Work near Everett, live near Seattle? (Mukilteo, Mill Creek: to rent, condo, home)

[esc]

I am planning to move to the Seattle area ASAP. I'm currently researching neighborhoods. Right now, my most promising job prospect is at the Snohomish airport near Everett. From what I've been reading, the Everett area is not what I want...

A little about me and what I'm looking for: I'm single, 29 yrs. I enjoy being very active: outdoor activities, social stuff, etc. I don't want to live in a family area, I'd like to live in an area of laid-back people that still has plenty of things to do, such as a laid-back pub/bar rather than a wild club type place. I'd like to escape the endless suburban sprawl that I've been stuck with in DFW. Basically, I want to live somewhere as opposite as possible to Dallas (geographically, culturally, city layout, etc). I'd like to be able to get from my home to "stuff" easily. (Walk, bus, short drive, easy parking...) I'd like to live and work in the same area, but I'd be willing give that idea up and commute maybe ~30mins. (More if something is really worth it, less if not...) Budget is probably ~$1500. Not too picky on house/condo/apt.

I visited the area about a month ago and enjoyed it. I liked Ballard, Freemont, Alki/West Seattle (obviously too far from Everett), Queen Anne, downtown. Would Ballard/Freemont or nearby work for me, or is it too far from Everett? Are there other places that I haven't mentioned? What about Greenlake?

Thanks in advance.

[Jennibc]

A reverse commute to Everett from somewhere in North Seattle will take you about 30 minutes once you get on I-5 (my husband makes the commute every morning). The problem with Ballard is that it is drive in heavy traffic to 1-5 so that will tack on at least another 10 minutes, maybe more.

[Ira500]

But Wallingford and Greenlake would be closer to I-5...

[impatient Pete]

Mill Creek is nice-
My wife and I are currently renting here. Silver Lake seems like a nice area too.

Pete

[sykesfamily]

We just got a place to rent in Silver Firs. We have a Everett address, but not technically in Everett we are basically in Mill Creek. Very nice area and I truly feel like I will be happy there. We drove through Everett and Mukilteo and Lake Steven's and narrowed it down to the mill creek silver firs area.

[impatient Pete]

Hey Sykesfamily-or should I say "Hey neighbor"?
My wife and I moved to Silver Firs 2 months ago and we love it so far. Downtown Mill Creek is great and the area is just so lovely. Have you tried the new Italian place in the Premenade? Calabria- We ate there last weekend and it was pretty good. How about that French bakery over by Silver lake-Le Artisan...Oh man! The peach crescent there is delicious!

See ya round

Pete

[sykesfamily]

Hey Pete

We haven't officially moved yet we will be there on the 31st. My husband has been living with friends in the area and that why we decided to rent there for a bit a buy. It is a nice peaceful area close to everything and I think we may end up buy in the area in a year. My husband has tried both of those places and told me that we will have to go when we officially get moved in. Now its time for me to figure out which school my 11 yro will be attending I am so on the late show for all of this.

Thanks for the message new neighbor!!

[impatient Pete]

Hey Sykes Family-

Have you moved in yet? How are you finding the area?

Pete

[jenniferwa]

Seattle is pretty much a laid back atmosthere compared to the Dallas area.You can walk down any street and there are restranuts and parks, pubs and more pubs and familys walking their dogs. I lived in Houston area and now live in the seattle area. I would not live in everett. My daughter 21 lives in everett and does not like it. Nothing to do. Good Luck.

[dcoolbro]

When I lived in Seattle, I worked in Everett (Boeing site) and lived in Greenlake/Northgate area. I think Greenlake is your best bet if you want to keep a short commute. In the mornings I could get to work in under 25 minutes. In the afternoon it took about 30 to 35 minutes to get home. I lived in Everett as well and it sucked. Living in the city is worth the commute.