Thinknig of Relocating to Seattle HOWEVER... (Bellevue, Redmond: low crime, house, safe area)

[Seaharbour]

Are there earthquakes? How often, and are they really scary? What bout that Volcano, isn't it suppose to pop soon? If I can get these two things out of my mind here, I am seriously considering moving there with my family...Are there nice areas that have low crime for a small caucasian family that is kinda of conservative? We do not mind blended areas, as long as they are in good safe areas, with very good schools and lots of shopping and access to DRs and etc...My hubby should be making bout 130-150 yearly...I may have to work here, not sure..thanks!

[CityGirl72]

I'm from California

TO me there's no earthquakes

And the volcano is not going to pop

[KittyGlitter]

we've only had one big quake a long time which was the Nisqualy back in February 01. It was very scary for me, but southern CA has had worse. Occassionally we will get little tiny unfeelable ones. I remember when I lived on Orcas Island growing up we seemed to get little jolty ones fairly often. But you have to realize that we are on a major faultline (or several?) and could have "the big one" at anytime. Would I let it rule your decision, no not really..unless you are deathly afraid of earthquakes, then Seattle probably isn't for you. Every part of the country basically has some sort of threat from mother nature whether it be tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, etc..

From my understanding Mt. Rainier is getting ready to blow at some point within the next 500 years or so.. But, unless you are in the path of destruction it probably wouldn't kill you. Maybe I'm wrong about that though

If you have to work or not will depend on how big/nice of a house you want and where you live, and what your standards of quality of life are. From your description I would definitely recommend the eastside-- Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland... It is very well off, safe and runs more slightly more conservative. In those areas, a newer 4 bedroom 2000-3000 sq foot home will cost you anywhere between upper 500's - million, depending on location, features etc.

If schools are a big concern, as they would be for me, try to stay in the Northshore school district, it is, I believe the best district in the state. Northshore mostly runs through Bothell, and Kenmore... Also both pretty nice areas and slightly cheaper than Kirkland-Redmond-Bellevue (slightly), but still very safe, kid friendly etc.

Lake Washington School district and the Bellevue school district are also very good. I would really try to stick to one of those 3 districts.

You didn't mention though if suburn living is for you, but from your description of what you want I think you would be better off on the eastside.. Better schools, lower crime, more conservative.

Hope that helps!!

[PeacePlease]

Checkout this link:

Recent Earthquakes in the Pacific Northwest

[Seaharbour]

Yes, Surburban living is what we are most used too, thanks so much for this info guys!!!