Visiting--Research neighorhoods for relocation (Seattle, Tacoma: for sale, condo, low crime)

[ozar14]

I'm visiting Seattle-area (and Bellingham) December 2008 to research/ check out neighborhoods for relocation in the near future. My wife and I (no kids) are looking for something near water with a price range of
$200- $300 thousand, with low crime of course, and a city with character. I'll be our first home.

Can you recommend any locations?

[seattlenextyear]

You should specify that you don't want a houseboat or you will get that as a reply.

[Jennibc]

In Seattle, by the water? Not for that price range, unless a 2-bedroom, 1 bath condo in an older building will work for you.

[Ira500]

There's water and there's water. If you want to be in Seattle and very close to Puget Sound, you won't find a house for 300,000 dollars. But...parts of the Renton area are very close to Lake Washington, as parts of Seattle's Upper Rainier Beach and Westhill/Bryn Mawr/Lakeridge areas...North Tacoma is actually very nice, with a low crime rate and character, especially the Proctor District and Old Town/Ruston/Point Defiance neighborhoods...All of these neighborhoods have houses under 300,000 dollars.
I saw a listing for a house in Kent, actually with 40 feet of waterfront on Lake Fenwick , currently for sale for less than 300,000 dollars.

[Ira500]

Also, check out the town of Steilacoom, which is on the water, has some very cool old buildings, and a ferry to Anderson Island.

[krypton727]

Burn this post after reading:
The best kept secret that would be perfect for you..... Poulsbo.