Harborview Housing Recs PLEASE (Seattle, Rainier: best neighborhoods, 2010, apartments)

[evergreen10]

My out-of-state college-age daughter will be interning at Seattle's Harborview hospital for 3-6 months in Spring 2010. She is looking into housing, and doesn't have a clue (nor do I) as to safety, cost, etc. of local neighborhoods. She won't have a car, and will be working at night and weekends at times, so housing on a bus line is a must. She recently heard about new apartments in Squire Park. Can anyone shed light on this area of the city? Does anyone have recs as to the best neighborhoods for her to be looking into and why? TIA!!!

[Cigarboo]

Things may have changed a bit, but I used to work in the OR at Harborview many years ago. Back then, the area around the hospital was not safe at all. It is very close to public housing on Yesler Way(don't know if they still have those). I used to drive to work and the hospital provided a security van to escort employees to their cars in the parking garage/lot at night. If I were you, I would not be comfortable having my daughter take the bus at night, especially anywhere around downtown, China Town, Rainier Ave, Capital Hill, First Hill... OK, I guess I wouldn't have my kid take a bus anywhere at night. Maybe I'm a bit paranoid. Is there a way she can have a car for those months she's in Seattle? There's lots to do outside of Seattle and she would be limited if she can only take public transport.

The Squire Park apartments is very close to the International District. Fine area during the day and close to lots of ethnic foods/shopping. Easy access to downtown/waterfront. Don't know how it is at night(not good when I used to work there). I suppose like any city, you have to be careful. There is a fair number of homeless people in Seattle. I don't know where your daughter grew up, but it would help if she has some street smarts, especially if she lives close to downtown.

Harborview is a wonderful facility and your daughter will have a great experience. Being a regional trauma center, you get to see things there you may not see at other hospitals.