Which would you rather live: Wealthy Neighborhood (South King County, Tacoma) vs Average Neighborhood (Eastside) (Seattle: neighborhoods, college)

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by DevanXL

Pretty much what I mean, probably should of rephrased it. But the houses I did see sell that were near Redondo Beach sold fairly quick. The houses that had the hardest time selling were the $900,000+ homes. Most people could find land and build a nice home in the area cheaper then that.

That's south sound pricing. $900K is just above starter home level in the stronger markets.

[Tall Traveler]

For a given amount of money, I prefer Tacoma with great views of the Puget Sound and access to downtown than what you get in Seattle or Bellevue for the same amount of money. I'm looking at that because my son and grandsons are in Kirkland and we want to be near to them and access to jobs is not an issue since wife and I are retired.

[homesinseattle]

My professional advice would be to choose an "average" neighborhood on the Eastside, a place like Kenmore, North Kirkland or Bothell. Those places have very good schools without being nearly as expensive as Bellevue.

If you are buying, you need to think of your home as an investment, places in desirable areas with good schools perform better over time, sell better when the time comes and weather downturns better. Buy a home in one of those areas that needs a little spit and polish, carpets, paint. I like that kind for my clients, you can add value, define it as you like it and there isn't quite as much competition when they are listed.

[fnh]

I would buy the home with a stunning view in the 'less desirable' neighborhood over a bland home zoned to "good schools" without a single moment's hesitation. Your enjoyment of your home would pay much greater dividends to your well-being every single day you live there, not just at one point in time when you go to sell. You are likely already paying a premium in annual property taxes for desirability, whether it be view or schools, so you might as well get what you pay for. Excepting the very few truly dangerous schools, "good schools" aren't really much better than an average one, and in any event a typical family only needs schools for a relatively short time.

My advice (as a non-professional) is always to buy the best sited home for your budget, prioritizing budget and commute. View and waterfront have universal appeal, not just to families. If in a cheaper area then all the better. If you do have children, you can use the savings to provide them experiences that really matter - or invest the difference.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by fnh

I would buy the home with a stunning view in the 'less desirable' neighborhood over a bland home zoned to "good schools" without a single moment's hesitation. Your enjoyment of your home would pay much greater dividends to your well-being every single day you live there, not just at one point in time when you go to sell. You are likely already paying a premium in annual property taxes for desirability, whether it be view or schools, so you might as well get what you pay for. Excepting the very few truly dangerous schools, "good schools" aren't really much better than an average one, and in any event a typical family only needs schools for a relatively short time.

My advice (as a non-professional) is always to buy the best sited home for your budget, prioritizing budget and commute. View and waterfront have universal appeal, not just to families. If in a cheaper area then all the better. If you do have children, you can use the savings to provide them experiences that really matter - or invest the difference.

I disagree, in fact we moved twice to get our kids into better schools, their education being a higher priority than having a "stunning view" or saving money on a cheaper house. With 3 kids, births spread out over 7 years, their time in K-12 spanned 20 years. We ended up in a much better than average eastside neighborhood, after much research and visiting schools and attending school board meetings. If it hadn't been for the proximity to work, we might have considered some south county areas, with good schools, however, such as Maple Valley.

[fnh]

I know mine is the minority opinion but I stand by it. The real difference in education is private vs. public, and the cheaper home affords you options. (Plus, in this thread's scenario is simply a nicer place to be!) No school is a good fit for everyone, and I've known more than a few people who buy into the 'good school' hype only to end up in private AND still pay higher property taxes, or have to move to get into a better fit public school with all the expense and disruption that entails.

We have enough resources and education to ensure our children will be fine really anywhere they go to school. I guess it is different for more anxious parents but I see this trend as losing sight of the forest for a single tree.

ETA: Also, it is worth noting that "good" schools decline and "bad" schools improve relatively quickly, certainly much more quickly than mountains erode and bodies of water evaporate.

[cmswazey]

Originally Posted by DevanXL

Growing up in Federal Way, I took my fair share (and well deserved) amount of jeers about the area. Tacoma and the Surrounding areas to the north were either too smelly, too gritty looking, not enough excitement, and not safe enough, for those who lived outside the area. Since I have grown up the area has gone through alot change for the better. In the South King County area you can find or build a nice large home for a reasonable price. Many of these wealthy areas include beautiful views of the Puget Sound, Mt Rainier, The Olympics, Cascades, Some get a view of all four. But for we it has always seemed that some people would prefer a home in a standard (no thrills) eastside neighborhood vs living in the south sound area.

Which would your rather live?

If commuting was not an issue, how would you choose where to live?

-Pros
-Cons

Every neighborhood is different. I'd look at:

Crime stats
Affordability
Is it good for pets who go outside?
Is it accessible to minor and major highways?
My job pays my bus pass. (Free money) Decent bus lines without having to transfer?
Atmosphere?

Those are my criteria.

[Ira500]

I don't like the choice. I don't want to live in a wealthy neighborhood. I wouldn't fit in. My neighbors would be calling the cops on me because I went an extra week without having the grass mowed, or because my car wasn't worth 80,000 dollars.
So, given the choice, I'd pick the average neighborhood on the east side. But I'm more of a south end guy. I just don't want to be completely surrounded by people who are wealthy.

[flyingsaucermom]

Originally Posted by Ira500

I don't like the choice. I don't want to live in a wealthy neighborhood. I wouldn't fit in. My neighbors would be calling the cops on me because I went an extra week without having the grass mowed, or because my car wasn't worth 80,000 dollars.
So, given the choice, I'd pick the average neighborhood on the east side. But I'm more of a south end guy. I just don't want to be completely surrounded by people who are wealthy.

Me too, Ira. I look forward to moving when the kids are older.

[DevanXL]

Originally Posted by Ira500

I don't like the choice. I don't want to live in a wealthy neighborhood. I wouldn't fit in. My neighbors would be calling the cops on me because I went an extra week without having the grass mowed, or because my car wasn't worth 80,000 dollars.
So, given the choice, I'd pick the average neighborhood on the east side. But I'm more of a south end guy. I just don't want to be completely surrounded by people who are wealthy.

Not always the case. I grew up in a wealthier area next to Redondo Beach in Federal Way and most people just let their grass die in the summer! The only issue the neighborhood had was cutting down trees that obstructed their view of the sound. You didn't find that since of entitlement because so many people made most of their money in the later half of their professional careers. I think didn't areas have different vibes and the vibe from wealth on the eastside overall seemed snobbier then in the south sound.