Reasonable Real Estate for Young Couple (Seattle, Tacoma: condos, townhome, to buy)

[ArtinUS]

My husband and I are looking into a move to the Northwest. We are currently living in NYC, but have come to terms with the fact we will never be able to afford to buy an apt or a house here.

- What areas are reasonably priced in Seattle? Are we about to move into the same situation we're currently in?

- The other aspect is that we are a mixed couple. I'm White and my husband is African-American. We would prefer to move into an area that can be considered diverse, so neither of us feels completely like a fish out of water. Being in our mid-20's, we don't need an area with a lot of families and great school district. Just someplace pretty, reasonably priced, and unique.

- We're looking at a 1 - 2 bedroom condo/townhome/single family house for $150,000 - $210,000. Maybe $225,000.

Thanks!!!

[SeattlitefromNC]

For that price point, you would be looking in Tacoma or Everett. Both of those cities are about 30-45 min away from Seattle proper, depending on traffic.

I'm not sure that there is anything in Seattle for less than $250k anymore, even for a studio!

Diversity means something different in the NW, as the vast majority of the population is white. That's just how it is. Your hubby should be prepared for that.

Be that as it may, I can also say that I've never lived in a place with such relaxed racial politics, so that is a definite plus. I can say that I've not felt the racial tension in Seattle that exists in many other parts of this country. It's an eye-opener, for sure.

I would recommend that you make a visit out here before you settle. By the way, what lead you to consider Seattle? Have you visited Seattle before?

[BankREO]

You might want to look south of Beacon Hill in Seattle. There has been some price reductions in that area and you might find some good value.

[ArtinUS]

Looking online Renton seems reasonable for a condo. What is that area like? Thanks!

[allforcats]

Statistically this area doesn't seem to be very diverse, but in daily life there is a relaxation, a peaceful acceptance among people regarding races and ethnicities that is calm and friendly.

Have you tried this resource? It seems to be the most inclusive and most tweakable:
TheMLSonline.com - Seattle Real Estate, Top Seattle Real Estate Search - Call 425-467-6577
There's also realtor.com and condocompare.com

[Ira500]

There are actually a fair number of 1 bedroom condos for under 225( I just looked) in various areas, including various parts of Seattle, Newcasttle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Burien, Tukwila, and even Bainbridge Island. There are a few single family houses as well, but most of them appear to need work...
Renton is physically pretty large, and has both very nice and not so nice areas, and some areas which are nice but not really close to anything...Generally, most of Renton is safe, with a couple of pockets worth avoiding, but downtown Renton has some great restaurants and good transportation to both Seattle and Bellevue.