possibly relocating to WA. w/4girls need good neighborhoods/ schools etc help! (Seattle: apartment, rent)

[peaches97467]

We are possibly going to be relocating to Washington (kent, maple valley, seattle, fed. way area) (maybe Tacoma or port orchard) its still pretty much up in the air of what area.
We currently live on the Oregon coast. we have 4 girls 13,11,2, and 4mos. I am looking for good areas/towns/cities etc. that would be the best choice for us to raise a family. Low crime rates, good schools, decent housing (rent) (we are currently paying $700 for a split level 3bd 1ba home (plus all utilities) in nice area near schools, fire dept, hospital...) I do not know what housing is like in those areas and we are going to need at least a 3+bd house, not apt. we have a dog. I need as much advice and info that I can get! I have been trying to do some research myself, but it is better to hear from people that actually live in the area. My husband now drives about 25mi one way (aprox 30-45min depending) and we don't mind living a little ways away from where he would be working, but I would like to be fairly close to shopping (groceries, walmart, kmart, target, (costco?) shopping centers etc.)
We will have to be moving in the next few months so I need as much info as possible quickly. Thanks for any help!!

[CityGirl72]

WOW you are going to have a culture shocker!

First - as I always say - go to the Eastside for the family areas and good schools : Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Sammamish

Of your list stay away from Kent, Tacoma, fed Way if you want low crime (there are some ok parts just I don't chance it)

PS in this area (any of the areas you specify) You can get a STUDIO apartment for $700. FOr a house expect to pay $1500 to $2000 in rent (seattle areas)

[ness]

I'd suggest Gig Harbor, University Place, and Steilacoom. These are some areas I checked out and would definitely feel comfortable living. The cost of living in these areas isn't as high as the areas mentioned by citygirl. Gig Harbor and UP are known for their good schools.

[kc2sweet4ne1]

You didn't mention where your husband would be working?? But if you look south of Seattle, in the Olympia, Lacey, Centralia areas, housing and cost of living will be MUCH cheaper.

[peaches97467]

Originally Posted by kc2sweet4ne1

You didn't mention where your husband would be working?? But if you look south of Seattle, in the Olympia, Lacey, Centralia areas, housing and cost of living will be MUCH cheaper.

he works for a company called Advance America, a payday loan company. the areas they have open for manager are Kent, Maple Valley, Seattle Fed. Way and possibly Port Orchard and Tacoma. he would be willing to drive about a half hour or so to get to which ever center is able to work at, so areas about a half our away from the areas i listed above would be fine.

[carla202]

I am sorry to tell you, but traffic in those areas that you mention is very bad. You best bet is to first know where your husband is going to work and then look for a house within 8 miles from it. However, expect to pay 1000 or more for a 3 bd house anywhere in the Puget Sound area.

Good luck!

[back2sa]

Unless you're living in the same place he's going to be working then he'll be driving much more than 1/2 hour. Traffic around here all over the place is bad.

[kc2sweet4ne1]

IMO, the only scenario that would work, other than working 8 miles away from home is to do a LITTLE more driving. If you lived in Centralia, the average drive to Tacoma is 45 minutes. If you live in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, the drive is a little less than that. And I do mean - ON AVERAGE- It could take hours on a bad day. My dad drives to Tacoma for work, and usually makes in home in 45-70 minutes. USUALLY.

[peaches97467]

we are not sure the area, basically we have to pick one of those areas I listed and then they will tell us wether there is an opening or not...I personally wanted them to tell us which areas had openings and then we could choose from them. the areas I listed were areas that were on the comanies web site saying they had openings in those areas. so I was hoping I could get as much info as possible from the "locals" as to which would be the best areas out of those or surrounding areas near by...

[chris]

you might be able to find a place near Port Orchard (Bremerton or even possibly Belfair) close to $700... Most of the other locations aren't going offer affordable housing near good schools and a decent commmute.