Job opportunity near Orillia - where to live? (Seattle, Kent: to rent, condo)
Seattle areaSeattle and King County Suburbs
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Hi folks, I have an opportunity in front of me to relocate to Seattle metro for a pretty solid career move in the Orillia area - our HH income is projected to be around $200k (possibly more - my wife works for herself and her income fluctuates, I'm intentionally estimating on the low side). We're coming from Kentucky, but are open-minded and politically moderate and we prefer to live under our means. I know the cost of living is going to go up quite a bit, but we're looking for neighborhoods that are within 30-50 minutes (drive or public transport) of Tukwila (closer the better ideally) that are still "affordable" and have limited crime issues. Ideally a Trader Joe's would be somewhat nearby and a Costco.
We love bourbon, good mid/low-price non-chain restaurants, some walkability and don't have any kids or outdoor pets. We love to drive 2-3 hours on weekends for short getaways to explore and learn about small towns and unique activities and also enjoy baseball games (so we'll certainly catch a M's game or three).
Is there train access to downtown from anywhere other than the airport? I remember doing that route once on a prior visit to the Fish Market/Needle area.
In the next year or two it will expand northward by a few miles, but further extensions will be years in coming.
Are you looking to rent or buy? That would make some difference in your location options, but if it was me I'd probably start in two south-end areas, Burien and Renton. Burien is an up-and-coming district south and west of the airport, and the "old town" central area is becoming VERY popular, with numerous pubs, cafes, clubs and other things all over. It's low key and funky, and has become one of our favorite destinations.
Renton is similar. It has a working-class rep, but of late it's become quite a fun place, with expanded shopping, restaurants and other activities, particularly around the south end of Lake Washington near the big Boeing plant (with its acres and acres of stored 737MAX planes awaiting their fates.) Like Burien, downtown Renton has an old-school feel, and in general, things are still fairly affordable (in Seattle region terms.)
I think renting for the first year probably makes the most sense, but I think if we found the right neighborhood for us that buying a condo/townhouse wouldn't be out of the question, but they'd have to accept cats. We have one indoor cat.
Burien seems to not have a Costco nearby but that's not a deal breaker. I'll be in town in a few weeks and will check both areas out.
What about places like Maple Valley/Heights or Bryn Mawr Skyway?
I think renting for the first year probably makes the most sense, but I think if we found the right neighborhood for us that buying a condo/townhouse wouldn't be out of the question, but they'd have to accept cats. We have one indoor cat.
Burien seems to not have a Costco nearby but that's not a deal breaker. I'll be in town in a few weeks and will check both areas out.
What about places like Maple Valley/Heights or Bryn Mawr Skyway?
Burien has a Trader and Costco really isn't that far away (Southcenter or near Georgetown South Seattle). Maple Valley is a nice place but would needlessly add to your commute. Bryn Mawr, Skyway area would be a better geographic fit, keep in mind that those areas can be unincorporated King County, therefore services (police, etc) not as prompt. Rainier Beach is pretty hot right now, especially the area close to Lake Washington.
Can anyone tell me about Des Moines? I believe that my wife has seen a few properties that she really likes for us to rent near the water.
Saltwater State Park and the Des Moines Marina are really nice. The farther you can get away from Hwy 99, the better. Always best to knock on a few doors, ask the neighbors to give you honest opinions of the neighborhood. Whether buying or renting, that's a good idea.
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