Moving to Seattle (Kent, Renton, Auburn: to rent, condo, house prices)

[arkiados]

So I have been thinking about moving to Seattle for some time. It wouldn't be for a few years at least but I'd like to make a plan.

I have some questions..

I would like to live outside of Seattle. About 45 minutes away would be fine. How far away would that put me with traffic? Are there any small communities east of Seattle that are quiet but still reasonable to access downtown everyday for work?

I'm looking at house prices under 200k.

What about earthquakes.. Where would a lower-risk location be to live?

[eskercurve]

There's Issaquah Highlands and Snoqualmie, both the old town and new one. Old town Snoqualmie is probably your best bet for that price of house. But the old town isn't like the new one, and isn't Issaquah Highlands, not as nice, and doesn't have the same feel.

To be 100% honest, I'd be surprised if you can even afford a condo with that price target. Most people who say they can't afford more than 350k end up renting, which isn't such a bum deal in Seattle. It's really a lot more cheaper to rent than own a house in this market. Though do try old town Snoqualmie.

For earthquakes, there aren't many. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you.

[CarlB328]

I'm looking at house prices under 200k

Maybe in Eastern Washington you can find a house at that price.

[Ira500]

You have to decide if under 200,000 is more important, or if east of Seattle is more important.
East of Seattle within 45 minutes of Seattle will be nearly impossible to buy a house for 200,000.
It is possible to buy a house for under 200k within 45 minutes of Seattle, and some of those houses are actually pretty OK. You'll find them in places like Tukwila, Skyway, Renton, Kent, South Park, Boulevard Park, Auburn, White Center.
None of those places are considered hip and trendy or prestigious or wealthy, but most of those houses are not in dangerous areas either. Maybe a little run down. A few years ago, there was nothing on the market for under 200 thousand, but prices have come down.

[AlohaHuey]

RE: Earthquakes...noplace is safe from them. They are wide area events and there is no telling where one may strike, as this area's geological makeup has only recently begun in earnest. They are a fact of life up here. If you are not prepared to move to earthquake country, reconsider your decision.