Planning to move to Bellevue from Miami (Seattle, Renton: affordable apartments, rent)

[jwats006]

I am planning to move from Miami to Bellevue and I have no idea as to what to expect. I am a single parent about to start a new job there. I was just wondering where would be a safe and affordable place to live with great schools and great public transportation as I would be selling my truck and would be travelling for a while until I get my own vehicle again. In addition, I have realized that the percentage of black people that live in Washington is extremely low and being African American, I would prefer an area where I would feel comfortable in my skin. I am looking for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath around $1100. Thank you for your advice.

[CarlB328]

Well, Bellevue is expensive, you will have a hard time finding a two bedroom place for $1100 a month.

[Hemlock140]

People of all races feel comfortable in Bellevue. In the area around Crossroads (NE8th & 156th) there are many of the more affordable apartments, and you can walk to shopping. For 2 bedrooms you are looking at $1,500-$1,800 at the low end. For your budget of $1,100 you would have to consider a studio.

[RotseCherut]

Originally Posted by jwats006

I am planning to move from Miami to Bellevue and I have no idea as to what to expect. I am a single parent about to start a new job there. I was just wondering where would be a safe and affordable place to live with great schools and great public transportation as I would be selling my truck and would be travelling for a while until I get my own vehicle again. In addition, I have realized that the percentage of black people that live in Washington is extremely low and being African American, I would prefer an area where I would feel comfortable in my skin. I am looking for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath around $1100. Thank you for your advice.

You won't find a 2 bed in Bellevue for less than $1500+ /mo that is worth living in.. Even that is pushing it.. If you want to live in a black neighborhood, Bellevue is probably the worst choice.. My feelings are that as an African American, you may experience more problems from the large Indian/Arab community than from the white community in Bellevue. I have seen black people in Bellevue and most are fairly well to do. However, I almost think you would like living in Seattle or Kirkland more. I respect Indian people and culture, but I know they hold some bigoted views about minorities. I am just trying to be open and honest with you.. However, I don't think you will have any real problems in Bellevue.

If you are from Miami, I hardly think there is an area in Washington you will feel afraid of crime.. Of course, property crimes are a problem in certain areas, but Eastside has less property crime, in general, than Seattle. I think, at least! South Seattle , Central District have larger African American populations, but living anywhere in Seattle you will not really stick out.

[Blondebaerde]

If rent is the primary constraint, and you won't have wheels for awhile, do consider some of the south end communities. Thinking Renton, as a start. Key point is to research how to arrive from transit center(s) in Renton to Bellevue TC or other location near your place of employment. May wish to look into that during commute hours.

Rent problems (increasing rates) in Seattle have been splashed all over the news past couple years. I'd assume anyone transferring in here from elsewhere would use that as a negotiation point in any professional role. I had that discussion with a big firm in Silicon Valley not too many years ago, e.g. Didn't take me long to figure out why they were offering 1.75x as much as Seattle employers for the same role.

I "think" Google Maps does a pretty good job of those kind of estimates, point A to point B via transit, car, or walking; they seem to be improving all the time. Why wouldn't they: vast amount of traffic data collected past few years. What is mildly surprising to me is that finding that data in an easy to use, quick format seems to be a bit elusive.

[xboxmas]

The Renton or Tukwila areas have a decent sized African-American community, especially compared to Bellevue where its mostly Asian and White. The cost of living is cheaper in those areas also. I have heard some negative things about Tukwila, but there still may be some decent areas there. I don't know much about the school district in those areas, but have heard that Bellevue's is one of the best in the state.

[jwats006]

Thank you everyone all of your posts have been very helpful

[PNWGuy]

lol you will be fine in Bellevue, folks won't be looking at you finny or anything, there are plenty of different minorities/races here. but as others said, you won't get anything worth living in for $1,100.

[MmeZeeZee]

Originally Posted by jwats006

I am planning to move from Miami to Bellevue and I have no idea as to what to expect. I am a single parent about to start a new job there. I was just wondering where would be a safe and affordable place to live with great schools and great public transportation as I would be selling my truck and would be travelling for a while until I get my own vehicle again. In addition, I have realized that the percentage of black people that live in Washington is extremely low and being African American, I would prefer an area where I would feel comfortable in my skin. I am looking for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath around $1100. Thank you for your advice.

On the plus side: we have great parks and recreation, a great YMCA, a great Boys and Girls club, and great schools here in Bellevue. PM me if you would like to know more about resources for single parents to make sure your child is in excellent hands throughout the day, the summer, etc.

On the medium side: I personally bet you can find a one-bedroom around Crossroads for around $1100. We rent for under $2000. But start looking NOW.

On the other hand, you're African American and you want that community. You will be welcome here but there is just nowhere on the Eastside where you are going to find a substantial African American community. In Seattle, even in the areas where they have the most African American residents, there are still far, far more white people and Asians. You'd probably have to go as far south as Ft. Lewis to find real African American communities where you would feel like you were even a sizeable minority. And that is one of the least stable areas of the state, mainly because its residents are so transient, being military. That said I'm also a minority and I feel very accepted here. Sure, white people might be awkward when they see their one black or Hispanic person of the day, but just roll with it. Be yourself and let people know that's okay and it will be okay. There isn't really another option.

On the safe side: No offense but compared to Miami the entire Puget Sound is incredibly safe. I know Miami is a lovely city and has great culture but the murder rate is like nothing else. So, don't worry about that part. The exception is Tukwila. Yes there are many people of African heritage there, but that is primarily a 1st generation American population, as Tukwila is near the airport and has a huge immigrant population and is very poor (airport proximity, immigrant concentration, poverty and crime all being part of a vicious cycle sadly).

Final point, public transport. If you don't have a car, I would live near work. Your child can bus to school and stay in a public-school after-school program provided by the school district (these are subsidized so be sure to ask about them!) and then you can bus to the school. It's much more reliable than having to drop your kid off in a Renton school, bus all the way to Bellevue for work, and then bus back. That, to me, as a mom (re-committed but I've done the single mom thing), sounds like drama waiting to happen.

Better to pay higher rent and lower transport and stay near work. That way, if you have any issues, you have a network of neighbors, the Y, the schools, everything, to sort stuff out. You don't want to be spread all over.

I don't come to this website often so PM me ASAP and I'll try to remember to come back here in the next few days. Good luck.

[homesinseattle]

I'm born and raised Miami, lived in Seattle now 25 years. Direct message me if I can be of help.