Advice/Tips on Schools and Commutes - Issaquah, Bothell, Woodinville? (Seattle: rentals, home)

[almafojas]

Hi Everyone,

I am currently pending a job offer in Seattle (South Lake Union area) and I've been doing research in many areas near Seattle. We lived in WA State before, but South of the city (Lacey area to be exact - we were stationed at Ft. Lewis at the time).

We are a family of four, and for the time being, we are looking to rent until we know exactly where we want to be long term. Our priorities are school systems. We have two kids in elementary. We like the more suburb feel and don't like too much congestion. I know the commutes are never "easy" into Seattle, but I do plan to use public transportation. I would like for my commute to not be longer than 40 minutes.

Having said all of that, I've been looking at the Bothell/Woodinville area (North of the City) and looking at Issaquah on the East Side. How would these commutes look for me? Also, are there other areas around these towns that would be just as nice and maybe I'm just overlooking them?

Any input would be helpful and appreciated - Thank You!

[amaiunmei]

Your commute expectation is increasingly unrealistic for this area. The truth of the matter is this: the same thing that is bringing you here is bringing thousands of others at the same time, and our roads are not being expanded at the same rate. To that end, congestion is unavoidable and the South Lake Union area is particularly notorious for this (Google "Mercer Mess" sometime).

The buses that go to Issaquah tend to drop folks off in downtown Seattle, so there will be an additional walk/bus/trolley time added. All told, it's generally going to be about 50 minutes or more.

Bothell is more affordable, but it's also a place becoming more congested because of its affordability. Expect a commute of AT LEAST an hour.

Woodinville is tucked away near Hwy 2, just to the southeast of Bothell. It's lovely and has the best schools, but the commute to South Lake Union will likely set you back an hour, at least.

[almafojas]

Thank you. I appreciate the input and your time!

[Hemlock140]

I'm in Sammamish, and drive to the Park and Ride to catch the bus to Seattle most days. When I drive I can make it from home at 5am to the office, a bit before SLU in 40 minutes, coming home at 2:30 50-55 minutes. Half an hour later add 10-15 minutes, after that even worse. The bus from Issaquah takes 30-40 minutes depending on which one and how many stops it makes. For SLU you would have to transfer, or walk about a mile. I wouldn't do Bothell or anything involving 520 or Lake City Way to SLU, that is a horribly congested drive at any hour. You might consider Shoreline, just north of Seattle. For really good schools and much shorter commute there is Mercer Island, but naturally that comes with a higher price tag.

[almafojas]

Thank you!

I think Mercer Island is out of my price range. I appreciate the feedback on the commutes, it definitely helps with preparation and I'm glad I asked. Now I feel silly even thinking it would take 40 minutes. Ha!

Thanks again.

[flyingsaucermom]

My husband works in SLU and we live in Issaquah. It's like an hour commute via bus/walking. The cool thing though is that his employer (AMZN) pays for bus passes for FTE and I ride an electric bike for my work (in Issaquah) so our yearly transportation costs are ~ $2k (average is $9k).

Nobody has mentioned Kirkland, Bellevue or Redmond yet and there is also Newcastle and East Renton Highlands. Lake Washington, Bellevue and Issaquah school districts cover those areas.

I will say that I like Issaquah and Sammamish. Sammamish is definitely more suburban than Issaquah. I personally wouldn't live there, but I enjoy visiting my clients who do.

[almafojas]

Thank you for your suggestions and for taking the time to reply!
I will look into those areas as well.

This was helpful.

[misscross]

before writing off Mercer Island, look at the rentals available there. It may be surprisingly affordable relatively speaking. I've known clearly non-wealthy acquaintances to rent there.

[homesinseattle]

Hi almafojas. I think you would like Bothell. There are great buses into Seattle, schools (Northshore school district) are very good and you will get more for your money when it comes to renting or buying than you would in a place like Central Seattle or Bellevue. "Old Town Bothell" has come a long way, it is pleasant. Bothell also has the benefit of being a straight shot out Hwy 522 to Monroe and the Cascade mountains.

[tobester]

Housing budget (rent/own) will dictate a lot ... also, I live IN Seattle and it's a 40 minute public transportation trip to SLU on a 'good' day.