Seattle-Bound (budget, apartments, condos)

[ARCarchitect]

Hello! So here's the scoop...

I gotta get out of here... I have lived in Aspen, Colorado for close to 2 years. It is gorgeous here, however, it's gotten boring. There are lots of people here who enjoy the hiking, biking, skiing - as do I! - but the 4,000 local population doesn't have enough vitality, energy, or spontaneity! The dominating tourist economy is also wearing on me, esp. since I am not directly involved in it. So I have made my choice - I'm moving to Seattle! I plan on being there before the beginning of 2008. But I could use a little help in navigating the neighborhoods...

I am in my mid 20s, another year away from becoming a licensed architect. I am in a committed relationship with another future architect, who would be coming with me, of course. I don't necessarily want to live downtown, but I'd rather live in a nearby neighborhood. I believe that living in a neighborhood other than downtown would have additional character and personality that I would like to try and be a part of. I would love to be in walking distance to coffee houses, a bar, restaurants, a park - you get the idea. A short commute is key, so although not knowing where I will be working yet, I want to live close to downtown and hope driving my car to work everyday won't be necessary. I can handle apartments, condos, or a house with a yard, my budget is adequate and I would most likely rent for the next few years before purchasing.

What are areas I should avoid and where are areas that I should look? How is the public transportation? Thanks, everyone!

[scirocco22]

From what you're saying, I'd say that you could get by with living in a lot of places around downtown. My recommendation would be Belltown or Lower or Upper Queen Anne. Bus service is excellent and you'd have everything you requested within walking distance.

Sounds like an exciting move!

--'rocco

[Wisteria]

If you don't mind the rain in Seattle 10-11 months of the year, you will find most any neighborhood is good. I lived there for five years. It's a great city (except for the rain). Capitol Hill is a fun neighborhood. Ballard is cheaper, but safe and near the locks. Queen Anne is a bit expensive.

Actually, most areas are pretty good. It's got good decent bus service, and most neighborhoods are walking-friendly. Lots of cafes and galleries, too, of course, to keep one sheltered from the drizzle.

The area near the Community College is good, too. It is a city, so there are some city problems there, but all in all, for a big city, it's pretty good. If it just didn't rain all the time, I'd consider returning.....

[scirocco22]

Good grief! ...where's SeattleTony when you need him??

10-11 months out of the year?! *lol* ...sounds like something I'm supposed to say!

Yeah, you got it Wisteria.

--'rocco

[Seattletony]

Hey Rocco, it actually rains in Seattle 12 months out of the year all 365 days. Thats why I moved to LA where it never rains.

[scirocco22]

Originally Posted by Seattletony

Hey Rocco, it actually rains in Seattle 12 months out of the year all 365 days. Thats why I moved to LA where it never rains.

hahahahahahahahahahaaaa.

Hi Tony! ...how ya been?


--'rocco

[jwb123]

OMG! You got him to come out of darkness, 'Rocco!!

[scirocco22]

*laughs* heh, yeah, here we all are again!

[robind]

Hi,

I'm from Denver living in Seattle. I'd say move from Aspen to Denver. It's expensive here, like Aspen. If you have a lot of money you can live here otherwise forget it.

It's not the rain here it's the traffic that willl get you down. I hope you like your car as you will be spending a lot of time in it. if you live and work downtown it is fine - anything else - forget it.

People here except 1 to 2 hours as a normal commute. There is no such thing as a quick trip to target or the grocery store either. It's laid out wierd here. I've lived all over the country. This is th emost beautiful place i can't wait to move away from!

[scirocco22]

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