Working on Capitol Hill - where to live? (Seattle, Bellevue: real estate market, rent)

[crimson4154]

I posted on here a while back searching for the ultimate spot to live. Now it seems we are dictated by job location, Capitol Hill, Seattle.

We have 2 very young kids, 2 large dogs, and love the outdoors. Some sort of parks and trails nearby is a must. I like the "woodsy" area, but do like the new areas that have developed a community park or similar to get people to meet up at.

We need at least a 4 bedroom house, 2000 sq ft would be nice, and a yard of some sort is a must for the dogs. A lot of the houses near Capitol Hill, Madrona, Leschi, etc are small and old. I don't mind a renovated house but I don't want a fixer upper. I guess I'm leaning towards a newer home somewhere in a suburb... but where?

I've read all the horror stories of commuting on here, so if I'd like a 30 min commute (or less) where do I end up? Considering that I will care greatly about schools in a few years, and what I mentioned above?

ALL INPUT APPRECIATED! The move is coming up... mid May to be precise!

[baba_yaga]

I'm also relocating to work near Capitol Hill and after looking at many homes and neighborhoods with my wonderful agent, we decided to live in Capitol Hill. We did see some nice places around Green Lake though. What is your price range?

[CityGirl72]

I WISH for a 4 bedroom house and 2000 Sq Ft

I too have two young kids

We have a 3 bedroom 1 bath , 1300 sqft house in Greenlake....it's worth $565K (just appraised)

[crimson4154]

Hi both CityGirl and BabaYaga,

Our price range will most likely max out around $550K, but we'd really love to keep it lower, around $450K. I guess it just depends on how much we really fall in love with the home and area. Not sure I can picture my kids biking and playing outside alone in the actual city, but I'm full of pre-conceived ideas We went from "deciding" on Bellingham, to realizing the job in Seattle was just that much better. So I guess I want it a little bit like we imagined it up there (keep dreaming, right!?) I went to some old threads, and looked back at Issaquah and Snoqualmie, I just don't know how the commute will be.

How's Edmonds??

I live in a 1900 sq ft / 4 bed right now, with a huge yard for my BIG dogs so less will be hard to get used too.

[Woof]

Issaquah, if you can afford it. I don't know anything about Snoqualmie, except that it is rumored to be cheaper than Issaquah. Beware the commutes though.

Capitol Hill has a couple of large parks, but it's true that you can't let the kids play alone there.

[scirocco22]

As many of us keep recommending to others, crimson, can you rent for awhile?

My reasoning not only pertains to the questionable direction of the real estate market but more importantly, I believe it gives you time to familiarize yourself with the area before making the big step in buying a house in an area that you might be totally unfamiliar. Take some of the pressure off and it will also give you time to search for property to buy at a more leisurely rate. You'll be able to talk to co-workers and new friends you'll make about what areas they recommend and you can drive around and look.

Although we have some very knowledgeable contributors on this board, it's difficult to rely on information given on a message board as being totally reliable and accurate for everybody has their own opinions.

[crimson4154]

Thanks - we'll definitely be renting to start with, since we're not giving up our San Diego home (due to the real estate situation!). But, it's still nice to be have a few areas to zoom in on. Was thinking about renting in Issaquah, but if the drive is too harsh, perhaps not!

[scirocco22]

If you're coming in during the rush hour, it will be more than 30 minutes if driving alone but Issaquah has excellent bus service now. There's an express bus from the main Park and Ride and also a new P&R and express route up in the Issaquah Highlands. Even though the express bus (non-stop) from the Issaquah Park and Ride* will take about 30 minutes into downtown (even taking the HOV lane), you'll be able to read, nap, and relax.

Oh, and Edmonds will definitely be over a 30 minute commute.




* Use the "Southbound Rdway at NW Maple" time point for the Issaquah Park and Ride

[allforcats]

Hi. First: To work in Capitol Hill and have a very short commute, you'll want to consider commuting in some direction that other people are NOT commuting in. That means: walk; take a local bus (so live in Capitol Hill or the University District, maybe First Hill); or telecommute. However, in those locations small children cannot frolic out and about, your budget will be stretched, your large doggies will not have large back yards in which to romp, and your "woodsy" areas will be parks you walk or drive to or see on TV.

Next: To live in a place where little children can frolic in safety, dogs can run a bit, and there are trees and birds, you want suburbia. One choice is on the east side of Lake Washington such as Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Snoqualmie. Another is northeast of the lake at Woodinville, Fall City, Duvall, Carnation. That means commuting to Capitol Hill for a minimum of 30 minutes by car, or 45 by two comfortable busses, one a long-distance bus on which you can sleep if you want to, and the second a local city bus which also won't be crowded since the other commuters will be going FROM Capitol Hill to their jobs across I-5 to downtown Seattle. In all of those cities, you can find nice houses in your budget if you stick to your guns. In the list of east-of-the-Lake cities you'll find the "best" schools, according to City-Data commenters.

Edmonds is not the best idea for commuting to Capitol Hill. Here's the bottom line: downtown Seattle has mountains of jobs; the people who fill those jobs come in from all four directions of the compass. North would be Edmonds; sometimes the car commute from Edmonds can take an hour, if there are strange weather or traffic conditions.

You've gotta rent, as you've discussed, to find out what you MUST have and what you are willing to change.

[crimson4154]

That's very good to know... I think my husband was pretty tempted by Edmonds since it was closer to the water. Might have to cross it off the list. He might be in luck, if he's getting to do a 4 day work week, which might mean he won't be driving the exact rush hours. Telecommuting isn't an option since he works at the hospital. He'll be on call some days so we just can't be too far away, but I think the 30 min is OK! Thanks again!