Need neighborhood advice (Kailua: rentals, homes, school districts)

[mogris]

Aloha!

My husband and I will be moving to Oahu for three years (military orders) in October/November of this year. We're doing some research on where to rent and thought this may be a good place to seek some advice.

We're in our 30's, both work. He's a naval officer, I'm a nurse. We'd like to rent a single family home/town house. We're not really hung up on commute times. School districts are not an issue as we do not have children. We have approximately 3600/month budgeted for rent and utilities (although we'd like to stay a little under that amount).

Home wise, we're looking for an area that's pretty. Preferably 3 bedrooms so we can host our family. Really, we're open to anything and just really want to experience and enjoy our time.

Any suggestions on cities we should look at? Stay away from? Is one side of the island better than the other?

Thank you

[whtviper1]

That is a really broad net you cast - any preference at all on where to live?

If open ended on location - Hawaii Kai or Kailua are some places to start looking.....

If you want to have a less expensive place - try Kapolei, if commute truly isn't a concern.

[mogris]

It is a very broad net, mostly because we're very flexible, the goal is to enjoy the island as much as possible. Having a home we enjoy coming home to is really paramount. Is there any place on the island that's a little less inhabited? We're not opposed to suburbs.. but they're really not our first choice either.

[manoa_quesadilla]

Ko'olina perhaps?

[mogris]

Originally Posted by manoa_quesadilla

Ko'olina perhaps?

These don't appear to be long term and a little out of our budget. We're also looking for unfurnished homes.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by mogris

Is there any place on the island that's a little less inhabited?

Your quest should begin on the North Shore.

[hotzcatz]

What about base housing? They just redid a whole bunch of it not too long ago. You'd save enough money that you'd be able to go on nice outer island vacations frequently.

[mogris]

Originally Posted by hotzcatz

What about base housing? They just redid a whole bunch of it not too long ago. You'd save enough money that you'd be able to go on nice outer island vacations frequently.

We're not base housing people. We like to immerse ourselves in a new place.

[mogris]

Originally Posted by whtviper1

Your quest should begin on the North Shore.

Is there a good website to look at rentals on the north shore? I've tried craigslist, zillow, and trulia- not much to be found.

[whtviper1]

Originally Posted by mogris

Is there a good website to look at rentals on the north shore? I've tried craigslist, zillow, and trulia- not much to be found.

Don't use Zillow - they seem over the top for scams. At least in Hawaii.

Craigslist is really the only game in town. I see a lot of listings that meet your budget.