Moving to seattle area, husband got a job with sfd. (Ellensburg: rental homes, homes)

[rachaeleh6238]

We are moving to Seattle beginning of next year. I would like advice on where we should move. We have looked into Vashon and Bainbridge, also Anderson and Fox. Hubbys commute would only be twice a week, so we don't mind living up to an hour and a half away. We would love island life. Schools not an issue because we homeschool. But safety is. We are looking for a place to RENT not buy, with a craftsman feel. We actually would prefer something older with character.

[CrazyDonkey]

You might want to include south Whidbey Island to your list. Could be more affordable than Vashon and Bainbridge. For instance:

2468 Discovery Pl, Langley, WA 98260 | Zillow

[Hemlock140]

It will be a bit more difficult to find full time rental homes on the islands, with so many doing VRBO and Airbnb vacation rentals now. You might like Camano Island, still within the 90 minute commute but no ferry involved. Depending on the time you arrive and schedules any car ferry commute can be an hour or more longer if you happen to hit a busy time for weekend trips or summer vacationers. The good thing about Bainbridge is being able to walk on the ferry and walk/bus to work in Seattle which guarantees getting on it and much less cost.

[tobester]

And your budget is?

[homesinseattle]

Take a peek at Poulsbo, Kingston and Port Orchard. They will give you an "islandy" feel, at a lower price than some of the other places mentioned. Your flexible hours (I know, I've had other firemen clients) help make this possible. I've even known firemen who live east of the mountains in Cle Elum or Ellensburg who commute in to Seattle fire stations. Vashon is great (I lived there 3 years) if you can find a place.

[rachaeleh6238]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Our budget is going to be determined exactly because we don't know the cost of living out there as opposed to where we are now (north idaho).. Is $2100/month something reasonable?

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by rachaeleh6238

Thanks for the replies everyone. Our budget is going to be determined exactly because we don't know the cost of living out there as opposed to where we are now (north idaho).. Is $2100/month something reasonable?

Very hard to find that on Bainbridge or Vashon, when people can make that much in a week as a vacation rental. Vashon has more demand now too, because of their extensive marijuana growing industry. I agree with looking at Poulsbo, also Gig Garbor and even Port Townsend. The areas west of Seattle are less expensive than the city and eastside, but still much more expensive than Idaho.

[CrazyDonkey]

You could also look at other areas well outside of normal commuting distance:

35428 Veazie Cumberland Rd SE, Enumclaw, WA 98022 | Zillow

20125 131st Pl NE, Granite Falls, WA 98252 | Zillow

8025 SW 234th St, Vashon, WA 98070 | Zillow

1195 Texas Pl SE, Port Orchard, WA 98366 | Zillow