Where to live--one job downtown Seattle, other Redmond? (Bellevue, Kirkland: rent, house)

[tippytoe]

My family may be relocating to the Seattle area. One job would be at South Lake Union (spouse), the other in Redmond (me).

In priority order, we would ideally have:

1) good schools
2) minimal commute
3) 4 bedroom house in a nice neighborhood (understanding this will be expensive)

The commute time to Redmond is probably a little more important than the one to Seattle (meaning ideally the Redmond leg would be <30 min if possible). We would both be commuting at rush hour.

From research so far, it seems like Mercer Island, Bellevue and Kirkland would be most ideal.

How long could we expect the commutes to take to/from these locations to SLU or downtown Redmond?

Secondly, is it better to drive to each of these time wise, bus, or some combination?

Any other alternatives to the 3 locations above that should be considered?

Thanks in advance!

[Hemlock140]

I live in Sammamish and commute to the Seattle waterfront. It's about 23 miles and takes 25 minutes in the morning, more like 50 in the afternoon.

Mercer Island is actually a bit of a drive to Redmond and a nasty one since you have to go through Bellevue. Also, the home prices there are about as high as they get. Best schools, though. Decent 4 BR home figure $600,000 minimum, as compared to $400,000 these days in Bellevue, $300,000 further out toward Kirkland, Issaquah and Redmond. Of course all of these places can go up into the millions.

Do the research on the schools, most in the Bellevue and Lake Washington Districts are pretty good but it can vary among schools in the district. Going to S Lake Union and Redmond the most convenient location would be Kirkland, and it has some affordable areas at the north end toward Woodinville and also in the Rose Hill area. Try to avoid any commute that takes you on I405 through Bellevue... I catch I90 in Issaquah and avoid that mess.

[IanandJeretta]

The better school districts are on the Eastside. Bellevue, Lake Washington, Northshore, Mercer Island and Issaquah.
Kirkland, Bellevue or Redmond would give you a short commute (15 minutes or so) to Redmond. There are good "park and rides" from the Eastside to downtown Seattle and provided you do not need to travel around during the day, these would be a good option rather than sitting in traffic as they use the HOV lanes. I agree with Bisjoe, try to avoid I-405.

[TedO]

For the schools and everything else, you'll definitely want to live on the eastside. That means that you'll likely be commuting over the 529 bridge if you live in Redmond, which is pretty terrible during rush hour, though. I'd suggest looking at Bellevue or Issaquah, a neighborhood closer to I-90, which is a vastly better commute. Bellevue is a great city and very close to Redmond.

[RandyRelo]

Mercer Island is the best commutable location given the 2 job locations. It also meets your School criteria. A 3/4 bedroom house will rent in the ranges of 2500-3500 depending on lifestyle needs. The Bellevue market is another great option that will meet your school needs but push your drive times. The east side is the best overall option if schools are your top priority unless your open to privates.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by TedO

For the schools and everything else, you'll definitely want to live on the eastside. That means that you'll likely be commuting over the 529 bridge if you live in Redmond, which is pretty terrible during rush hour, though. I'd suggest looking at Bellevue or Issaquah, a neighborhood closer to I-90, which is a vastly better commute. Bellevue is a great city and very close to Redmond.

Don't forget in March. $3.50 each way toll on the 520 bridge. About $140/month.