Am visiting Seattle for the first time/potential job in Bothell (Kirkland: house prices, construction)

[zabraski]

So of course i know all the obvious stuff to see, but what about things i wont find in any tourist books.....what are the things that the locals love to do/see....?

I also will be heading to Bothell for a potential job opportunity, can anyone tell me about the area...home prices,etc..

I currently live in mighty Austin Tx and am seeing prices skyrocket here and are now probably on level or will be soon on level with Seattle.

Opinions?

thanks!!!

[mkarch]

Bothell is a less expensive part of the Seattle area, though I think compared to Austin house prices are 50-100% higher.

On the plus side, property taxes in WA are a lot lower than TX.

[SirLancelot911]

Bothell has a really cool downtown area and some great residential areas too. It's neighbor to the south Kirkland is a bit higher end still and would be a great placer to live. To the north of Bothell is Mill Creek which has a ton more cool shopping areas and great residential areas as well. All three are fantastic areas. Avoid moving south/southwest though, as Kenmore, Lake City, and Seattle proper start to display everything I hate about this area. If you want a bit more space to roam look further north or east. You'll quickly get close to the mountains and enjoy better and better mountain views.

[Hemlock140]

I was in Bothell the other day and the "cool old downtown" is a mess right now with major construction going on as they
redevelop Bothell Landing and redirect the main road through town. They do still have the Ranch Drive-in where we stopped as we always do when there for burgers. The northern part of Bothell is affordable ($300-400k) and quiet but it may still be hard to get in and out to work, unless you learn alternative routes if working at North Creek area. You might be better off living in Mill Creek or Woodinville, and stay on the same side of 405 as your office.

[zabraski]

thanks for the replies!

Ill of course we driving around Bothell and checking it out.......
While in Seattle i will be going to the Seattle Sounders - Real Salt Lake soccer game...im a big soccer fan being from England, and i hear Seattle folks have really taken with their team!

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by SirLancelot911

Bothell has a really cool downtown area

Are you sure you're talking about Bothell? I was there a few weeks ago on Main St and the restaurant selection is pretty bad, and there weren't too many people walking around even though it was the middle of the day. In addition, a lot of the area has been "under construction" for years but never seems to be finished. I'd describe it as desolate over cool.

[zabraski]

also how long would you say the drive from Bothell to downtown Seattle is? i see its 17 miles......and lets say peak rush hour, an hour perhaps? also whats the best route?

[SirLancelot911]

Yes, Seattle Sounders fans are a bit psycho about their team, something I personally can't get enough of. :-) As for the downtown Bothell comment, I haven't been there in a while (pre-construction, apparently), but I remember it having a quaint kind of feel.

As someone else mentioned, looking east toward Woodenville is a great choice as well. Lots of cool areas and shopping out there.

As for commute times to Seattle, Metro has some commuter bus lines that'll help you get to Seattle once you live here, but I would suggest driving it the first few times to help get the lay of the land, so-to-speak. It's been a while since I commuted to Seattle from Bothell during rush hour, but I seem to remember it being in the 30-minute window. If you're a cyclist, the Burke Gilman Trail is an excellent option to get to Seattle and runs right through Bothell. I've taken that route several times and it's worth recommending.

[Inkpoe]

Yea, that 30 minute is now long gone, to many people are using RT. 522 to avoid the 520 tolls. I would say during rush or around there to at least expect 45 mins. Bothell is also a huge area, so definitely depends on where exactly in Bothell you live. The buses have their own lanes, so that might help.

Bothell is revitalizing their downtown core, you can look at their plans @ Bothell Landing - Home. It does seem stalled, but otherwise, the plans do look good and hopeful.

[zabraski]

excellent info, thanks..