move from SF bay to Seattle (Bellevue, Issaquah: appointed, transplants, condos)

[sfbay08]

My husband got one job offer from a Seattle company. We are still debating whether we shall move to Seatltle from bay area or not.

My main questions are: what is the typical cost range of a decent house with great schools in Seattle area? What are the areas we should look for top public schools? Besides, how is the job market in software engineering in Seattle? I am working in software and I think I will still work in Seattle.

What are the other things that we shall be concerned?

It is a hard decision to make. Any comments/suggestions are much appreciated.

[Ira500]

A fairly nice house in Bellevue or Issaquah ( good school districts) will cost at least 450,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 BA, and these are for older homes in good shape...You can also spend a whole lot more.

[MichaelinWA]

The median price in the Bay Area is at least 550,000, and it would be much higher on an apples to apples comparison basis to Bellevue or Issaquah (Cupertino, for example).

Originally Posted by Ira500

A fairly nice house in Bellevue or Issaquah ( good school districts) will cost at least 450,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 BA, and these are for older homes in good shape...You can also spend a whole lot more.

[berkeleyres]

also, remember that Ca state income tax is almost 10 percent, Washington state has no state income tax. Also, property taxes are a lower percentage in Washington vs California and also on a lower amount, since a comparable house in Seattle is cheaper. I live in CA and can't wait to get out, most likely to Seattle. I'd much rather run my business there.

[la_fuerza]

I would say definitely go for it and make the move. Seattle is a wonderful diverse place with well educated people and beautiful scenery. Seattle is much like the Bay Area was ten years ago so it's an easy transition for many California folks to make. The cost of living is lower in Seattle, there's not as much traffic and most would agree it's less stressful overall. Myself I lived in San Jose, Sunnyvale, Redwood City and SF proper so I have something to compare it to.

[VeronikaW]

I have to disagree about the cost of living. We moved from San Diego (and lived in the bay area for several years before San Diego), and we find that the cost of living is almost exactly the same here in the Seattle area.

We live in Issaquah (one of the best school districts), and townhomes (albeit fairly new ones), are in the $450-500K range (I was just looking at the prices in the local newspaper). Houses are around $600K and up. Also, if you think leaving CA means you'll get a nice big yard, we were disappointed to find that only the older houses have yards.

Oh, and the people are a lot less friendly here than the bay area, but I'm not allowed to talk about that in this thread. I do suggest you read the Seattle Freeze Sticky on this board.

V. =)

[Ultrarunner]

Yesterday's newspaper had a list ranking states from most expensive to least expensive... California was the 8th most expensive and Washington is the 9th most expensive... many areas in the South were rated as the least expensive.

That being said... most people that are used to Bay Area prices find Washington less expensive and you will get more house for your money.

If you are planning to buy a home... don't forget that WA does not have the equivalent of California's Prop 13 to limit tax increases.. this can be a rude awakening for some CA transplants!

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by sfbay08

What are the other things that we shall be concerned?

Seattle is farther north, so winter will be darker, chillier (and cloudier).

[MichaelinWA]

Relatively inexpensive, compared to equally desirable locations in the Bay Area. Quite exorbitant, compared to most other places in the country!

Originally Posted by VeronikaW

We live in Issaquah (one of the best school districts), and townhomes (albeit fairly new ones), are in the $450-500K range (I was just looking at the prices in the local newspaper). Houses are around $600K and up. Also, if you think leaving CA means you'll get a nice big yard, we were disappointed to find that only the older houses have yards.

[VeronikaW]

Originally Posted by MichaelinWA

Relatively inexpensive, compared to equally desirable locations in the Bay Area. Quite exorbitant, compared to most other places in the country!

Actually prices in the Bay Area have gone down quite a bit recently, so I'm not 100% sure that's true anymore. My mom just saw condos in Burlingame in the $300s.

Now, back when I lived in the bay area, $600K would have only gotten you a 1 bedroom crappy condo (probably in EPA).

V. =)