Retired, raising a 2 year old, and looking for the best suburban neighborhood to move to (Seattle: for sale, townhome)

[HappyJohn]

I am considering moving to the suburbs outside of Seattle to find a good place to raise my 2 year old son. I'm 42 and semi-retired, and I work only from home, so commuting isn't a factor. I do like a few things though which are very important to me:

1 -I like living in a newer area. Newer housing construction communities with parks and other amenities are ideal to me. Newer stores and strip malls, etc. Some people like old and historic, but not me.

2 - I don't commute, but I really don't like to be out in the sticks either. I like having a Target within 10 minutes, and all of the usual stores, fast food places, big movie theater, etc. all within 10 minutes or so. If my area has a Target, fast food, some kid-friendly restaurants, and activities, I'll probably never venture into the city itself.

3 - I like being near indoor activities, even if it's just a big indoor mall. I like taking my little guy out every day to get out of the house, and while the parks and scenery there are amazing in the Seattle area, I want enough indoor stuff for the rainy days, or just to break things up. I want to be able to get out to someplace fun without driving more than 15 minutes. A few different options for fun things is nice to have also, but at his age, just walking around a good-sized indoor mall is usually enough, especially if there is an indoor play area in it.

4 - I have a good budget to spend, but I don't commute, and therefore I don't need to overpay just to be closer to a job center like downtown Seattle, etc. I'll pay 400-500K+ if necessary, but I'd have to feel that the 250-300K+ areas really are not meeting my criteria. I also only really want a 3 bedroom ranch, 2000 square feet or so. Again though, I like newer.

5 - Good schools are obviously very important, along with a safe neighborhood. I like the idea of public school as opposed to private.

6 - This is an obscure one, but on the rare nights when he is busy, I like to get out and play a little poker. Being within 20 minutes of a poker room would be a nice perk!

Thanks so much in advance to anyone who can help!

John

[SaltyDawg]

Issaquah Highlands. Brand-spanking new, and you're ~15 minutes to Snoqualmie Casino for the poker itch.

It is as manufactured a community (and I don't mean that solely in a pejorative sense) as you'll find and meets most of what you're looking for.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by SaltyDawg

Issaquah Highlands. Brand-spanking new, and you're ~15 minutes to Snoqualmie Casino for the poker itch.

It is as manufactured a community (and I don't mean that solely in a pejorative sense) as you'll find and meets most of what you're looking for.

That was my first thought too, but it will definitely be above the 500k maximum budget for 2,000 sf. unless the OP is willing to consider a townhome.

[prosin]

A little "outside the box," but Silverdale (West Sound) might be a good fit. Waterfront park, brand new YMCA with indoor pool (Haselwood Family YMCA > YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties), well regarded schools, suburban amenities (Kitsap Mall, Chuck E. Cheese, bowling alley, big box stores, etc.), very small old town. But most of the area has been developed within the last 15 years. Nearby Bremerton has both roller skating and ice skating rinks. Homes with views are in the $400-$500K range. And a poker room at the bowling alley. Clearwater Casino, the Point Casino, and Chips Casino are within a 20-30 minute drive.

Good luck with your search!

[angelenogirl]

I'd check out Bothell or Mill Creek.

[beautifulseattlehomes]

Also Woodinville, Parts of Edmonds and Shoreline. Good schools in all three, close to amenities and definitely can find homes in your price range though some of the housing stock may not be as new as you like but they certainly wouldn't be considered historic either.

[jjinla]

Not much further, but you'll get more for your money in Snoqualmie Ridge for about 5 minutes further than the highlands.

[eskercurve]

Mill Creek and Bothell come to mind.

They're developing in Mukilteo and there's the big box stores 10 min away in Everett mall, or 20 min away in Alderwood.

Edmonds, for that matter, would fit as well.

South, I'd check out West Seattle. If you found a house near the Fauntleroy ferry, you'd be in the sweet spot of "too far from the main highway and thus less desirable" and "too far from everything else." You'd have about a 20-30 min drive to Southcenter mall, the biggest mall in the area.

Renton and south of there, like Auburn, would fit the bill too, and more cheaply than north, due to snobbery mostly.

[Robt Evans]

Take a look at Mill Creek, specifically the Woodside Walk neighborhood. This neighborhood is just to the north of the Mill Creek Town Center, and it's also not far from the Target in Lynnwood. There are a few wonderful homes for sale in the WW neighborhood at the moment.

Good luck!

[Teuscher]

Mill Creek it is. They're building a new Target this year at the East Village located at 132nd and 35th. It's a beautiful small town with lots of parks and nature reserve. The schools are great! Easy access to Alderwood Mall.