Property taxes for Tacoma (N/NE) and Renton? (Seattle, Bellevue: real estate, 2014)

[bergun]

Hi,

I'll now 7 months away from retirement and I'll be returning home to Western Washington after being gone for the last 33 plus years... I visit family/friends about twice a year, so I know that things have changed since the early 80s in both areas. Anyway, I've zeroed in on two areas, Tacoma (north & northeast) and Renton, up in the hills.

I was hoping if anybody could give me a rough amount of taxes on a single family home in the approx price range of $475Ks for both areas. I understand that it's pretty much computed at X$ per $1,000.00 of the total value of the house and land.

Also, if I reside in either the cities of Tacoma or Renton, do I also pay Property Taxes for Pierce or King county?

I prefer living in Renton since I'll most likely be working in the downtown Seattle area and ride the metro bus to and from work. Also, that is where I met my wife back in the mid 80s. Depending on property taxes, which will pretty much determine where I'll end up at... If there is a great difference.

Thanks for looking!!

[seattlefun]

The 2014 Codes and Levies for Renton range from 12.99420 to 14.60412 per thousand depending on what neighborhood you live in. They are some of the highest rates in Seattle.

Let's say you have a home that is assessed at $500,000.00 with using the above tax rate you will pay between $6497.10 and $7302.00

Each area has it's own codes and levies. So you really need to call the county and learn about it before you purchase as it does make a giant difference. For instance Bellevue has levy rates as low as 9.52457 which is considerably lower.

Now if you are a senior citizen you get a special levy rate. Also if you make under 25K a year you get an additional deduction. I believe it's reduced up to 60%

Good luck!

[Ira500]

Renton does have a higher rate, but also assessments are often much lower than selling prices. A 475,000 dollar home will often have taxes around 4800-5000 in Renton.

[bergun]

Thank you for the replies. I didn't realize that taxes in Renton was that high... I guess North/Northeast Tacoma is now looking better.

I'm originally from Seattle, the Mt. Baker area... Closer to Rainier Valley than Lake Washington and was hoping to move somewhat closer to Seattle since I'll be working in the downtown area and I really enjoy city life, but in retirement, I have to think about things in a more long term manner since I'll be on a fixed income.

I never lived or spent much time in the Tacoma area, but I've read that "things" are now changing for the better in Tacoma... Crime is still present, but the gang issues from the 80s/90s is somewhat in check. Also, everything I've read points to the north/northeast parts of Tacoma as being pretty stable.

I just hope that the taxes in Tacoma are less than in King County.

...The search continues!!

[seattlefun]

Originally Posted by bergun

Thank you for the replies. I didn't realize that taxes in Renton was that high... I guess North/Northeast Tacoma is now looking better.

I'm originally from Seattle, the Mt. Baker area... Closer to Rainier Valley than Lake Washington and was hoping to move somewhat closer to Seattle since I'll be working in the downtown area and I really enjoy city life, but in retirement, I have to think about things in a more long term manner since I'll be on a fixed income.

I never lived or spent much time in the Tacoma area, but I've read that "things" are now changing for the better in Tacoma... Crime is still present, but the gang issues from the 80s/90s is somewhat in check. Also, everything I've read points to the north/northeast parts of Tacoma as being pretty stable.

I just hope that the taxes in Tacoma are less than in King County.

...The search continues!!

I'm a real estate agent in California and not Washington state yet. So I can only tell you what I have researched in the previous comment. Your age and income comes into play with property taxes. You really should talk to a local real estate agent and find out more info on property taxes and local trends of the areas you are wanting to know more about. I know Ira500 on this board seems to have a wealth of information. Maybe ask him. If not, look for an agent in the areas you are wanting to relocate to. It costs you nothing to ask questions. If you decide to purchase you are not paying the real estate agent either. That's the sellers job! Best of Luck!