Moving to Seattle (Bellevue, Kent, Renton: health insurance, mortgages, house)

[Itcy Feet in Calgary]

My wife and I along with our 2 kids (4 and 2) are considering a move to the US. I am a US citizen but have lived in Canada for the last 25 years and my wife is Canadian. We currently live in Calgary Alberta and are growing tired of the dry long winters and have been exploring employement opportunities in the Seattle area, I am an aircraft maintenance techinician and have had a number of Job offers in Seattle and Portland. Our families are both in British Columbia, so the Seattle area is closer to them.

We are curious as to what areas of the city to look at, I would be working at Boeing Field, cost of living and any other helpful info about Seattle. Also wondering about health insurance, the ins and outs of mortgages and the hoops we will have to jump through doing a cross border move. Any and all comments are appreciated.

[SaltyDawg]

If you're working at Boeing field, you'll be lucky enough to have excellent bus options, allowing you to live anywhere in the city.

Costs are very high in-city. High-end neighborhoods like Queen Anne, Magnolia, Wallingford are all great, but you won't find much of a house for less than $600k - of course, our newly pathetic dollar vs. the Loonie will be your friend. Seattle public schools are fine at the elementary level, but lose steam at the high school levels.

If you're looking to save costs, you could also consider Renton, Kent or elsewhere in the South end. Less-desirable neighborhoods from a character standpoint, but better schools, and as I said, lots of mass transit to Boeing. Georgetown is directly next to Boeing field and rapidly gentrifying... depends on what you like.

What kind of 'hood are you looking for?

[Itcy Feet in Calgary]

We are looking for neighborhoods that have good schools and some character but cost is a factor looking to spend between $350K and $450K . Had been looking at Renton and Kent, always hard when you don't know the City. When we moved to Calgary my Wifes Aunt was able to steer us away from the 2 or three neighborhoods to stay away from. We would love to live in the Wallingford area from some of what I have read but of course the cost of housing is very high so I suppose I am looking for a good compromise. Thanks for your comments.

[cobolt]

Are you open to Portland and its surrounding areas? $$ might go a bit farther in the housing dept and you still have a pretty eclectic city and surrounding areas, although they do get a tad bit more rain than W WA.

[CityGirl72]

As a Parent, Renton and Kent would be on the BOTTOM of my list to move to with children.

[la_fuerza]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

As a Parent, Renton and Kent would be on the BOTTOM of my list to move to with children.

But the kids are only 4 and 2. Plenty of time to move to another city once it's time to start school.

[Itcy Feet in Calgary]

By the time we move our daughter will be 5 and heading off to kindergarten. If Kent and Renton aren't on the top of your list, where you would suggest?

[CityGirl72]

As with any metropolitan the best school districts are in the expensive parts of town - the family areas are on the "EastSide" which is Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond

But the housing prices are way out of your range. Yet maybe so farther areas? Or a super fixer upper?

Also try Sammamish or North Bend, it's nice - a little farther out then the Eastside so it's more of a commute but SO WORTH IT

PS - and if you go north of Seattle (unfortunately the opposite area you were looking) I hear Duvall is nice and up and coming for families for small children

We are looking into the Gig Harbor area

PPS - I live right now near the Wallingford area

[toughguy]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

As with any metropolitan the best school districts are in the expensive parts of town - the family areas are on the "EastSide" which is Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond

But the housing prices are way out of your range. Yet maybe so farther areas? Or a super fixer upper?

Also try Sammamish or North Bend, it's nice - a little farther out then the Eastside so it's more of a commute but SO WORTH IT

PS - and if you go north of Seattle (unfortunately the opposite area you were looking) I hear Duvall is nice and up and coming for families for small children

We are looking into the Gig Harbor area

PPS - I live right now near the Wallingford area

I don't want to put words in her mouth, but based on some of Citygirl's previous posts, I am pretty sure that the only suitable area for her to raise children in is the suburbs. Keep in mind that many people prefer to raise their children in a more urban environment, which is in no way detrimental to their upbringing. To call the eastside the "family area" is disingenious. There are many "family" areas in Seattle proper.

[wannabeaTexan]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

As a Parent, Renton and Kent would be on the BOTTOM of my list to move to with children.

Can I ask what is so horrible about these cities? I have 6 kids and we've lived in Renton almost 4 years. I can think of alot of other places in WA that would be at the bottom of my list.