Where to buy home in Seattle area (Bellevue, Renton: rental, condos)

[anncao]

I moved to Seattle area from other state for a year now. I and my husband plan to buy a house or a condo for us. Our kid is in college in east coast. I work near downtown Seattle area. I would like to get your recommendation where to buy house. I would spend around $300000-350000 。
It looks many people like east side, i visited it, I don't know why, maybe because schools, but I don't have kid living with us, plus East side is far from ocean. I was attracted to this state by sea, so not very interesting to live in east side.

I like convenient place near Seattle, but I also know house close to downtown is expensive. So where is a good place near seattle to live, safe, convenient, descent house according to my situation? I prefer house to condo.

Thanks in advance

[PNWGuy]

you make it sound like eastside is hours away! If you want to live on the water for $350k, you'll have to look at a condo that is probably 45 - 60 min north or south of downtown. Otherwise im all ears...

[Inkpoe]

Well... don't be quick to dismiss Lake Washington. You can set your boat in there and still access the Puget Sound.

Actually it is possible to buy a house close to DT... just look to Beacon Hill, West Seattle, Georgetown, Mt. Baker/Columbia City/Seward Park... Even Seattle's Renton area. North of Seattle would be... Greenwood (I'm sure there's more, but I do remember hearing Greenwood as being affordable). A lot of these houses are older too, so they would have that kind charm as well.

[PollyGlott]

Originally Posted by PNWGuy

you make it sound like eastside is hours away! If you want to live on the water for $350k, you'll have to look at a condo that is probably 45 - 60 min north or south of downtown. Otherwise im all ears...

I'm wondering if, by East Side, "anncao" means Eastern Washington, rather than the eastside of Seattle???

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by PollyGlott

I'm wondering if, by East Side, "anncao" means Eastern Washington, rather than the eastside of Seattle???

Well, the OP mentioned the schools which our Eastside is very well known for (since there's nary a bad school district on that side).

[anncao]

Sorry, I didn't make it clear. I don't really like live so close to water.
I mean not too far away from ocean, like place close to downtown area, or close suburb near Seattle downtown.

[anncao]

And when I say east side I do mean cities like issaquash, Redmond, Bellevue etc, I know they have more professionals living there, but I visited it, it looks much like the city and state I lived before, quite and nice school district, They don't have many characteristics, it really does not very impress me.

I do like Seattle more, more active city, more convenient, more events, more urban.

[Hemlock140]

A friend recently had to move out of a rental house in the Greenlake area, a nice part of Seattle, so the house could be sold. They listed it for $330,000 and it sold in a few days for $339,000 with multiple offers. Anything in your price range will go quickly. This one was 3 BR 2 BA 1,500 SF and 80 years old with single car garage. They do come available but you have to be well qualified, have a down payment ready and move fast. If you like the water I'd suggest West Seattle, but try to stay as close as you can to the Admiral area. Anything with a view will go way over your price but there will be a few condos and older homes in the $350,000 range.

[tobester]

Originally Posted by anncao

I mean not too far away from ocean, like place close to downtown area, or close suburb near Seattle downtown.

Downtown Seattle is 2 1/2 hours from the ocean.

[anncao]

No, it's only 10-20 minutes , then I can see the sea.