Moving with HS age kids from midwest to Seattle.... (Everett: apartment, renting)

[parisee5]

Hi there-

My husband just accepted a job in Monroe beg in Dec. We currently live in the midwest but are originally from the northeast. We have 3 kids - two in HS. Although it may take a while to sell our house and his commuting long term may be an option, we are wondering are few things:

What would be some good places/towns/areas to look for a temp apt for him to live in? Also we are planning on visiting and doing lots of sightseeing to get to know the entire area.

What would be some good towns to visit with good high schools in case a move comes sooner than later? We have read a lot about the Seattle Freeze, elite attitudes etc and wondered if there are some areas easier to assimilate into than others.

Is the commute from Seattle to Monroe terrible? We were toying with the idea of renting my husband a studio/one bedroom in downtown area to temporarily to enjoy urban living and have fun in Seattle while we handle all the relo stuff.

Thanks so much for any info or insight you have!

[Hemlock140]

For the most part that would be a reverse commute, he would run into some commuters from Seattle to Boeing Everett on the first part of the drive. With no traffic at all that would be about 45 minutes, at commute times over an hour. You can get there by bus but the times are limited and it takes even longer. The worst part of living in a Seattle apartment is that many have no parking or require you to pay extra for it. I would suggest Woodinville for good schools and short commute when you are all up.

[Seacove]

The commute from Seattle to Monroe would probably not be very enjoyable for your husband even as a temporary "just for fun" living situation. If you doubt that, have him stay in a hotel in Seattle and commute to Monroe one day to see. Woodinville would be good and for less expensive places you could look at Snohomish, Duvall, Mill Creek and Bothell. For a place for him to stay while you are managing the relocation, how about Kirkland? It would still increase his commute but it's a nice area and he would only have to cross the 520 floating bridge to get into Seattle and enjoy the fun there.

In fact, Carillon Point is in Kirkland and that is one of the launch locations for the Christmas Boat Parade in December. If you and your family are in Seattle during December, you should definitely plan on going one evening. Honestly, the food on the ship is not that great IMHO. I would plan a nice dinner, then board the ship (other lighted boats follow and there's a Christmas choir with bonfires on shore locations). There are assorted drinks served on the ship as well. Very nice and very Seattle.

2012 Seattle Christmas Ship Festival Schedule : Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by parisee5

Hi there-

My husband just accepted a job in Monroe beg in Dec. We currently live in the midwest but are originally from the northeast. We have 3 kids - two in HS. Although it may take a while to sell our house and his commuting long term may be an option, we are wondering are few things:

What would be some good places/towns/areas to look for a temp apt for him to live in? Also we are planning on visiting and doing lots of sightseeing to get to know the entire area.

What would be some good towns to visit with good high schools in case a move comes sooner than later?

Definitely Snohomish and Woodinville/Bothell; it's close enough to work and Seattle, while providing good high schools. But really, how much time does your husband want to commute? That would give us a better idea.

Originally Posted by parisee5

Is the commute from Seattle to Monroe terrible? We were toying with the idea of renting my husband a studio/one bedroom in downtown area to temporarily to enjoy urban living and have fun in Seattle while we handle all the relo stuff.

I think its terrible and it's not really something I would be willing to do. Assuming your husband works regular hours, the only segment that he's not going to experience traffic would be on 522 just past the Woodinville-Duvall Road to Monroe. 405 is basically bumper to bumper during rush. If you're using 522 all the way, I would say that's a bit more bearable as it's moving more. I am assuming Hemlock is thinking of going north on i5 then heading east on 2 would be easier, but I don't think it is though.

But I think it's a good idea that your husband stays at a temporary area in DT to check out Seattle and the rest of the area and gauge in his real time how much traffic he's willing to commute.

[parisee5]

Thank you all so much for the insights so far. I will spend some time investigate all those areas on the net. You have all been very helpful!

[BellevueNative]

When/if you all do move out here, Woodinville would be a good place for you. Good schools, cute town, reverse and short commute to Monroe for your husband.

[parisee5]

Seacove -

Watched the Christmas Ship video - planning on going on it Fri/Sat night when my 16 year old and I come out to visit my husband - he starts work Dec 3 and will spend the first weekend out here so two of us are coming to visit. Your info and suggestions have been great - happy to do something so "seattle!" We will also drive all over getting a sense of the overall area.