Where to live and how much is rent in Seattle? (Bellevue: hardwood floors, apartment)

[artichoke63]

Hi Everyone,

I've just come over from the Austin board. I was going to move to Austin, but I'm concerned about the heat. I'm sure I'd could adjust to it, but I prefer cooler weather and I like big green trees and so does my dog. I originally looked at Austin because I thought it was affordable, but it turns out that it's not that affordable in the areas I want to live in. Plus A/C costs about $100 a month in the summer. Anyhow, can anyone give me an idea of what it costs to live in Seattle. I heard Greenwood and Greenlake are nice areas just outside of downtown. Any thoughts? I'm currently in Los Angeles and trying to get out of here fast. I feel like I'm stuck here....

Thanks,

Artie

[pwright1]

How much did you want to spend on rent?

[scirocco22]

--delete--

[artichoke63]

Originally Posted by pwright1

How much did you want to spend on rent?

How much do I want to spend on rent? Did you ever see the move the Tin Men? Nothing. I want to live for free. Does that answer your question?

[wythors]

Greenlake is one of the most desireable, and therefore most expensive, areas of Seattle to live. Greenwood isn't far behind. I would encourage you to visit http://rentals.nwsource.com/rentals/SearchIndex.asp and do some research on your own.

[artichoke63]

Greenwood, Greenlake, Phinney Ridge, Wallingford, and Fremont. Can anyone give me an idea of what these neighborhoods are like? Are they near or far from central Seattle? Are they more expensive or less expensive? Is it reasonable to find a one bedroom for $700-$1,000? Or do they run more like $1,200 and up? Is it easy to find an apartment or not easy? Should I look on craigslist? Is it easy to find an apartment with hardwood floors?

Thanks everyone for your help!

Artie

[jwb123]

You should check on craigslist. Those are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in Seattle, and usually come with a price tag. Of course, there is always that diamond in the rough - and since we don't know what your standards are, in what you are looking for in an apartment - you should probably do that research on your own... I would guess that you are looking at $1000 a month on average...

[chris]

artichoke, you should have no problem finding a 1br for $600-$700 (if you don't mind a 15-20 minute bus ride - areas north of downtown). Just depends on what time of the year it is and where you want to be. I would think that if you're standards aren't too high you could even do $500.

I agree that CL is a good resource, or nwsource.com

[observer]

While we are on the subject of rentals, does anyone know of places in the Seattle area(preferably Bellevue) that has short term temporary rentals at a reasonable price? I'm talking about 4-6 weeks more or less. I really love that area in the summer and if I can wing it and take the time to go out there for a few weeks without costing me an arm and a leg I may consider it.

[chris]

unless you can find a sublet, your most affordable option would be a weekly rate at a hotel. Places like Motel 6 will do it for about $200-$250 a week but aren't convenient to the city. There are a few dive hotels near downtown that are in that price range too (maybe $300 a week).

There are also hostels that are dirt cheap but you'll be fighting for a spot from what I hear. The most hilarious option would be that sleep on somebody's couch dot com (couchsurfing.com), if you don't mind risking being molestered by some weirdo.