Info on Seattle area (Bellevue, Everett: rent, crime, safe area)

[CarolinaGirl79]

We are moving to the Seattle area and I'd like some info on safe areas in the city or suburbs to live. I've been doing lots of research and seeing a lot of mixed information on where to live. We have a 6 month old baby and a 17 year old. Later our 10 year old will also be moving out here. We've been living in the Eugene area of Oregon and the areas people call dangerous there are NOTHING compared to SC where we are from. We moved to get away from the crime and all that bad. My husband is working in Seattle now. I've been looking into Everett, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Mukilteo, Silver Lake and Seattle. Like I said I'm getting lots of mixed information. Just would like to know which areas are generally safe for a family. I take the baby out for long walks daily, so also walk friendly areas. Thanks!!

[flyingsaucermom]

It comes down to money. The more money you have the more we're likely to say "if you are worried about schools you should pick Lake Washington (Sammamish, Redmond, Bellevue), Issaquah (E Renton Highlands, Bellevue, Sammamish, Issaquah) or NE Seattle" schools. There are more, of course, but the point I'm trying to make is that your budget matters...

Of those communities you mentioned.. you can look at Maple Valley and the Tahoma school district. Shoreline in the north burbs is supposedly good too.

I don't know about the schools listed in the communities you listed specifically. Shopping for elementary schools is one thing, but you've got a high schooler so pay more attention to that...

[Hemlock140]

While none of our cities have the kind of crime found in many other states, all of those you mentioned are a mixed bag. Everett, Renton, Auburn, Federal Way, Mukilteo, Silver Lake and Seattle all have areas that are better and worse, so you just need to be selective about where in them you live, both for schools and crime. I agree with flyingsaucermom, the cities she mentioned all have great schools and very little crime, if you can afford them. Their desirability is the reason for the higher rent/home prices.

[homesinseattle]

Commutes in Seattle are getting tough. I would live the closest you can afford to work.

[CrazyDonkey]

Yeah, I'd worry about traffic and schools than crime. Closer to work with still decent schools. If working in downtown Seattle, public transit options can be key.

What's your budget? Buying or renting?

[CarolinaGirl79]

We will be renting. Preferably something around $2000 to $2500/mo. However, if need be we can go up to $3500. My husband is working in downtown Seattle right now and most of his work will be in Seattle for quite some time. I'd like to keep rent as reasonable as possible since we are considering also keeping our place in Oregon. My 17 year old actually only has a couple of tests to take and she graduates in a couple months. My 10 year old will be coming before the next school year of all goes well.

[laurabf]

First let me say, I haven't lived south of Seattle. My Dad lived on the Eastside but I was younger and didn't pay attention to things like commutes. So my extent of real living experience is limited to north of Seattle.

For commuting purposes I would look into Edmonds or Shoreline, as the most northern areas. Any further than that and the communte would be quite long. Edmonds has some great school and some hit or miss, if you pay attention to the area it will be fine. I went to Kamiak in Mukilteo then Edmonds Woodway then running start in Bellingham (moved a bit). I will say for a k-12 education Edmonds Woodway was the best school experience.

[CarolinaGirl79]

Thank you so much! I will look into that area.

[CrazyDonkey]

Will your 17-year old be going to a local community college? That could influence where you choose to live.