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Old 04-25-2012, 01:48 AM
 
20 posts, read 50,403 times
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I am excited to be moving to the Seattle area sometime this year. I've been doing a ton of research online and I'd appreciate any opinions on what neighborhoods might be right for me.

I am a single, 30 y/o female massage therapist. I am liberal, artistic, holistic-minded and I love to be surrounded by nature. I want to kayak and take day trips to the islands and the mountains. I originally wanted to move to Whidbey Island or Vashon for beautiful, peaceful scenery, safety and hippie/sustainable culture, but I think I want closer access to the city for now.

I'm looking for an area that is very green and lush and safe for a younger woman to walk around (I lived in Denver for a while and it got old being approached by sketchy street people all the time). Areas that don't routinely smell like urine would be awesome. I would love bike trails or parks nearby. I love craftsman homes and tree lined streets. It would be nice to be in walking distance to cute shops and food, but I'd be willing to sacrifice that if it means I can be in a prettier, safer neighborhood. I'm not looking for sterile suburbia though and I will either be looking to move into a house with roommates or get a small apt. for $850 or less.

Also any suggestions on Spas, Chiros, or Wellness Centers that seem like a good place to work as a massage therapist would be great


Some places that seem like they might be a good fit:

Columbia City - Sounds like there are some great places in walking distance and good transit to the city. I'm a little concerned that there are still some pockets that are unsafe. I like that Seward Park is nearby for walking, but I've also heard that it can be a little unsafe since it's so secluded.

Lake Forest Park - This area seems like it's secluded and beautiful. Away from urban life, but close enough to head to the city or mts/islands. It looks like it's more retirement age people, but if it's beautiful and safe, I don't mind that.

Bothell/Woodinville - These areas seem like they have the pluses of Lake Forest, but with younger people. Woodinville looks like higher crime though.

Greenwood/Phinney/Ballard - Looks like there are some beautiful areas and probably hipper/younger. How is the crime, parking, and traffic?

Shoreline - I don't know much about it, but from what I've seen, it looked like a possible option.

Thanks for any suggestions!
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Old 04-25-2012, 06:51 AM
 
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Just a little 'soapboxing' on safe ... it's always asked on here and I always wonder what people mean. I've lived in South Seattle (Seward Park) since 1986. I drive through and shop in Rainier Beach every day. I go to Columbia City a couple times a week. I run around Seward Park and along the lake shore. In my 26 years, I have been the victim of a single crime ... someone opened my unlocked car door and got my GPS - my fault. I have never witnessed any criminal activity. So, in my opinion, all of these areas are safe. I think you are safe in almost all neighborhoods in Seattle - yes, stuff happens, but the likelihood of it happening to you seems low, in my experience.

Now, to answer your question: Columbia City would be nice, as would Fremont.
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Old 04-25-2012, 09:16 AM
 
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tobester - Just curious... Are you a man or a woman? There are a lot of places that I wouldn't think twice going to as a man, but as a woman I would have to be a little bit more 'on alert' about being approached or harassed/hit on.

I've lived in Austin, San Diego, and Denver. I'm not a frightened little girl with a victim persona by any means. I saw a teenager die from a drive-by on my street and still wasn't too worried about my neighborhood because I felt it was an isolated incident.

All I have to go by is what I've read on boards and crime statistics. On the spectrum of safe areas there are places like Vashon that sound like extremely low crime where you probably feel uber safe going anywhere at anytime without worry, and on the other end you have a high crime inner city area where you don't dare step foot. I am looking for a neighborhood that is as close to the Vashon end of the spectrum while still having whatever nice amenities I mentioned. I want a place where I don't have to be on high alert all the time, probably because it is tucked away more, like I am thinking Lake Forest is. I hope that makes sense.
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Old 04-25-2012, 10:27 AM
 
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The truth is there are quite a few sexual predators in the puget sound region even in the small communities in the the north sound. Washington State is a frontier state a lot of people move here to get away from their past Don't let a quiet neighborhood lul you into a false sense of security.
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Old 04-25-2012, 10:40 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthwestRepublic View Post
The truth is there are quite a few sexual predators in the puget sound region even in the small communities in the the north sound. Washington State is a frontier state a lot of people move here to get away from their past Don't let a quiet neighborhood lul you into a false sense of security.
Seriously? After your unbelievable post last night (since removed) and this, I really question you.
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Old 04-25-2012, 12:23 PM
 
20 posts, read 50,403 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthwestRepublic View Post
The truth is there are quite a few sexual predators in the puget sound region even in the small communities in the the north sound. Washington State is a frontier state a lot of people move here to get away from their past Don't let a quiet neighborhood lul you into a false sense of security.
NorthwestRepublic - Are you referring to there being many registered sex offenders in the area OR many actual incidents and creepy men lurking in corners etc? If you look on the registered sex offender websites, most every town looks like a skeezy haven. Do you hear of or see lot of actual scary activity? Thanks
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Old 04-25-2012, 12:41 PM
 
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Northwest Republic lives in Alaska.
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Old 04-25-2012, 12:54 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seacove View Post
Northwest Republic lives in Alaska.
and has taken upon himself to "scare" people from coming over to Seattle. Quite bizarre, really.
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Old 04-25-2012, 12:57 PM
 
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Honestly OP... you have such a broad list of areas, it might be easier if you got the job down first and then decide from there where to live. There isn't really that many spots here where its scary (yes, I am a female).

We do have lots of spas, wellness centers and chiros in the areas, so you might as well start looking for the help wanted ads.
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Old 04-25-2012, 02:50 PM
 
20 posts, read 50,403 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Inkpoe View Post
Honestly OP... you have such a broad list of areas, it might be easier if you got the job down first and then decide from there where to live. There isn't really that many spots here where its scary (yes, I am a female).
Well how about framing it a different way... I'm looking for the neighborhoods that are the most peaceful, lush green, and quiet with good parks or trails. Not too urban, but within 20-30 mins of downtown Seattle. Do all of the places I listed fit that description or are there some that would be better than others? And are there some great places that I have overlooked? Thanks
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