Question about Parking (Seattle: apartments, rent, neighborhood)

[bghouse]

Hi All - when I'm looking at features and amenities listed on apartments, and they say things like "covered parking" or "ample parking" - is that included in the price of the rent usually, or is it an additional fee?

For background context, the last month I've been researching Seattle and Portland for my next move. While drawn to Seattle, I was getting pressure from friends and family to check out Portland because it's "cheaper". Once I started really researching though, it didn't turn out to be cheaper with the ungodly parking per month fees, if parking was even available.

So I'm back to being committed to make Seattle my next move, and just trying to understand if there are additional fees for parking on top of rent amounts.

Thanks in advance!

[Inkpoe]

Depends on where the place is. Usually if its out of the trendy urban areas, then parking generally is included. But it's always best to call and ask if you don't understand.

My brother used to live in an apartment in Belltown, not too far from the Space Needle. He ended up forgoing the garage and parking on the street (which was a pain a lot of times) because he would have to pay an additional $275/mo. I think his car only got jacked once in the few years he did lived there.

[mkarch]

Depends. In the city of Seattle, it's usually not included unless the building is in a low density area. Anywhere parking is scarce you'll pay for it. Prices vary depending on whether it's uncovered, covered or garage.

[bghouse]

thanks all. Would be helpful if they'd include it on their sites though - lol. Do they generally enough parking for their residents, or are there waiting lists?

[Hemlock140]

A lot of Seattle apartment dwellers either have no car or use one of the new Car2Go Smartcars, Zip Car, or the odd ride service with the pink mustache on the front of the cars, so if you are willing to pay there is usually space.

[bghouse]

Thanks. I called a couple complexes and they said $125 per month, but parking was available and assigned. Just need to remember that additional cost while looking.

[JBVirtuoso]

This really depends on the neighborhood. My building charges $125/month for parking, but I'm not sure why anyone pays that. It's pretty much always possible to park within a half mile of the building.

[BATCAT]

As others have pointed out, it depends on the situation for the individual building. It might be included for free (less likely in more densely-populated areas) or there might be a fee. (which can vary widely) Also, some building have limited spots so there can be a waiting list. Again, depends on your area and building.

[ShellNic]

Originally Posted by JBVirtuoso

This really depends on the neighborhood. My building charges $125/month for parking, but I'm not sure why anyone pays that. It's pretty much always possible to park within a half mile of the building.

Really? I mean, that's a hefty fee for parking but what if you have groceries? What if you have more than one item to carry from your car? Walking a half mile (or less) would not only be inconvenient, but would probably be a huge pain to go back and forth to collect all your items. I know I live in the land of free parking because we have parking lots bigger than your entire city (it seems), but what do people do when they have say, a ton of groceries to bring home?

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by ShellNic

...but what do people do when they have say, a ton of groceries to bring home?

Park illegally with your blinkers on and haul everything inside at breakneck speed, then go park.