Commute - Green Lake to Burien (Seattle, Vancouver: living in, law, moving to)

[Piks]

Hey there everyone. I'm currently in Phoenix, Arizona, and am moving to Seattle in about a week. I was born in Vancouver, Canada, and have moved around a lot in my life. I've been lurking in the forums trying to learn what I can.

I'm getting a job in law enforcement, and will be attending the police academy in Burien. When I went to Seattle, I spoke with as many people as possible about areas to live in. Everyone spoke very highly of some areas, especially for my age (I'm 27). I have my heart set on living in Green Lake.

If I live in Green Lake and commute to Burien, will the commute absolutely destroy me? How is it? Has anyone done that commute, or have any thoughts on that? I'm very interested in feedback from all you natives.

[CityGirl72]

If I was single and had no kids - I'd not think twice - it's an okay commute - use the 99 highway

(PS I live in Greenlake)

[Ira500]

If traffic is not too bad it should take half an hour. Like CityGirl said, take 99, and then 509 into Burien. Stay off of I-5. 509 is a fast road, which you'd pick up in the eastern part of West Seattle.

[SaltyDawg]

I live in Greenlake and use 99 instead of I-5 for any South end trips. Generally much less congested, and takes you right to the heart of downtown, West Seattle, or points South.

Greenlake should be perfect for a 27 year old, particularly if you're active.

Bring a kayak!

[LordBalfor]

I live near Burien and ALWAYS take either the surface streets or 99 into Seattle - a reverse of what you are doing I know, but it's clear to me that from Burien 509/99 is almost always a FAR superior route to and from Seattle at any time of day in either direction.

Ken

[Piks]

Thanks for replies. I'll definitely take your suggestions to heart. I hadn't really noticed the 99 highway before on mapquest, but now I know. It's also helpful to hear how long the trip will take from people who are actually in Seattle. Thanks again everyone!

[LordBalfor]

Originally Posted by Piks

Thanks for replies. I'll definitely take your suggestions to heart. I hadn't really noticed the 99 highway before on mapquest, but now I know. It's also helpful to hear how long the trip will take from people who are actually in Seattle. Thanks again everyone!

You're welcome.
Note that north of Green Lake 99 is a surface street with lots of traffic lights, but from the north end of Green Lake most of the way down to Burien and beyond it's freeway - the main exception being a handful of traffic lights just north of the Duwammish crossing - afterwhich you get on to 509, which is freeway again. The only real potential holdup on this route (assuming there is not an accident in the tunnel near downtown Seattle) is the drawbridge over the Duwammish. THAT can sometimes hold things up a bit - but that bridge is rarely opened so it's generally a minor concern.

Ken

[tudorjason]

Well, you'll be generally going in the opposite direction of rush hour. That is always a plus. According to Google Earth, it takes about 1/2 hour, but I always add 15 minutes to get to and from the major street and slight delays.