Another moving to Seattle thread! (Shoreline, Edmonds: apartment complexes, home, neighborhoods)

[NicKnipp]

Hello all!

I have been on this site for the last few weeks and have found everyone to be very helpful and informative. So I am hoping to get a little bit of information, advice and feedback on what areas to consider living.

I am moving to Seattle the first week of October, 2011. It is just me with my two dogs. I will be making about $78,000-$80,000/year. I am thinking I can spend about $1050-1200/month on an apartment. I will be taking my car with me, but will be interested in using public transportation at times, as it is an older car. I have a job at UW Medical Center and will be working variable shifts. Sometimes 7am-7pm, sometimes 7pm-7am.

I have been looking at apartments in Edmonds, Bothell, Mill Creek, and Lynnwood. I don't need night life, or lots of bars, or tons of chain stores/restaurants. However, if I am ever coming home late one night from work and I need to stop at the store because I forgot something or I need groceries, I don't want to drive 15 minutes out of my way either.
How is the commute from these cities to UWMC? Would I be in the thick of the rush hour if I left my apartment at 6am-6:15am? Does anyone have specific recommendations of apartment complexes that they would recommend? Anything that anyone could contribute would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[tobester]

I'd suggest Wallingford or Ballard. Much closer, easy commute (especially if you bike), lots of stores. I'm guessing at least 30 minute commute each way for towns you mention. Southbound I5 north of U district is daylong quagmire.

[happyhunting]

I'd suggest Wallingford or Ballard. Much closer, easy commute (especially if you bike), lots of stores. I'm guessing at least 30 minute commute each way for towns you mention. Southbound I5 north of U district is daylong quagmire.

And both Safeway and Ballard Market are open 24 hours.

[kangaroo0100]

I'd suggest something closer to Seattle as well, there is a lot of traffic during rush hour.

[The Siobhan]

I lived briefly in Shoreline and I would drive over to Northgate on the weekends. I thought there were some nice neighborhoods just east of Northgate Mall (Lake City neighborhood?). Near the mall, there are plenty of stores including a QFC and Safeway.

I would also recommend the Northern portion of Seattle just near Shoreline (perhaps off of Greenwood Avenue); I lived a block north of 145th and I worked in the South Lake Union area and it was a 30 minute commute into town since I was able to just jump right into the express lane from my exit. Leaving downton was a bit longer since you are dealing with the ending of the express lanes (which kinda varies between being a one lane to two lane express) and merging onto I-5 local. But since we are talking about 7pm, you most likely wouldn't have to deal with that mess. There is a Safeway, Fred Meyer, and Central Market in this section of town.

[NicKnipp]

Thank you all! I will be checking into some of the areas you mentioned.