If my husband works in Renton, can you recommend where to live? (Seattle: renters, crime rates)

[Alicia64]

Hello,

We're coming from the East Coast. My husband's company is in Renton. We have two young boys. We homeschool so schools aren't an issue, but we're huge safety-freaks neighborhood-wise. (My husband grew up in an iffy neighborhood in another state and was jumped a couple of times so he's leary of neighborhoods bordering bad areas.)

Any suggestions on where to live? We'll be renting and can pay $2500/month for a 3 or 4 bedroom house.

Thank you,

Alley

[baba_yaga]

That's a realistic budget. How long do you want your commute to be? What amentities are you looking for? Are schools important to you?

[Hemlock140]

For the lowest crime rates look at Issaquah, Sammamish, and Bellevue, though it will take some time and work to find something in your price range in a house. There are a few but they go fast, $2,800-3,000 would be better. Not that many rental homes in the cities with the lowest crime rates. Perhaps even the eastern parts of Renton, Cedar Mountain and Lake Desire. Avoid the Northwest part, downtown and along downtown 405. Still, I think you will find that anywhere you go on the eastside will be safer than where you came from.

[Ira500]

Do you know what part of Renton he'll be working in?
Kennydale is a nice, safe part of Renton, not bordering anything bad.
Newcastle is close and nice.
You can drive to Issaquah in 20-30 minutes from Renton.
Maple Valley is safe and nice and 15-20 minutes from Renton.
The Seahurst neighborhood in Burien, or Normandy Park. Quiet, pretty, convenient to shopping. 15-20 minute drive.
If you found a place fairly far south in Bellevue you can avoid 405 during rush hour and make it a 20-25 minute trip.
If the job's in the southern part of Renton, look at Fairwood. There's a golf course there.

[new_to_seattle]

home prices in the south are cheaper then north of seattle.
i like renton itself, especially the eastern part of the city.
federal way is a little bland/commercial for me.
i know quite a few people who commute from seattle to renton and its not too bad since they go against the traffic.
however they are renting as it is expensive to buy a house in seattle.

[tobester]

You might check out Bryn Mawr, Lakeridge, Seward Park areas of South Seattle/Renton. Easy commute to Renton ...

[bgrey36]

Ira500 hit on many good spots. If you want to live in Renton, Fairwood and Newcastle are nice neighborhoods.

If Renton is too urbanized for you, I'd recommend Maple Valley or points beyond (Ravensdale, Black Diamond). From there it's a straight shot into Renton along Maple Valley Highway (169). Issaquah is another good choice with a pleasant commute along Renton-Issaquah Road (900).

[Salmonista]

The Renton Highlands and Fairwood are both good options. Lots of families with kids in those neighborhoods.

[Kees]

Originally Posted by Salmonista

The Renton Highlands and Fairwood are both good options. Lots of families with kids in those neighborhoods.

Indeed.

I'm in Fairwood... love it here.

[SabrinaAne]

Maple valley is awesome! There are a reasonable number of homes for rent here in your price range. I highly recommend contacting a company like Windermere realty to find a rental. Our recent experience taught us that A) the good ones go quickly B) many homes are not advertised C) the agencies really want prospective renters to tour the home before applying. We moved here from Arizona a few months ago, so my advice is from a very recent experience. Ymmv. Good luck!!