Any nice places by the water..? (Seattle, Tacoma: for rent, how much, homes)

[sstockdale]

We have considered moving to WA for many reasons, but one is that we would love to live by the water. It's always been a dream of mine. We're looking to spend between $1k-$1750 on rent and it doesn't have to be literally right on the shoreline, just very near a beach. I love to walk and just chillax, regardless of the temperature. Can anyone recommend an area in particular and give reasons why? We need somewhere quiet and beautiful. Thanks!

[Hemlock140]

It's hard to find anything in that price range, never mind by the water, and there are very few beaches here. Seattle is a working waterfront with piers and cargo hauling ships. West Seattle near Alki is the only real beach and rent there is high.

[Beenhere4ever]

OP didn't say "moving to Seattle", he said to WASHINGTON. The whole western edge of Washington is on the water. I would think SOMEWHERE there's a nice place to live (not to mention Puget Sound which also has islands "by the water"). With a little ambition and creativity, I would find it hard to believe one COULDNT find a nice place by the water.

[hamellr]

Are you just looking for a view of the water? Or do you want to spend time on the water? Do you have a boat? What do you consider water? Lakes, Rivers, the Sound, the Ocean? Do you need a job also?

There are lots of places near "the" water, but jobs are a different story. For instance could likely find something in a place like Westport, but that's a small ocean town that caters to tourism deep sea fishing. Not a lot of jobs in the area, even if you are an experienced fishing boat captain.

Olympia, Tacoma, West Seattle are all possible options if you're just looking for the view. But you'll likely be at the top end of your price range in those areas. Other possibilities are places like Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, Blaine, etc.

[sstockdale]

Thank for the clarifying questions. I'm a married 26 yr old woman- we have two toddlers. I'm looking for anywhere along the coast of Washington, as my husband is in web/IT/etc. work and is trying to find a virtual office job. I stay home because my health is poor (joints, digestion). (How much of that is due to the toddlers is up for debate ) I'm likely to homeschool as well. So we have lots and lots of options to think over! We want the clean air, fresh and healthier food more closely available, and day trip options to a major city.

I don't require a view. I would love to have a little boat. I'd prefer the water in question to not be a lake, although your lakes are probably much different than ours, seeing as GA has zero naturally formed lakes. For myself and my children, I want to be able to go down to safe place near the water and spend a few hours there a few days a week if we wanted.

I've been to Maine in the late summer once- it was 55/60 degrees and heavy fog for a week and a half and we were in a little trailer park right on the ocean. The shore was rocky and gorgeous. I was with the most awful people in the worst circumstances, but somehow it was still just magical- I've been longing to "go back there" ever since. My issue with Maine is that I need a large city somewhat near for daytrips. Regardless I think there's just something about the salty air that feeds my soul. It probably sounds corny but that's the only way i can describe it.

We live south of Atlanta, GA and I can tell you there is nothing magical about it. There are some pretty farms. No one does anything outside because there's nothing to see, and the people who walk/run carry tree branches with them for some unknown reason. And they look angry. Any playgrounds around are bug infested and stifling. Actually it's very stifling here regardless.

We've been thinking about WA for a while, so I'm aware of some of the major complaints about it. I guess let me narrow it down; how about the areas along the water between Seattle and Vancouver?

Thanks again!

[Lamplight]

I would suggest my own town, however a lot of the places for rent near the water are also near the railroad tracks. However, you can still be reasonably close to the water without having to live right by the tracks, as long as you don't need a view of the water from your living room.

[Andy]

I don't recommend the pacific coast, especially if you want to play around in a small boat. In your price range, you may want to check around Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Key Peninsula, Carlyon Beach (20 minutes from Olympia at end of Steamboat Island Rd.), Boston Harbor, Beachcrest (east of Tolmie State Park), Anderson Island, Hartstine Island, and Whidbey Island.

I'd also consider a lake. Warmer, safer, and there are tons of them so possible to find one in your price range.

[yip812]

I really love the Mt. Vernon area. Real close to Bellingham, couple hour drive from Seattle. Skagit river runs through town (I think), short drive to the ocean beaches. And they grow tulips there.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by yip812

I really love the Mt. Vernon area. Real close to Bellingham, couple hour drive from Seattle. Skagit river runs through town (I think), short drive to the ocean beaches. And they grow tulips there.

Actually it is a long drive away from ocean beaches. Mt. Vernon is river delta. Not very waterfront friendly area. Anacortes fits that bill, but likely out of OP's price range.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by sstockdale

I guess let me narrow it down; how about the areas along the water between Seattle and Vancouver?

That's everywhere, since Seattle is located between Vancouver and Vancouver.