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Old 11-27-2010, 09:17 AM
 
13 posts, read 43,104 times
Reputation: 14

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Hi guys, I just graduated and accepted an job offer in Redmond but I don't know where I should be staying. I have been in Toronto my whole life and it'll be my first time moving out of home. I'm a female and would like to be able to go somewhere at night - be it to the movies, dinner, dance lessons, gym, etc. Problem is I don't drive and I ain't too interested in bars/clubs either.

I heard of some people living in Kirkland (far), Bellevue (can't walk anywhere - stayed there for my interview), downtown Seattle (far from work - rush hour commute....), Redmond (nothing to do). Some people were talking about Capital Hill, Queen Anne, Freemont for downtown Seattle.

Ideally, I'll like someplace like downtown Toronto where I would feel safe walking around at night, that public transportation exists and works, good neighborhood. I'm not sure if I should be looking for a room or if I should be looking for my own apartment since I have no experience with this at all.

What should I expect when I arrive?
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Old 11-27-2010, 08:22 PM
 
Location: Seattle
571 posts, read 1,174,197 times
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If you're looking for something similar to downtown T.O. you need to be in Seattle. I live on Capitol Hill and advocate it - it's very lively, you can get an apartment that is surrounded by everything you'd ever need and an easy walk to downtown. Another alternative would be Lower/Upper Queen Anne, though I find the downside of those neighbourhoods to be freeway access. I really like Wallingford as a nice, accessible, lower-key neighbourhood with plenty to offer. I don't know if you were able to check out downtown Kirkland - it is really nice, on the waterfront of Lake Washington, and has most things you're looking for. It's a lot closer to Redmond - you can get there a couple of ways which helps if traffic is bad on the freeways. One thing to consider is that in a couple of months one of the two main routes from Seattle to the Eastside (SR520) will be tolled, and that may add to traffic snarls if you're looking to live in Seattle. It may not bother you - I spent a week in the GTA for work and didn't notice any toll roads but there may be some....and traffic was worse than it is here so that may be a nice change for you. That and a less subarctic winter
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Old 11-27-2010, 10:09 PM
 
13 posts, read 43,104 times
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Thanks . Currently, I am thinking of just commuting to work since I am not too confident with my driving skills. I think I need to retake my license when I am in Seattle.

Downtown Kirkland looks nice from the few pictures I have seen. The waterfront remains me of Switzerland. It'll be great if I could find a place with the view of the lake or mountains - something you don't get much in Toronto. What might I be trading off if I go to downtown Kirkland? How's the public transportation there?

None of the roads are tolled in Toronto but the hwy 427 is I think, however they'll bill your house for use.
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Old 11-27-2010, 11:36 PM
 
Location: Seattle
571 posts, read 1,174,197 times
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Well...trade off for dt Kirkland:

It's not geared specifically toward the younger crowd. It's quite upscale, so you'll find plenty of yuppies. It's clean, convenient, and safe - so if that's what you're looking for its perfect. There is plenty of bus service from Kirkland to Redmond, so you wouldn't have to worry about driving if you'd rather not.
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Old 12-03-2010, 05:14 AM
 
13 posts, read 43,104 times
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How much should I be looking at for an apartment? Should it be a studio or an one bedroom? What are the advantages to being in downtown Seattle?
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Old 12-03-2010, 12:40 PM
 
172 posts, read 442,147 times
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Downtown Seattle is awesume!! Alot to do with movies, arts, music, food, etc. I would suggest Capitol hill or Queen anne.
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Old 12-06-2010, 10:42 PM
 
Location: I live in the Seattle neighborhood of Belltown. I live in a nice building called Mosler Lofts.
174 posts, read 590,359 times
Reputation: 104
If you are working in Redmond you should live in Downtown Bellevue or Downtown Kirkland. I like Seattle better but your commute will be better is you stay on the Eastside. If you don't like the Eastside you can always move over to Seattle later in the future. Especially after you get to know the area better. Seattle has lots of cool neighborhoods like Ballard, Belltown, and Capitol Hill. Good luck with your search!
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Old 12-24-2010, 03:09 AM
 
13 posts, read 43,104 times
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Thanks guys. I think I have found a place but she is asking for a deposit since she had others bail out last minute. What's the best way to get this done since I only have Canadian banking info but the renter is in US? Should I just do a bank transfer or try PayPal or....

Is there any suggestions as to where online I might search for a roommate or my own place? Craigslist is a bit sketchy but I think this one person I found is okay
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Old 12-24-2010, 07:52 AM
 
Location: Nebuchadnezzar
968 posts, read 2,062,738 times
Reputation: 348
Quote:
Originally Posted by ecpstudent View Post
Hi guys, I just graduated and accepted an job offer in Redmond but I don't know where I should be staying. I have been in Toronto my whole life and it'll be my first time moving out of home. I'm a female and would like to be able to go somewhere at night - be it to the movies, dinner, dance lessons, gym, etc. Problem is I don't drive and I ain't too interested in bars/clubs either.

I heard of some people living in Kirkland (far), Bellevue (can't walk anywhere - stayed there for my interview), downtown Seattle (far from work - rush hour commute....), Redmond (nothing to do). Some people were talking about Capital Hill, Queen Anne, Freemont for downtown Seattle.

Ideally, I'll like someplace like downtown Toronto where I would feel safe walking around at night, that public transportation exists and works, good neighborhood. I'm not sure if I should be looking for a room or if I should be looking for my own apartment since I have no experience with this at all.

What should I expect when I arrive?
My guess is that living in Seattle proper will be most similar to living in Toronto. However, those items desired "movies, dinner, dance lessons, gym, etc: can easily be found on the East side in Redmond, Kirkland, or Bellevue. I think your limiting factor is not being able to drive. IMO, Seattle is a car town, there is mass transit but probably not to the same level as Toronto. I agree with another poster, live near work for awhile until you get to know the area. I have enjoyed my visits to Toronto and find it similar to Seattle.
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Old 12-24-2010, 08:10 AM
 
9,229 posts, read 8,551,670 times
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I was really surprised that you didn't see anywhere to walk in Bellevue. Not familiar with Toronto, but we've spent many walks in Bellevue, and it does have more night life than Redmond, though maybe not the kind you want.

Capital Hill has more life 24/7, but not the kind I choose for myself. It is convenient from Redmond. Actually, if you enjoy biking, you could commute from Capital Hill to Redmond during the warm, dry months.

Good luck.
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