Should I move to SLU or Bellevue?? (Seattle, Redmond: apartment, rentals) - Washington (WA) -Seattle and King County Suburbs - City-Data Forum

Washgal · 11-23-2018, 04:03 AM

Hello everyone!!

I got a new job at Microsoft and I’m trying to figure out where to live! A little about me. I’m finishing my dissertation while working full time. My dissertation topic is very rigorous and technical so it requires a lot of focus and time. Saving time is important to me!

I do like being social but due to needing to finish my dissertation, I doubt I’ll be going out more than 1 day a week. I tend to be a homebody simply because I have so many intellectual pursuits. Since I’m at home a lot, a beautiful home, with all the fancy upgrades is important to me. I also LOVE high-end shopping ie Tory Burch, Lululemon, etc , and I’m definitely a foodie. I eat out 5-7 days a week at nice restaurants. I also like living in very-walkable, beautiful areas. I’m originally from the suburbs albiet an area similar to Palo Alto.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to South Lake Union or Downtown Bellevue. The only hangup about SLU is I hear the commute even on the Microsoft connector is an hour each way? Personally I would prefer to use those 2hrs for other things like writing my dissertation. If the commute were shorter, like 30 mins each way, that would be better but I’m not sure if that is the case since I’ve never lived there. My only hangup with Bellevue is that I hear it’s boring. As a female safety is also a concern as I do not want to go out a feel as if I need to carry mace everywhere.

Thoughts are welcome, or suggestions of other neighborhoods...
Thank you ��

leastprime · 11-23-2018, 05:20 AM

We are assuming, Microsoft @ Redmond?

Congratulations.

American Expat · 11-23-2018, 05:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Washgal

Hello everyone!!

I got a new job at Microsoft and I’m trying to figure out where to live! A little about me. I’m finishing my dissertation while working full time. My dissertation topic is very rigorous and technical so it requires a lot of focus and time. Saving time is important to me!

I do like being social but due to needing to finish my dissertation, I doubt I’ll be going out more than 1 day a week. I tend to be a homebody simply because I have so many intellectual pursuits. Since I’m at home a lot, a beautiful home, with all the fancy upgrades is important to me. I also LOVE high-end shopping ie Tory Burch, Lululemon, etc , and I’m definitely a foodie. I eat out 5-7 days a week at nice restaurants. I also like living in very-walkable, beautiful areas. I’m originally from the suburbs albiet an area similar to Palo Alto.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to South Lake Union or Downtown Bellevue. The only hangup about SLU is I hear the commute even on the Microsoft connector is an hour each way? Personally I would prefer to use those 2hrs for other things like writing my dissertation. If the commute were shorter, like 30 mins each way, that would be better but I’m not sure if that is the case since I’ve never lived there. My only hangup with Bellevue is that I hear it’s boring. As a female safety is also a concern as I do not want to go out a feel as if I need to carry mace everywhere.

Thoughts are welcome, or suggestions of other neighborhoods...
Thank you ��

Son works at Redmond office. He lived in Bellevue and then downtown Seattle. I think he did tire a bit of the commute from Seattle especially after he started dating a girl in Bothell.

I personally prefer Bellevue but I do see the appeal of Seattle...I'm guessing you would tire of the commute from Seattle.

leastprime · 11-23-2018, 06:00 AM

'find something temporary . 3 months or so before you commit for something of 12 months. Property managers are desperate. I went to an open house apartment (new) building in Bellevue, Nov 10. it was over priced. They offered first payment would be on Jan 01, 2019. A $500 bonus sign on for immediate occupancy.

Overlake, Redmond areas are putting up new buildings or just completed and open for occupancy. Within 30 minutes by bus.

homesinseattle · 11-23-2018, 09:06 AM

Hi Washgal, How about Downtown Kirkland? It's much closer to Microsoft but in a much more walkable location. It also has an upscale feel, it sounds like you would enjoy that.

Blondebaerde · 11-23-2018, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Hi Washgal, How about Downtown Kirkland? It's much closer to Microsoft but in a much more walkable location. It also has an upscale feel, it sounds like you would enjoy that.

That, or just move into the Bravern in Bellevue and get it over with. Studio rentals start at $2,500, just looked it up, but man that's a nice place. Microsoft Research can pay handsomely, she'll be fine. Gorgeous shops and plenty to-do in the general area, not that I'm usually a Neiman Marcus type (but the steakhouse and other shops, yes indeed). Bus to main campus from not far away (Bellevue Transit) or downtown or...

CrazyDonkey · 11-23-2018, 10:57 AM

Forget SLU. Consider Redmond, itself:

https://www.zillow.com/homes/for_ren...32_rect/13_zm/

For "very-walkable, beautiful areas," you have Marymoor Park:

http://www.ci.redmond.wa.us/cms/One....69&pageId=4121

For "I eat out 5-7 days a week at nice restaurants," see:

https://www.google.com/maps/search/r...122.129999,15z

Shopping:

https://www.google.com/maps/search/s.../data=!3m1!4b1

or Uber to Downtown Bellevue...

Gardyloo · 11-23-2018, 11:00 AM

Welcome to T-A!

Can you clarify that you're looking at renting and not buying? Also how many bedrooms? Dog? Car?

I'd echo downtown Kirkland as a place to look. If "boring" is an issue, I'd certainly give South Lake Union a pass.

leastprime · 11-23-2018, 03:03 PM

I vote Redmond, there are three district's: Town center, Downtown, and on the Hill.
From Redmond TC, on the 545 express, SLU-Stewart is 3540 minutes, at commute time.
If you work in the International District, it's 45-50 minutes, I don't recommend living in Redmond/Bellevue and work in ID.

The 545 bus stops at MontLake for UDub.
Lots of new apartment buildings at completion of near completion. Lots of discounts.
I once a month visit wife in Redmond.

rupp-certified · 11-23-2018, 07:31 PM

In either case you should choose a spot that minimizes your commute. If you live in Seattle, pick a spot near the Connector stop or the last 542 or 545 stops before the highway and the commute will be closer to 30 minutes. Personally I found the 545 more convenient than the Connector because it came more often and was primarily MS employees anyway.