'Burb comparisons.. (Seattle, Bellevue, Everett: apartment, rental, houses)

[Bossanovawitcha]

Kirkland vs Redmond vs Mill Creek/S.Snohomish?

Particularly, as areas with good schools, personality / parks / family friendly atmosphere, and decent (30-45 min) commute to Bothell (Beardslee). Renting, since buying is no longer an option apparently unless we want a $450k fixer. @_@

Have been trolling these boards, and I wanted to thank the active locals who post a lot. Any information about a foreign area, however insignificant it may seem, is huge for those of us trying to gather information..

[the dufferz]

I live about 3 miles from Beardsley, so my preference is to swing you to my area. That said, my personal recommendation is to look north of the boarder (into snohomish county), try and stay in the Northshore school district. Lots of really nice rental properties, but the biggest plus is a non commute. There is a major mall (alderwood) within 10 minutes. Bothell/Mill Creek is a bedroom community. Beware of living too close to the Bothell Everett Hwy. This road can get UUUUUGly during rush hour, but plenty of back roads to use once you get yourself settled in.

The other areas are also nice, mostly bedroom community. I grew up in Kirkland and live the area very much, Redmond is greatly influenced by Microsoft.

If you are looking for apartment renting, check out the properties in the Canyon Park (228th) where they are newer and have more to offer.

Oh, Bothell area can get you a 1500 sq. ft. starter home for around $300,000 plus, where redmond and Kirkland will get you up to the $400K area.

Don't overlook Clearview (east of mill creek) if you want to get more rural.

[Bossanovawitcha]

Thanks Dufferz. I would love to find something close to work to rent for $1400-$1700 or so (2000 sq') or buy for 400k. 1500 sq' is not bad with a small basement rec / office area either. Would bike to work if I could stay within a few miles and try to shed some pounds. If the schools were good and community safe and family friendly, I would pay extra to live closer to work. I have the sweetest three little girls, all elementary age, on the planet (what parent doesn't think so? ), so they are our #1 concern. I was also pleased to see Bothell has a bio-diesel station.. Only ONE here in Phoenix metro (5 million +). Would be nice to actually get some use out of my old VW diesel beater.

Definitely looking at single family homes. What area do you live in Dufferz?

Also, which areas are considered to be in the 'flood plane'?

[the dufferz]

Originally Posted by Bossanovawitcha

Thanks Dufferz. I would love to find something close to work to rent for $1400-$1700 or so (2000 sq') or buy for 400k. 1500 sq' is not bad with a small basement rec / office area either. Would bike to work if I could stay within a few miles and try to shed some pounds. If the schools were good and community safe and family friendly, I would pay extra to live closer to work. I have the sweetest three little girls, all elementary age, on the planet (what parent doesn't think so? ), so they are our #1 concern. I was also pleased to see Bothell has a bio-diesel station.. Only ONE here in Phoenix metro (5 million +). Would be nice to actually get some use out of my old VW diesel beater.

Definitely looking at single family homes. What area do you live in Dufferz?

Also, which areas are considered to be in the 'flood plane'?

I live in the Canyon Park area. I used to work in the business park off beardslee and my commute was less than 8 minutes. It was heaven.

Not sure what houses go for rental wise in the area, so I can't be much help there.

The northshore school district is considered a good district.

You are blessed with having three girls. I am a TOTAL softy when it comes to girls. Got one of my own, but she's not little anymore.

You should be able to find good homes to buy in the $400K range. The good news is that Bothell is a bedroom community with good services, family feel, safe and unpretentious.

There are no areas of Canyon Park/Bothell that I know are considered in a flood plain.

[Bossanovawitcha]

186 183rd St SW, Bothell, WA 98012 an interesting property..

What is the area near and just south of Martha Lake like?

[wamommy1]

That part of Bothell is OK. It's right next to lynnwood. I wouldn't say Martha Lake is a great place. Not horrible but certainly not sought after. If you travel about 3-4 miles from there you hit Mill Creek. You could also try Gold Creek( a master planned community) which is super nice. Canyon park is great too. There are newer parts mixed with new. Downtown Bothell is a joke. I can say that since I was born in Bothell and once again have returned. I love Bothell. it's a great community. Lots of families. Good schools.

I believe you said you'll work there too? I will warn you the commute to either Bellevue or Seattle is a nightmare. I used to commute to Bellevue. I would leave at 9 am and it would take me on average a hour to get to Bellevue (13 miles). Seattle commute isn't any better.

If you can work close. DO IT. There's a mall in Lynnwood which is great. It has a PF Changs, (Az companY). There's also chipotle nearby. Woodinville is great too for shopping. if you live in Bothell you have 2 Costco close.

I wouldn't advise Martha Lake.

Hope this helps!!

[the dufferz]

Originally Posted by Bossanovawitcha

186 183rd St SW, Bothell, WA 98012 an interesting property..

What is the area near and just south of Martha Lake like?

This is a very comfortable area. Still lots of trees and a more rural feeling than you would think it should be.

Only one point of concern... more just an FYI. On the west side of north road, they will be building a new high school. I grew up behind a high school (back property line was the property line of the school) and we rarely had any issues except traffic twice a day. I would not make this a single factor of whether to choose this property, but thought you should know.

What is ideal here is easy access to I-5 and I-405, 10 minutes to the mall, so it is a good area to move around in.

Is this address a new construction house? County records don't show this address, but they show a vacant property where the house would more likely be.

[Bossanovawitcha]

Thanks for the input guys.

How does Finn Hill in Kirkland compare to Bothell's Canyon Park and Thrasher's Corner?

[Seattletony]

I'm going to put in my two cent since I spent my formative years in Bothell and know Kirkland also. The main difference I see between the Finn Hill area and CP/Thrasher's Corner is distance to where you will be working. From that area of Bothell you will only be a couple a miles from work and won't have to necessarily use the freeway whereas in Kirkland you will have to get on the 405 and head to work everyday albeit you will be driving opposite of traffic.

[Bossanovawitcha]

Thanks to all those that have posted.

What is Brier like? There is an interesting home for rent there, with long term potential, but greatschools.net has the schools rated pretty low. However as Dufferz has pointed out test scores and 'free or low priced lunches' don't tell the whole story. Anyone with experience with Brier schools?

Thanks again!