Renting in International District? Good/bad idea? (Seattle: apartment, rentals)

[VirtualErik]

So I've been looking at some options prior to relocating to Seattle/area.
At first I will be more limited but I'm also flexible as I'm moving alone, single, no pets. Just my stuff. So I've seen some cheaply priced studio rentals in the International district, I've heard mixed things about the area in general, although it's on the Light link rail line and such it would be nice using the transit, I do have my own vehicle but will probably keep it parked most of the time. The rooms are tiny but all I need for now until I'm back on my feet, just wanted some advice on a white male living in that area, I'm a friendly and adaptable guy and also love the Asian culture so that wouldn't be a problem, for me it's just my safety and such.

thanks!

[CrazyDonkey]

Parking would be the major issue, since most on-street parking in that area is metered, and the rest timed. Monthly parking rates can be high, since you're basically downtown. See: Seattle Department of Transportation: Seattle Parking Map

Probably safer than Pioneer Square, up by the Courthouse/Jail on Third & Yesler, and in Belltown. Many of the studios there are converted hotel rooms. They get gobbled up pretty fast when they become available. With all of the transit options there, would be excellent for living without a car.

For cheaper rentals that have parking and excellent transit links, look at N. Greenwood, Bitter Lake, Haller Lake, Northgate, and Lake City.

[VirtualErik]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Parking would be the major issue, since most on-street parking in that area is metered, and the rest timed. Monthly parking rates can be high, since you're basically downtown. See: Seattle Department of Transportation: Seattle Parking Map

Probably safer than Pioneer Square, up by the Courthouse/Jail on Third & Yesler, and in Belltown. Many of the studios there are converted hotel rooms. They get gobbled up pretty fast when they become available. With all of the transit options there, would be excellent for living without a car.

For cheaper rentals that have parking and excellent transit links, look at N. Greenwood, Bitter Lake, Haller Lake, Northgate, and Lake City.

thanks for the tips! I guess I do have more options as I do have a vehicle. Just hoping to start out under 1k/mo if possible, even if it's a closet lol.

[CrazyDonkey]

Look for a roomshare:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/search/see/roo

For instance:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/roo/5608569300.html

[VirtualErik]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Look for a roomshare:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/search/see/roo

For instance:

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/roo/5608569300.html

that's actually a very good rate, thanks for those links!

[Ira500]

The International District has improved in recent years. Which is not to say that it's a crime free paradise, but they've built new and renovated apartment buildings there in the last few years. It's certainly a convenient location. And it's got some great food(including pizza, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Cambodian, and Thai restaurants. A short commute has got to be worth something. You can find monthly parking in the ID in the hundred dollar per month range.