Detroit to Seattle (Federal Way, Kent, Renton: real estate, headhunter, homes)

[fallingwater]

My husband and I are thinking of a relocation to Seattle. We currently live outside of Detroit. Homes are affordable here but no jobs. I have been out of work for over a year now. Husband is still working but there is always the threat he might lose his job as well. We have a 11 yr old son so schools are a concern. My husband is a machinist by trade and I have noticed several Seattle based companies advertising jobs in our newspapers or websites. He has had calls on his on line resume from companies in Portland, OR. We have been told that Machinists are in demand in the PNW due to lack of people trained in this field. Im not sure how true that is. Here in blue collar Detroit area, machining is a dime a dozen due to the automotive industry. I have been reading posts on this forum and Im thinking we would not be able to afford life in Seattle. Is there any Detroit natives out there that have made the move to Seattle?

[Redline]

Lots of trade jobs out here for sure, especially 30-40 miles north of Seattle. Tons of unions.

[chris]

I saw a report on the news recently that said there is a serious shortage of skilled workers in construction, machinery, etc in the Portland, OR area. I had no idea...

I would think Portland's cost of living might be a little lower than Seattle.

[fallingwater]

Originally Posted by chris

I saw a report on the news recently that said there is a serious shortage of skilled workers in construction, machinery, etc in the Portland, OR area. I had no idea...

I would think Portland's cost of living might be a little lower than Seattle.

I was kind of shocked by this as well. A headhunter has called my husband several times in regards to jobs in Portland. I guess maybe most people are in the high tech jobs? Anyway, this headhunter told my husband that skilled trades are seriously needed out there which is nice cuss right now he is a dime a dozen in Detroit. Hubby has a phone interview next week with a company in Portland but I have to say, homes are still very expensive.

[debbyanne]

I'm not sure what the home prices are in Detroit. Prices have settled a bit here and you can find a nice starter home (3 bedrooms, 2 baths & a garage) for under $300,000.

Our job market is great - I think the unemployment rate is about 3.5% - so basically everyone who wants a job has one! There are lots of unions here and lots of blue collar jobs available.

Let me know if you want more specific information.

Seattle is a beautiful place - I've lived here my whole life and love it! Growing up we went to Detroit every summer to visit my grandparants - my grandfather worked at Ford his whole life.

Thanks for considering the Seattle area!

[fallingwater]

Originally Posted by debbyanne

I'm not sure what the home prices are in Detroit. Prices have settled a bit here and you can find a nice starter home (3 bedrooms, 2 baths & a garage) for under $300,000.

Our job market is great - I think the unemployment rate is about 3.5% - so basically everyone who wants a job has one! There are lots of unions here and lots of blue collar jobs available.

Let me know if you want more specific information.

Seattle is a beautiful place - I've lived here my whole life and love it! Growing up we went to Detroit every summer to visit my grandparants - my grandfather worked at Ford his whole life.

Thanks for considering the Seattle area!

Thanks for the reply. Ouch 300K here would get you a mc mansion. lol. Hubby applied for a job in South King County? The poster didnt say what city exactly. Can you say what area or city would that be?

[Evlevo]

Originally Posted by fallingwater

Thanks for the reply. Ouch 300K here would get you a mc mansion. lol. Hubby applied for a job in South King County? The poster didnt say what city exactly. Can you say what area or city would that be?

South King county (particularly near machinist jobs, ie. Boeing) would be Kent, Renton Burien, Seatac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. A little further south (5-10 miles) is Federal Way and Auburn.

Most of those areas are fine and are much cheaper than Seattle and have decient schools (but all still have their bad areas). Keep in mind that to some folks (some of whom post here) anything less than a ticky-tacky neighborhood with an elite school system is unacceptable.

The only nearby place that I would unequivically avoid is Skyway (unless of course you really enjoy "Gansta's-in-the-Hood" movies and would like to make your home there).

[fallingwater]

Originally Posted by Evlevo

South King county (particularly near machinist jobs, ie. Boeing) would be Kent, Renton Burien, Seatac, Tukwila, and Des Moines. A little further south (5-10 miles) is Federal Way and Auburn.

Most of those areas are fine and are much cheaper than Seattle and have decient schools (but all still have their bad areas). Keep in mind that to some folks (some of whom post here) anything less than a ticky-tacky neighborhood with an elite school system is unacceptable.

The only nearby place that I would unequivically avoid is Skyway (unless of course you really enjoy "Gansta's-in-the-Hood" movies and would like to make your home there).

LOL. Naw, Ive had enough of gansta life here in Detroit. Im looking at some real estate now to get an idea. Thanks very much.

[St.Croix to Seattle]

Your husband should be able to find a job and may even get a relocation bonus,,,with great paying jobs comes the need for everything else...King county has been looking for a good machinist for at least 6 months and the jobs are everywhere...Housing is another story a friends parents just sold their mini detroit mansion for 269k 5 bedrooms/4 bath 2900sqft in a nice neighborhood...expect sticker shock coming from detroit,,but on the upside the Unions are strong so the pay should be better than even the fat days of people in the Auto industry in detroit....

[fallingwater]

Originally Posted by St.Croix to Seattle

Your husband should be able to find a job and may even get a relocation bonus,,,with great paying jobs comes the need for everything else...King county has been looking for a good machinist for at least 6 months and the jobs are everywhere...Housing is another story a friends parents just sold their mini detroit mansion for 269k 5 bedrooms/4 bath 2900sqft in a nice neighborhood...expect sticker shock coming from detroit,,but on the upside the Unions are strong so the pay should be better than even the fat days of people in the Auto industry in detroit....

Really? Cuss I was looking at wages and a machinist med. wage is around 45K in Portland. What do you think the salary is out in the Seattle area? I was thinking if people make 45K, how do they buy a 300K house? Also, kind of would like to know so when he is asked he doesnt give too low of a figure. Im in school right now finishing up my Graphic Design degree. I know Portland has a large art scene, can you say the same for Seattle? Again, thanks.