inclusion, she is going into kindergarten next year.

We would be able to afford around 1500/month rent at the absolute maximum. Is it reasonable to want something at least 1200 sq ft and three bedrooms for this price?

We would need a short commute into southern Seattle or good public transportation.

How reasonable is it to ride a motorcycle in Seattle to commute?

Any tips or places to look at for finding rentals from here?

[Inkpoe]

If you're looking towards southern Seattle, then it does increases your odds of finding a more affordable place. Not an impossible task, but it might take some time to find a house... apartments are definitely possible-- but the dog will add some costs (fee and/ or pet rent). Unfortunately schools in southern Seattle tend to be average to dismal. So, Kent, Covington, Renton (look towards Eastern Renton)... I'm not sure how south your husband will work-- maybe you can continue to look more down there because again, it gets more affordable the further away from Seattle. Since you've mentioned special needs, maybe look into Maple Valley area for the Tahoma school district (one of the best districts in the state). You can start off your search by looking at Craigslist-- even the complexes will advertise there.

How do you mean by reasonable? Weather will play a factor, I notice more motorcycles out during non-winter time. Of course a motorcyclist can use the HOV lane, though I'm not sure how much it'll help (bad traffic). Personally... I'm weary about doing a motorcycle everyday because drivers here can be pretty oblivious.

Another thing to add: All disabled and special needs students usually will have an I.E.P. http://www.developmentalweb.com/IEPs_and_504_Plans.htm so do look up the links to become aware of what resources you have so you can fully use them and know your rights.

[valthenya]

Thank you for your response, I was looking more west and north Seattle I'd like to stay in a nice family friendly and safe area. school district is a bigger factor than commute although we would like to limit it to 1 hour. We are thinking the job will be near boeing field-king county airport

[valthenya]

Yes they have IEPs here but working with a school that is more open minded is always the easiest path

[Inkpoe]

Ah, I added more to my post up before I saw your new post. The areas I mention previously do have nice safe family areas.

Looking towards north Seattle definitely does make it a bit more challenging, given its more popular and desirable. Given to how many are moving up north, it does narrow down that 1 hour commute radius (assuming your husband works regular day hours) and obviously the closer to Seattle the more expensive it is-- especially up north because of the schools. Schools are a premium.

West Seattle is part of the Seattle Public School district... there are some good schools out in West Seattle. I'm not sure what your child's needs are, but Seattle Public schools have some good programs. My Deaf friends enjoyed their experiences there.

If your husband is working south of downtown, then stay south of downtown-- the traffic doesn't really make it worth it.

[valthenya]

My daughter has down syndrome just so you know. When you mention Maple leaf do you mean the town or the neighborhood? And what about across the Puget? I mean are the schools there any good and what is it like to commute on a ferry? Is it a pain?

[valthenya]

Also what about Rainier Beach?

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by valthenya

Also what about Rainier Beach?

Several shootings there in the last weeks, and probably the worst schools in Seattle. Also avoid Tukwila. The ferry commute can be expensive and cost more than you'd save in rent. I'd suggest concentrating on West Seattle or perhaps Burien for better schools, affordable housing and short commute.

[valthenya]

Ok I'd burien Seattle school district?

[Ira500]

Burien is the Highline school district, and it is a mixed bag, wth some really bad schools and a couple of good ones, like Gregory Heights and that one that starts with an "M" in Normandy Park. (Hep me out here. It's early, and that one brain cell of mine hasn't fired up yet.)