HELP Moving from Denver to Seattle - Looking for a place to live (rentals, condos)

[jw84]

I am looking for some informative help.

I am relocating to Seattle from Denver and have no idea where I want to live.

I used to live in the NW (Portland for 2 years, Seattle for 6 months) back around 2007-2009. So I know the basics (weather, the people, etc.).

However, I spent most of my time downtown while I was there. Now I am looking for a place to live for an extended period of time (3-5 yrs).

Now to get to the important details:

I am a 29 y/o (almost 30) single male professional (engineer, but not your typical nerdy engineer). I enjoy outdoor activities, golfing, group sports like football, softball, etc. I work out 4-6 times a week so having a good gym nearby would be nice. I will be working downtown, and don't want to commute more then about 30 minutes max. I am out of the party scene, but don't mind going out for a cocktail or two after a long week (a reasonably social neighborhood would be nice).

Any suggestions on where I should live? I don't mind if it's suburbia, or downtown, just looking for some good suggestions from some locals.

Thank you in advance for your constructive suggestions.

[SusanInSeattle]

If you're only looking for a 30 minute commute, you'll be close to downtown, not suburbia.

You would likely enjoy Queen Anne - trendy, but not loud, some nice restaurants, easy access to 99. Or you might try South Lake Union - lots of development there in the past couple of years. West Seattle is nice, too, but there's the bridge to deal with (the C Line bus is really convenient and fast, though).

Gyms are everywhere, so it shouldn't be a problem.

How much space do you need? How much rent would you be comfortable with paying?

[angelenogirl]

What part of Denver do you live in?

[mkarch]

I notice a lot of people that aren't familiar with the city think there's some kind of line that divides the urban and suburban areas that coincides with the actual city limits. There isn't. The neighborhoods well inside the city are very suburban and many fit the definition of bedroom communities even though they have a Seattle address. Downtown ends about 10 miles from the actual suburbs, but what's in between isn't exactly urban compared to what you'd find in other cities.

[BATCAT]

Originally Posted by mkarch

I notice a lot of people that aren't familiar with the city think there's some kind of line that divides the urban and suburban areas that coincides with the actual city limits. There isn't. The neighborhoods well inside the city are very suburban and many fit the definition of bedroom communities even though they have a Seattle address. Downtown ends about 10 miles from the actual suburbs, but what's in between isn't exactly urban compared to what you'd find in other cities.

This is a very useful bit of info and I notice the same thing.

[SusanInSeattle]

Originally Posted by mkarch

I notice a lot of people that aren't familiar with the city think there's some kind of line that divides the urban and suburban areas that coincides with the actual city limits. There isn't. The neighborhoods well inside the city are very suburban and many fit the definition of bedroom communities even though they have a Seattle address. Downtown ends about 10 miles from the actual suburbs, but what's in between isn't exactly urban compared to what you'd find in other cities.

Exactly, and so many neighborhoods have their own "downtown" area that makes living there feel almost like small town living - West Seattle, Queen Anne (upper and lower).

[Robt Evans]

If you are interested in rentals in the Downtown / Belltown area, my MLS review of rentals which took place earlier today revealed 1 bedroom condos are ranging from 1,950 to 3,750 per mo. In the QA/Magnolia area, the rentals via the MLS are ranging from 1,450 to 2,295. The inventory is always changing and prices vary by location. Hope this is helpful!

[tobester]

Originally Posted by jw84

not your typical nerdy engineer ... I enjoy outdoor activities, golfing, group sports like football, softball, etc. I work out 4-6 times a week so having a good gym nearby would be nice. I will be working downtown, and don't want to commute more then about 30 minutes max. I am out of the party scene, but don't mind going out for a cocktail or two after a long week (a reasonably social neighborhood would be nice).

You sound like most of the typical nerdy engineers around here!!

[MondoTime]

Originally Posted by jw84

I am relocating to Seattle from Denver

Just don't tell anybody if you're still "SEASICK".


.
.
.

[jw84]

Originally Posted by angelenogirl

What part of Denver do you live in?

I live on the border between Englewood and Littleton.