ANY of these suburbs commutable to Kirkland? (Seattle, Bellevue: rental, daycare)

[evergreentori]

I am extremely frustrated with trying to find a decent full-time preschool/daycare situation for my son along with a rental. I am going to be working for LWSD, although I have no idea which schools yet (they said most likely in Kirkland, but wouldn't narrow it down further). So, I have been trying to find a rental close to my son's preschool at least, but I cannot find a preschool without huge waiting lists! I am picky about where to send him, also. I did find one place (Bellevue Montessori) that had an opeing and I liked the facility, but the rents in that area (downtown Bellevue/Medina) are very high. My rent budget is below $1500 for a 2 bedroom with parking. I have sriously been at this for over 2 weeks almost non-stop, and I am ready to give up and tell LWSD forget it.

So, my question is: Is either Woodinville or Duvall commutable to the Kirkland area? Their rents are more reasonable and I am thinking (hoping) the preschool situation there is not as competitive. I am ok with with an up to 40 minute commute, but not any more than that.

Thanks!

[Inkpoe]

Woodinville basically borders NE of the Kirkland area. Not sure where you're coming from and going to, but from Woodinville DT to Kirkland DT traffic should never take more than half an hour. Plus you'll learn the back roads as well which will help.

As for Duvall, they also has different route options as well. I think you're on the mark with the 40 mins commute.

Why not look into Redmond, Bothell as well?

[evergreentori]

Thanks Inkpoe! I have looked into Redmond (I really like the area), but I run into the same preschool issues in Kirkland, Redmond, and Bellevue. I haven't heard the greatest things about Bothell, but I haven't been there either. Perhaps it is worth considering. Yeah, it would help if I had a better idea of where I'd be working!

[seattlenextyear]

You're not going to find cheap rents in Medina, one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the area. All of the other suburbs you mentioned would be a fine commute. Bothell isn't so bad. Woodinville is nice too, and I'm sure you'll find a great rental there.

[Inkpoe]

What have you heard that's not so great about Bothell?

It has one of the excellent school districts in the state; one of the high schools has the Cambridge Program-- being the second HS on the West coast to have such program (Local News | Juanita High gets Cambridge plan | Seattle Times Newspaper). Great water access, great parks, great community with a cute DT area, you can access Seattle DT very easily. Shopping is very accessible with Alderwood Mall to the north and Bellevue SQ to the south, plus all the other shopping villages. Working in Kirkland, you wouldn't even have to use 405 to get to Bothell and vice versa. Bothell has a great variety of living styles. Its one of the more affordable suburbs in the Eastside.

[evergreentori]

Maybe I am just being paranoid about the commute times. I always hear such nightmares about commuting on here and everyone says "live where you work!" I lived in Los Angeles for a while so I know how stressful a bad commute can be.

I am going tomorrow to look at some places and a school in Woodinville. I will check out Bothell while I am there.

Thanks!

[reliance]

Ditto what Inkpoe said.

Bothell is a great place live. I live in Bothell just outside of Mill Creek. The schools in and around MC are some of the best around. Plenty of shopping and restaurants and easy access to both I-405 and I-5, the greater eastside and Everett. Bothell also has a few Montessori's that may be suitable for your kids. Google is your friend there.

Good luck to you!