NYC family to Seattle--neighborhood/city and school advice (cul-de-sac, rent)

[Water 4 the Pool]

I received an out-of-the-blue job offer that I will likely accept at a large multinational there. My wife and I have lived in Manhattan for 14 years but Seattle has always been on our list of possible places to move. We will likely move in June and have no sense of what to expect when we get there. I'm sure the relo people at my company can help but I'd prefer to get a sense from other folks.

We have four kids: three boys, ages 5, 3.5 and 2 and a newborn girl, so schools--public or private--are critical. Neither of us is fond of suburbs/exurbs with cul-de-sacs--we are seeking a real, established neighborhood, with sidewalks that people actually use, good schools, culture, parks and stores/shops.

We're seeking a house and our range probably tops out around $800k. We may even rent for the first year. I grew up on Lake Michigan, so living on or near the water is important to me. We definitely wouldn't mind living in the city proper but I'm not sure that makes sense with so many kids.

Please no NYC bashing! We really love Manhattan and the opportunities for our kids are incomparable, but the expense is so insane ($38k for our kindergarten of choice) that it's time for something new...and maybe this is it.

Thank you for your thoughts.

Cheers!

[Inkpoe]

Given that you're urbanites, obviously only within Proper Seattle would work with you. If you're intent on using public schools, then its best to stay in North Seattle (Queen Anne, Ballard, Wallingford, Fremont Phinney Ridge, Ravenna). If intent on private schools, it opens up more areas-- definitely look into Madison Park, West Seattle, Columbia City/Mt Baker, Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill (towards the East) etc.

800K isn't going to buy you a waterfront home within (Proper) Seattle with enough room for your kids. But its definitely enough to buy nearby and still be nice house.

[tobester]

I'll also add Seward Park to the list ... we've lived there with five kids using both public/private schools, as do all our neighbors. Close to Lake Washington. Good private schools are much less than 38K here in Seattle. Easy bus commute to downtown (if that's where you're working).

Will also point out Madison Park has one of the best (McGilvra) public elementary (which appears to be your need over the next several years) schools in the state. They have amazing PTA support - also one of the more expensive neighborhoods to live in.

[Ira500]

Tobester beat me to it, I was going to suggest Madison Park. It meets the criteria of being near the lake, great elementary school, friendly upscale shopping and dining, including one of Seattle's better pizza places( I know, that's not saying much)...Montlake is another neighborhood with a very good elementary school and some cool old houses. Top of Queen Anne would fill the bill ( although fixers cost 800,000 there).Slightly more suburban feeling but still in the city, you might want to consider the Northeast Seattle neighborhoods of View Ridge, Laurelhurst, and Ravenna.
And if you're going the private school route, that does open up a lot of possibilities, like North Capitol Hill , Madrona, Mount Baker, and Seward Park. These are all really nice neighborhoods with lower crime rates, nice neighbors, and not so great schools.