Moving/living in seattle information (Bellevue, Renton: to rent, how much, neighborhood)

[seasonfortreason]

My boyfriend and I have been living in the same texas town for the 20 years we have been alive, and hate it for many reasons.
We went to Seattle and really fell in love with it, but I am trying to figure out if we can afford it.

How much would the two of us need to make a month in order to rent a small studio or 1 bedroom in or very close to the city? (and live at least semi-comfortably lol)


Also, are there any cities in the US that are similar to seattle, but cheaper that anyone would recommend?
I loved being near mountains/water, and actually having trees (hey I live in west texas, trees are a big deal)
I really want to get out of the south.
I hate hot weather.
I'd like it to be a pretty liberal area if at all possible.

Thanks in advance for your time,
Amber

[Ira500]

Here I go again:
Renton!
15-20 minute drive, or 25 minute express bus ride into the heart of downtown Seattle, significantly lower housing costs, cool downtown that's older with great bars, restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, right on the Cedar River and the south end of Lake Washington, walking trails, an off leash dog area, just as politically liberal as Seattle without being quite as "precious", also a quick trip to downtown Bellevue or the airport.

[seasonfortreason]

Ah, I've just read some not-so-nice things about Renton, but I'm sure people have over-exaggerated a lot of things.

[Backstrom]

Like all other cities, it depends where you live in Renton. If you choose a residence west of the municipal airport within close proximity to Rainier Ave and South Seattle, then there are some trouble spots that you may be wary of. However, further East is a much nicer and safer place to be. I used to live off the Maple Valley Highway in unincoporated Fairwood-- its a pretty tranquil suburb.

[jr75]

I'll recommend Capitol Hill. You will need to make enough to pay atleast $800.00 in rent for a small 1 bedroom or studio, it just goes up from there in price, but in my builing rents are falling due to a higher vacancy rate around the city as of late. Of course factor in food, bills and entertainment. Capitol Hill is great because you don't need a car and all the expenses that go with it. Of course if you want to do more exploring of the area having a car is a must. If you are looking for the opposite of what you are used to in your town and want an urban experience (like I wanted moving here) than Capitol Hill/First Hill/Queen Anne are your best options. I personally would not enjoy living in Renton but that's me.

[seasonfortreason]

We would have a car, but I'd like to use it as little as possible.
And yes, I would love the opposite of what I am used to.
When we visited, Capitol hill was quite nice, I just want to make sure we don't end up somewhere we can't afford.

[Ira500]

Ah, I've just read some not-so-nice things about Renton, but I'm sure people have over-exaggerated a lot of things.

There's a prejudice against anything south end, mainly perpetuated by information that's 30 years old.
Downtown Renton is actually quite cool. It's got some hip little shops, and walkability to food stores and restaurants( good Indian, Thai, and Italian) and easy buses to Seattle and Bellevue, wine bars, and most of it is pretty safe.

[LookinForMayberry]

Sounds like your place. 8)

Rents range depending on the level of luxury you desire and the neighborhood. We have a one-bedroom in the U-district that we rent for around $800, but it might go for twice that near downtown, half that in the 'burbs.

Your best bet is to visit the area armed with some places you want to check out.

As for other places. We are traveling the country looking for our next place, to get away from Seattle. There's lots we like about Seattle, but prefer a smaller city and less traffic. So far, I've really liked Asheville, NC and Portland, ME, for those aspects. If you check out my husband's website (listed in my profile), you can get a glimpse of some of the places we've been. DM me if you have specific questions.