Relocating to Seattle from California (Bellevue, Kirkland: appointed, insurance, mortgage)

[kraem]

We are relocating to the Seattle area from California and are not sure where to begin. I'm trying to compare utility prices and mortgage prices and good neighborhoods and schools. We are a family of 5 with all teenage daughters. My husband will be working at the University of Washington. Essentially, I'm looking for the perfect situation: safe neighborhood, nice home without killing my budget, good jr high and high school. Any ideas for me to begin with? Thanks!

[CityGirl72]

I'm from California, and a mom (But we are moving back to California)

What part of California are you from - tell me what you like where you live, and area that you like in CA, and I'll tell you where it is here.

My initally first thing to tell you - is that the suburbs (if you are looking for clean, safe and good schools) are not on the Seattle side, you'll be looking at the other side of Lake Washington that people here call "The Eastside" - but then you are looking at a commute.

There are some good schools (not great, just par) in Seattle. We live on the Seattle side and would rather the kids be in schools on the Eastside - we've b een highly disappointed in Seattle for a family.

[Garyc3]

The Eastside sounds like it may be the best fit. However, the traffic can be horrible, especially during peak hours as everyone is trying to get across the 520 or I-90 bridges. Bellevue High is always nationally ranked and has had a very strong presence in sports, the city is growing substantially too. Safe and family oriented. Lake Washington high is another good high school, though the commute would be a bit farther. If your wishing to stay on the West side of Lake Washington, I would look into Greenwood. It is family oriented, close but not too close to the city, the schools are good from what I know (Bishop Blanchet High School is excellent) and the area is unique. It is a quick commute to the University as well, I had a professor who lived in the neighborhood and had nothing but great things to say about it. Madison and Mercer island are also nice, but a bit more spendy. If a longer commute is tolerable, check out Kirkland. A very nice place right on the water. Best of luck to you!

[CityGirl72]

I live right next to Blanchett High (North Greenlake/Greenwood Area) and it's a good school because it's a private Catholic School!

I do not find Greenwood to be a "family area" - nor do I find it safe (it's a hop skip and jump from Aurora Ave with prostition and drug-galore!)

Family area would have other families living on the street and kids playing on their bikes etc - no one does that! We have ONE other family on our street and neither of us let our kids play outside (or ride a bike down the street for that matter)

[kengrubb]

Originally Posted by kraem

My husband will be working at the University of Washington. Essentially, I'm looking for the perfect situation: safe neighborhood, nice home without killing my budget, good jr high and high school. Any ideas for me to begin with?

When I worked at the UW, I lived on the Eastside. Lake Washington school district, which is very well regarded.

UW employees get a U-Pass which lets one on any of the transit systems in the area, including the Sounder Trains, but not the Pierce County system (I believe).

If you're near a Park-N-Ride, the commute becomes a heckuva lot easier.
King County Park & Ride Lots
Sound Transit: ST Express Regional Bus Service

[Ultrarunner]

Originally Posted by CityGirl72

I'm from California, and a mom (But we are moving back to California).

I thought you moved already???

Your timing would have been just about perfect... selling in Seattle Summer 08 and buying Sacramento Winter 09.

[kraem]

Thanks so much! We live in Central California 45 miles south of Fresno. Love the small community but don't mind a commute to shopping. Looking for comp soccer team for my 14 year old and recreational softball for my 11 year old. My oldest will graduate high school in May and wondering if staff at UW get discount for children attending the school. I appreciate all the input- especially appreciate the "stay away from this area" advice! CA girl: are the utilities and insurance more or less in Washington?

[Jennibc]

Most of the neighborhoods in Northeast Seattle are family oriented. Laurelhurst, Bryant, View Ridge and Wedgwood neighborhoods are all just minutes from the UW and the public schools in the Northeast area are decent (Eckstein Middle school and Roosevelt High school)
FWIW GreatSchools.com gives them both 10s.

[kraem]

I'm wondering how much utilities cost a month. I'm trying to compare my California utilities to what they would be in Seattle.
Natural gas Summer average:$30 Winter average: $60
Electrical: Summer average: $375-$425 Winter average: $150
Water:$65
Cable/Internet/Phone package thru Comcast monthly: $170
Any input would be great! Thanks!

[CityGirl72]

I can't do a one on one with you

But Utilites in Calif as a total are about the same as here, but there isn't AC here. but you'll use your heater more