Apartment Hunting Near Kirkland - Need Advice (Seattle, Bellevue: fit in, apartment complex)

[timantheos]

Hello. I'm presently located in Wisconsin and preparing to move to the greater Seattle area as early as Mid-June. I'm looking for something in, or or at least somewhat near Kirkland. Just looking for a 1 bedroom that accepts a cat. Don't need much in amenities. Just something clean and in a decent neighborhood.

I've started looking around and most everything right in Kirkland I see is north of $1000/month and I'd rather spend less...

Just looking for suggestions (other than sharing a place with someone) for any apartments or options that might be worth looking at.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Timothy

[megs517]

Honestly, you really are not going to find anything less then 1000$ in or near Kirkland..... However, try the Totem Lake area or near Crossroads mall (in the old part of Bellevue) or a little farther away from Kirkland is the cities of Bothell and Kenmore and Juanita which should also be slightly less expensive (but older as well)... good luck!

[ElektroDragon]

I'm springing for a 2 bedroom in Avalon Juanita Village for $1600. Seems close University (which my wife needs) and centrally located. I'm kind of putting down my deposit sight unseen as a precaution against not finding anything better near the University or that isn't too far out from everything when I actualy go out there to look in a few weeks. I'd love to rent a full blown townhouse, but those seem rare in that price range. Am I doing the right thing? I could lose $500 if I have to change my mind.

[megs517]

Elektro.... you're probably going to be okay with that decision. Avalon tend to have decent apartments, and if that is the place I am thinking of, I had a good friend who lived there for a while and liked it. It is right off of a main freeway so thats good for commute times, and its also not far from grocery stores and some fast food chains... Good luck!

[Redline]

Originally Posted by ElektroDragon

I'm springing for a 2 bedroom in Avalon Juanita Village for $1600. Seems close University (which my wife needs) and centrally located. I'm kind of putting down my deposit sight unseen as a precaution against not finding anything better near the University or that isn't too far out from everything when I actualy go out there to look in a few weeks. I'd love to rent a full blown townhouse, but those seem rare in that price range. Am I doing the right thing? I could lose $500 if I have to change my mind.

We lived in that exact apartment complex for a year before we bought our place. At the time it was still under construction so we got a good deal (I think our 2 bedroom was $1100-1200) but now the prices are what they are.

Good things:

- several shops within walking distance including Starbucks and Blockbuster as well as a few places to eat.

- close to Juanita "Beach" but it's more like a little park beside the Lake.

- nice gym

- decent underground parking. Never had a problem with my cars there and finding parking was never a problem although I'm not sure if there are more people by now


Not so good things:

- management was VERY inept. I don't want to slander them in public so PM me if you want details. They left a very bad taste in my mouth after I left.

- elevators are extremely slow

- the walls (and floor and ceilings) are thin. You can hear your neighbours closing their doors and walking around.

- do NOT rent a west facing apartment. You will die during those 90+ degree days.

A new Avalon apartment complex opened up in the heart of Bellevue just down the street from Bellevue Square Mall. I would recommend you check that place out instead if you like "city" life more. It will probably cost more though because of the prime location. Safeway is right beside it.

If you want to be close to the University I would rent something in Green Lake.

[ElektroDragon]

Originally Posted by Redline

Not so good things:

- management was VERY inept. I don't want to slander them in public so PM me if you want details. They left a very bad taste in my mouth after I left.

- elevators are extremely slow

- the walls (and floor and ceilings) are thin. You can hear your neighbours closing their doors and walking around.

- do NOT rent a west facing apartment. You will die during those 90+ degree days.

A new Avalon apartment complex opened up in the heart of Bellevue just down the street from Bellevue Square Mall. I would recommend you check that place out instead if you like "city" life more. It will probably cost more though because of the prime location. Safeway is right beside it.

If you want to be close to the University I would rent something in Green Lake.

Hmm, yes, the new Avalon is Bellevue would completely break our budget though. But we'll check it out. I found the management I'm dealing with there to be very responsive and pretty intelligent so far, maybe it has changed. I've dealt with inept and so far this is night and day different.
I am concerned about the heat, that is true, I may have to buy some of those AC unit that fit into side slide windows or only exhaust outside.

My biggest concern is the "paper thin" walls. I am getting mixed messages about that. I am moving into the NEWEST building, which I am told is concrete. There are reviews on apartmentratings.com which say it has paper thin walls, and others that say, impossible to hear the neighbors?! You sound just like the paper thin walls review, it might be you. But sure, if you can PM me with what you thought went wrong with the management so I know what to watch out for..... Thanks!

[vanbao]

If you want to have easy access to UW, you would be better off renting in Lynnwood near the Lynnwood or Ashway park and ride. Both places have direct bus access to US. If you rent on the eastside and try to cross the 520 to get to US, you will run into traffic problems.