simple livin in northern Seattle... (Shoreline, Lynnwood: apartments, for rent, crime)

[schm000ve1]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to ask a few questions about Seattle livin, from a very simple (financial) perspective.

I've been reading these forums for a few months, and I've learned a lot. Lots of really nice people asking/answering really good questions.

I plan on moving out to Seattle April/May '09. Unfortunately for me, I'm not someone making a six-figure income. It seems many of the questions posed on here are made by people buying $500,000+ homes and the debate of which school district will educate their kids mod cut: comment removed the best.

I'm a single guy sans childrens. My employment in Seattle would be around $30,000/year +/- (I work online and in retail, with a couple BA’s from the University of Wisconsin).

I'm looking to rent an apartment, with a preference of a 1-bedroom near the metro, but would have no problem with a studio apartment. No roomies; that time has gone and past. I'm selling my car and will be relying on public trans to get around town. I don't have pets, but might like to get 2 cats (sanity for cats in pairs I think). Pets aren't a big deal if it would be a problem.

Before anyone decides to leave any snide comments about not even thinking of living in Seattle without making X amount of money...stop before you start. I know people can do it, it just depends on what exceptions you're willing to make.
I'm looking for information about specific parts of northern Seattle where I could find an inexpensive, yet semi-safe apartment. Some variables about my move and preferences:

Safety of the neighborhood: I've lived downtown Madison for 8 years (Chicago for 1), so I'm used to noise, fights, tough guys/street thugs, theft, vandalism, the occasional stabbing (as a sidenote, Madison is one of America's safest cities, but any metro area of 400,000+ will have its moments)...and although I don't obviously prefer it, I could manage living with some of these annoyances to a degree, if it meant cheaper rent. I'm 6' 4" and able to take care of myself. In saying that, I'm a peaceful guy and would obviously prefer a semi-safe hood. I guess the only other security exception I'd prefer is a security door to my apartment.

Near the Metro. Madison's metro was very dependable and abundant. I've heard really good things about Seattle's Metro. One of my jobs will be in the Bitter Lake/North 145th Street area, so if I could find something within a few miles or closer to there, that'd be dandy.

A preference of living near a park like Carkeek Park/Shoreview Park. Not a deal breaker, but it would be nice to see a few trees. I'm pretty athletic, and I like bike-riding/running or just going out for a stroll to clear my head. It would also be pretty groovy to be near an outdoor basketball court.

Kind of a mumble-jumble of preferences and info, but if anyone wishes to sort through it and offer me any advice on apartments that might fit any or all of this, you'd have an online friend in the making.

There are so many things about the Seattle area that I'm looking forward to being a part of, whether it be its music scene, amazing weather (I'm only happy when it rains...), great nature, and most importantly, intelligent and opinionated people.

I've been living in South Carolina for 2 years (after spending my life in the Madison/Chicago area). It seems culture and progressive life here have taken a backseat to the god-fearing ways of people who think the Civil War is still going on.

So in summation, if anyone could clue me in on some inexpensive housing in the Bitter Lake/North 145th Street area (or within a few miles), with maybe a splattering of the above preferences included, I would be very grateful! Thanks again.

Ken

[christylou]

You might try the Northgate area. It has very good bus service, lots of shopping and is building up around the mall area with a new movie theater coming soon. There is a newer library and community center and is not too far from the Greenlake area where lots of folks walk and bike. You can try www.forrent (broken link). com. It has a search criteria you can use to refine the search to what you are looking for. Contact me personally and I will give you more info if you like.

[SeattlitefromNC]

A helpful map to check out routes that service the North Seattle area:

North Seattle Area Map

Northgate and Lake City are by far the most transit-rich areas on the map, and of those two areas, I would recommend Northgate.

My only reservation in that assessment, however, is not knowing the address of the place where you will be working. This is important because most of the buses that service the Northgate area have significant service between Downtown and Northgate (and points in between) ... but 145th St is not in between Downtown and Northgate. Just off the top of my head, it sounds like you would be taking the 345, but that is an uneducated guess.

When in doubt, remember to live closer to work. In that case, you might want to look at living in Shoreline as well, as 145th St is the border between Seattle and Shoreline.

