AFFORDABLE Suburbs for Rentals? (Seattle, Tacoma: appointed, for sale, apartments)

[MarketingGuy]

Been researching tons of burbs in and around Seattle.. as far east as Issaquah, as far north as Edmunds, Lynnwood, Bothell.. Really have no interest in southern areas (What about Kent?)...

In the price range of rentals (want to rent for the first year while we get a feel for the city and areas) that we're looking at, the homes are old and disappointing. We're hoping to find a 2/3 BR+ rental for $1500/month or so. We have two medium to large dogs, non-vicious.. but it keeps us from renting in downtown Seattle or apartments, etc.

Any good recommendations? I've searched and read a few threads, but nothing with tons of helpful info. We'd like to find a neighborhood or suburb that is fairly inclusive and urban (non-rural) with some shopping, restaurant choices, even businesses, etc.

Let me know what you think!

[MarketingGuy]

Wow, decent rentals are challenging to find. Any good link recommendations too?

[Pittgal]

In order to find a house that is nicer and newer with a yard for the dogs, you are going to have to pay more than 1500.00 a month. We found the house we rent on craigslist. seattle-tacoma apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist

[MarketingGuy]

Any thoughts on much more?

[LookingtoLeave]

Rent.com is another good source.

[MarketingGuy]

Thus far, here is my list of sites:

Seattle Times: NWsource: Classified listings for used furniture, antiques, computers, electronics, household items, pets, garage sales, estate sales, services, announcements and much more in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and the Puget Sound.
The Stranger: classifieds.thestranger.com | seattle classifieds, employment, rentals, buy sell trade, musicians, escorts
The Weekly: seattle classifieds for apts, jobs, for sale, personals - backpage.com
Capitol Hill Times: Pacific Publishing Company - Classifieds - Classifieds Main Page
Little Nickel: Little Nickel Classifieds

Apartments for Rent and Homes for Rent
craigslist: seattle-tacoma classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
Apartments.com - Free Nationwide Apartment Search with the Most Visual Rental Listings Online.
Apartments for Rent and Resources for Finding Apartment Rentals Nationwide - ForRent.com
Seattle restaurants, events, shopping & classifieds | NWsource
NWsource: Classified listings for used furniture, antiques, computers, electronics, household items, pets, garage sales, estate sales, services, announcements and much more in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma and the Puget Sound.

I'm hoping on finding more? It's such a HUGE area.. there HAS to be more..

Finding places in Issaquah and Sammamish has proven to be challenging..

[allforcats]

Parts of Kent could be nice; Kent could provide space for your dogs; now and then we hear about dogs being shot (deliberately) in that area, and certain areas of Kent are also not so safe for humans...

Where is your job? That pretty much determines the best radius in which to find a place.

Since you talk about "Seattle", on NWSource have you investigated NORTH of the city? See the map on:
NWapartments: Seattle apartment rentals, house rental listings, rental classifieds and other property rentals in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue and other Washington areas, cities and neighborhoods | - Advanced search
Sand Point, Northgate, Haller Lake, Lake City, Phinney Ridge, Ballard, Loyal Heights -- there should be an affordable house with a back yard for the dogs.

You say "In the price range of rentals...that we're looking at, the homes are old and disappointing." Well, since you're not buying them, and you will be moving out after only a year, and they do meet your price range, how could you possibly be "disappointed"? Sounds as though it would be a good idea if you got realistic, stop using your energy demanding what doesn't exist, and start enjoying that year and using it well, right? Have fun!!

[MarketingGuy]

Originally Posted by allforcats

Parts of Kent could be nice; Kent could provide space for your dogs; now and then we hear about dogs being shot (deliberately) in that area, and certain areas of Kent are also not so safe for humans...

That's.....disturbing? Yuck!

Originally Posted by allforcats

Where is your job? That pretty much determines the best radius in which to find a place.

Not sure yet. Rumor has it, it would be a home office. This would be a good thing because I could basically live wherever. Lots of traveling, but thats besides the point.

Originally Posted by allforcats

Since you talk about "Seattle", on NWSource have you investigated NORTH of the city? See the map on:
NWapartments: Seattle apartment rentals, house rental listings, rental classifieds and other property rentals in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue and other Washington areas, cities and neighborhoods | - Advanced search
Sand Point, Northgate, Haller Lake, Lake City, Phinney Ridge, Ballard, Loyal Heights -- there should be an affordable house with a back yard for the dogs.

Good suggestions. Will investigate!!

Originally Posted by allforcats

You say "In the price range of rentals...that we're looking at, the homes are old and disappointing." Well, since you're not buying them, and you will be moving out after only a year, and they do meet your price range, how could you possibly be "disappointed"? Sounds as though it would be a good idea if you got realistic, stop using your energy demanding what doesn't exist, and start enjoying that year and using it well, right? Have fun!!

You make a good point. I tend to overthink and overworry.

[allforcats]

Yeah, I understand about overthinking -- I recognized the signs of bustling around and conflicting goals! You can live anywhere that's decent for a year, right? Means to an end, eh? In fact, if you aren't crazy about the place, neither of you will "fall in love" with it and be sorry to leave when you do find the place you want! Now there's a thought!

If you don't see what you want, as they say about Seattle weather wait five minutes and it will change -- wait til close to the end of the month and new vacancies will start to be advertised. Hugs to your doggies!

[Ira500]

Don't discount Renton...You get a little more house for your money there, retail is growing by leaps and bounds, and on the West Hill of Renton heading towards Seattle houses have larger yards ( good for dogs.)