Neighborhoods around Burien (Seattle, Kent, Renton: condo, high crime, house)

[weisla]

My husband and I are slowly starting some house hunting after relocating to Seattle last July. We mentioned Burien to our North Shore based realtor, and I thought she was going to drop dead of shock. I understand that it has a reputation for high crime, but coming from DC pretty much anywhere in greater Seattle feels pretty safe to us (sad but true!).

We really like the Seahurst neighborhood, as well as some parts of Shorewood. It also seems that the area around Old Burien is really improving, especially with the new town square development. I've also heard good things about Normandy Park.

What do you think? Am I on the right track here? Is there anything I'm missing?

[Ira500]

weisla,
I too like Burien, and I really dont think it's dangerous. downtown Burien used to be pretty bad, but it's improving a lot, especially SW 152nd(Old Burien) and the new Burien Town Square development a couple of blocks away. Seahurst Park is gorgeous..I go there fairly regularly for a nice hike uphill overlooking the water with my dog..Normandy Park has a Trader Joe's and a pretty good Greek restaurant, what more do you need?
The old reputation of Burien was that it was classless amd dangerous. It's not more dangerous than anywhere else, and class? ...They aren't starting the Burien Opera anytime soon, but they do have a great Italian restaurant, a wine bar, an Irish Pub, and a good Philly Cheesesteak place with homemade canoli and cheese cake. if that ain't culture, I don't know what is. I've been known to tell people that Burien is the new Ballard. It's neighbor Des Moines is prrety nice too.

[seattlerain]

Originally Posted by Ira500

weisla,
They aren't starting the Burien Opera anytime soon, but they do have a great Italian restaurant, a wine bar, an Irish Pub, and a good Philly Cheesesteak place with homemade canoli and cheese cake. if that ain't culture, I don't know what is. I've been known to tell people that Burien is the new Ballard. It's neighbor Des Moines is prrety nice too.

Are you talking about Angelo's? I have friends in Burien and have been there many times.

Don't forget about the Highline Performing Arts Center. Quite a few community arts organizations such as Choral Sounds Northwest and the Northwest Symphony Orchestra perform there.

[Ira500]

No, I was talking Osteria Da Primo on SW 152nd, but I like Angelo's too..And Filberto's down the road on Des Moines Drive makes top notch pizza.

[chris]

there are lots of nice areas in Burien, Des Moines. It's definitely improved over the past few years. If you don't have kids it's a very convenient location to live in.

It is not the new ballard though..

[weisla]

Originally Posted by Ira500

weisla,
I too like Burien, and I really dont think it's dangerous. downtown Burien used to be pretty bad, but it's improving a lot, especially SW 152nd(Old Burien) and the new Burien Town Square development a couple of blocks away. Seahurst Park is gorgeous..I go there fairly regularly for a nice hike uphill overlooking the water with my dog..Normandy Park has a Trader Joe's and a pretty good Greek restaurant, what more do you need?
The old reputation of Burien was that it was classless amd dangerous. It's not more dangerous than anywhere else, and class? ...They aren't starting the Burien Opera anytime soon, but they do have a great Italian restaurant, a wine bar, an Irish Pub, and a good Philly Cheesesteak place with homemade canoli and cheese cake. if that ain't culture, I don't know what is. I've been known to tell people that Burien is the new Ballard. It's neighbor Des Moines is prrety nice too.

And it may even be easier to commute downtown from Burien than from Ballard. I didn't know about the Trader Joe's - that might just seal the deal
My husband lives in fear of me living too close to Trader Joe's!

[lillacottage]

Hi Weisla, We will be in the same situation in about 2 years. We will move from Delaware to Seattle and I will be interested to know if you like Burien and move there. I LOVE Trader Joe's and I agree with you, it would be important to have one near. My son lives in Queen Anne and there is no way I could afford a small cottage there. We have 2 cats and a dog and in a condo I would not be allowed to feed birds( that is also important to me). Good luck house hunting!!

[PiercesMommy]

I have lived in Burien for the last 4 years. and I will be moving out very soon. I do not feel that Burien is a safe place at all. There is way too many shootings and robbery's.

[MichaelinWA]

We were in Burien for the first time last weekend, and the city, like most, seems to have at least a few bad areas. We are a couple of years away from wanting to move, but my wife and I went to see a new community called Shorewood View Estates. This development, with its gorgeous views and high prices, is gated, and I can see why. The surrounding neighborhood, especially on Ambaum, seemed kinda rough.

[Ira500]

I think that captures south end towns in general. Each of the south end towns like Kent, Renton, Auburn, Burien, Tukwila, have some bad areas.
And each of these towns also have some great areas. Burien's got Three Tree Point, which is wonderful, but also has some sketchier parts north of downtown Burien around Ambaum.
I wouldn't rule out an entire city because that city has a bad area. If that were the case, most of the US would have to be disqualified.