It is hard to say what rent will be like in several more months. Right now, a cursory glance on CL has the cost of a 1 bedroom at about $800-$1000+ for a 1 bedroom. Who knows if it will go up or down months from now? My thought is that prices will probably hold, but no one really knows. As always, shop around and don't accept the first one that you see!

One last thing: Carkeek is a lovely park, but it's not very easily accessible by bus. The closest route to get you there would be the 28, which drops you off almost a mile away. You then walk the rest of the way. It is a lovely walk, though!

(The 5 and 75 get sorta close, but factoring in the extra distance, you are walking then more than a mile to get into the park.)

To get to Shoreview Park, take the 5 to Shoreline Community College (i.e., the end of the line) and walk behind the college. It's that simple.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[sean98125]

Getting from Northgate to 145th or 130th & Aurora takes a while by bus. You need to transfer at least once.

Where will your other job be?

[Woof]

I'd take a different approach, and just look through craigslist for anything in North Seattle, then look to see how that place might be concerning transportation. North Seattle is pretty low in crime from what I remember, other than the sleazy motels on Aurora.

I think the bigger issue is the housing itself, a lot of bad reviews on the apartment ratings sites.

[schm000ve1]

Hey, thanks for the reply's folks! I'll actually be working a bit north of northgate in the 145th and 99 area...and I work online which offers some flexibility. I appreciate the info...I've been looking at the metro routes, yet didn't realize the lengthy walk to Carkeek.

I'm used to walking everywhere (univ of wisconsin's campus in madison is spread out over a few miles, with hills) so walking is coo. I've been mugged a few times so I'm used to protecting myself, but I'd rather live in a somewhat laid-back area. From what I've read on this site and others, and from what I hear from friends, property crime and vandalism are where the crime numbers skew mostly in Seattle.

It seems like everything on Craigslist and online apartment finders are $1,000 or so...and I just have to believe there has to be cheaper housing available...that's just not adverstised. I might just stay at a hotel for a few nights and explore on foot what's available locally. Any ideas? Thanks again for any feedback (and to those who've posted); this website has been a wealth of knowledge. Ken

[Woof]

As far as I can remember, the Carkeek panhandle is close to a bus stop .... it's been years, but I think they have a little sewage treatment plant there that used to smell a bit.

I'd say to try those motels on Aurora Ave if you want more of a bargain rate to look around. I think there's a 3 day bus pass that's reasonably priced.
The cheaper apartments tend to be south of downtown, or north past Seattle.

I lived on First Hil last time I was in Seattle, that was a bit cheaper than other places without being dangerous. There are some commuter expresses that might get you up to your job from there. You could probably get a studio there for $700 if you're patient.

Well here's one within striking distance: Great Studio!!!!

It's best to set rent limits on Craigslist, such as $500 to $700. Then if you save that search, it will do it next time you visit also.

Oh by the way, concerning personal safety - you can easily get a concealed carry license for handguns in Seattle, it's only $60, and they have to give it to you unless you've committed a felony.

[SeattlitefromNC]

Originally Posted by schm000ve1

It seems like everything on Craigslist and online apartment finders are $1,000 or so...and I just have to believe there has to be cheaper housing available...that's just not adverstised. I might just stay at a hotel for a few nights and explore on foot what's available locally. Any ideas? Thanks again for any feedback (and to those who've posted); this website has been a wealth of knowledge. Ken

Like I said, I've seen studios in the high $700's and 1 bedrooms starting at $800 and going WAY up from there. Shoreline is a bit cheaper, but not by much. It isn't until you get to Lynnwood that you see significant savings in rent.

Cheap places tend not to advertise, especially since they don't have to ... they'll always find tenants. I would highly recommend figuring out the neighborhood where you want to live, and walking around. Collect numbers from "For Rent" signs, call around, and do the legwork. There are less expensive places out there, but it is far cheaper to get a roommate.

[schm000ve1]

Woof and SeattleitefromNC, again great advice! I was originally looking at Lynnwood as a possibility too, specifically because I read about rent being a tad cheaper there. I've read some mixed reviews about Lynnwood, but the bonuses seem to outweigh the negatives.

I know this question has been asked a million times on here, but how does Lynnwood compare safety/cost wise to other northern seattle communities, with respect to inexpensive studio/1-bedroom apartment living?