Moving from Seattle to Eastside

[jwb123]

Where in Redmond do you live? Which area isn't walkable?

[jmueller8]

We too are moving to the Eastside w/ two small children after living in Capitol Hill for eight years. It's been a huge decision for us and man, has it ever been hard "breaking the news" to our friends, but after seeing the kind of house we could get for our $$ over there (on top of a shorter commute for my husband), it just made more sense for us. We also discovered the Issaquah Highlands and found the whole "urban village" concept appealling. Honestly, if we could afford a large house in our neighborhood (both of us are from the Midwest and would like more room to host family), we'd stay here. Stevens Elementary, Meany Middle School, Garfield High School -- all good schools. And we personally love taking our kids to Volunteer Park. In all the years I've lived here, I've never experienced anything there to make me fear for my safety. I guess the threat of seeing some sort of "sexual activity" is much less of a worry to me than other things. And really, when you think about it, aren't weirdos everywhere? Yes, they may be a little more visible in the city than in the suburbs, but hey, at least I can see them coming and run the other way. Anyway, I just came upon this forum today and it's really helping me out with my "research"... I'm hoping more people who've "made the move" will comment on this thread...

[SeattleExpert]

I agree that GreenLake, Queen Anne and Magnolia are also great places to raise children. I just don't think that Capitol Hill is "the best" place for children to grow up. Volunteer Park and Cal Anderson Park are great for kids - but if I had children and they wanted to say, ride their bike to either of those parks, I would forbid it. It is just not the same. Busses hardly pay attention to people crossing the street. I've lost count of how many times I've almost been hit by cars/busses not paying attention or frazzled/in a rush to get out of traffic, which in turn makes them oblivious to pedestrians. In the suburbs, or more residential/family friendly areas, traffic is way more considerate of kids that might be flying out of any corner at any random moment. I love where I live (Capitol Hill), it is very eccentric and lively. The "but" is that with the nightlife and amount of cornerstores and density, there are a few people that I personally wouldn't want my children (if I had any) to run into.

[Samred]

Our neighbors were from seattle, had a baby and another on the way and moved here in sammamish. they love it. They have more house, private big lot and a brand new "green" elmentary opening up across from the neighborhood this fall. The neighborhood is full of kids of all ages, babies to babysitting age.. even some newly married. It is walking distance to shops and restaurants which is wonderful, biking trails all over, close to issaquah and redmond which is the best of both worlds, in the Lake Washington schools which is rated the best, and also a filled with parks, ponds and play areas walking distance, biking distance and driving distance.. all over. the Pine Lake park is 3 miles away and perfect for families with young kids. lake Sammamish is right over the hill. marymoor is 10 minutes from our house. All our lots are 1/3 acre or more. There is even a house for sale in our neighborhood... check it out on the mls .. they are aksing $739,000.

Good-luck!

[SaltyDawg]

Key thing in your post, Samred - you talk about parks being 3 miles away, or 10 minutes away, and 1/3 acre lots... not all of us want to live in the car-centric culture. To each his own, to be sure, but I want my kid to have a park right outside the door (Greenlake) and understand some diversity and density.