Want to help an East Coaster move to the Eastside? (Seattle: real estate, apartments)

[abbybernstein]

We're moving to the area in the next couple months. My husband's job is in Bellevue. We are thinking of moving to either Redmond or Kirkland. Not exactly looking forward to moving across the country with the dog and an infant by car But I'm thrilled to be moving from the D.C. area- I think I'll love it.

We will be renting an apartment for the first year before looking for a home. Am I correct in that Kirkland is a little more picturesque than Redmond? I see both have a lot to offer. Do any of you have any preferences? I'd like to have somewhere to walk to from my apartment, whether it be a park, a grocery store, or Starbucks... something!

If you'd really like to help, any apartments in particular that you know about? We are looking for two bedroom with a no more than $2500 rent.

Thanks!

[Robt Evans]

Hi Abby! I don't think you could really go wrong in selecting Redmond or Kirkland. Both are great communities with really good schools and attractions to keep you busy. They are also not far from Seattle.

In terms of being picturesque, there may be more of a draw to Kirkland which has really nice views (from some neighborhoods) and it is on Lake Washington. Depending on the neighborhood you select, it can also be quite walkable in terms of coffee shops, shopping, etc.

Both Redmond and Kirkland have plenty of apartments. If you are seeking a home/condo for rent by an owner, a real estate agent can help you in that regard. Your budget should get you something quite nice.

My best to you and your family!

[abbybernstein]

Thank you so much for your reply! I don't really want to spend $2500, but in looking at the apartments that I was interested in, that seems to be around the going rate with parking for our two cars included.

I assume living in Kirkland or Redmond, the commute to Bellevue won't be too terrible for my husband's job?

Any other feedback will be much appreciated.

[Ira500]

Neither Kirkland nor Bellevue will be a bad commute to Bellevue. You should be able to find something quite nice for quite a bit less than 2500. Downtown Kirkland will be a little pricier than other parts of Kirkland or Redmond, but it's awfully nice. Juanita, in Kirkland, is also on the lake, has a good coffee place and a good ice cream place to walk to. Any reason you're ruling out Bellevue itself?

[abbybernstein]

Thanks for your input. As far as living in Bellevue, I think it's a little more city-ish than we'd prefer. All the apartments I saw seem to be in downtown- are there more suburban parts of Bellevue? I'd like to have nearby grassy areas for my dog. Downtown Bellevue seems like an area I'd like to visit, but not live.

I also don't really know what I'm talking about yet We're visiting the area for the first time in two weeks, so I'll see what I think when I get there!

The apartments I've seen online in Redmond are Red160 and the Elan Redmond Town Center. In Kirkland, there are a couple in Juanita Village, but is downtown Kirkland a better option? I need to do more searching.

[Robt Evans]

Here's a glimpse of properties available for rent in / near Kirkland...

Homes and Condos/Townhomes for Rent in Kirkland WA - realtor.com®

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by abbybernstein

Thanks for your input. As far as living in Bellevue, I think it's a little more city-ish than we'd prefer. All the apartments I saw seem to be in downtown- are there more suburban parts of Bellevue? I'd like to have nearby grassy areas for my dog. Downtown Bellevue seems like an area I'd like to visit, but not live.

I also don't really know what I'm talking about yet We're visiting the area for the first time in two weeks, so I'll see what I think when I get there!

The apartments I've seen online in Redmond are Red160 and the Elan Redmond Town Center. In Kirkland, there are a couple in Juanita Village, but is downtown Kirkland a better option? I need to do more searching.

It's all a matter of taste. Downtown Kirkland offers more to do, and is a bit more upscale. But I really like Juanita Village. It's a bit further, but it's really pleasant, with less traffic.
And yes, there many suburban areas outside of downtown Bellevue but within the city limits.

[Kayela]

Thanks for your input. As far as living in Bellevue, I think it's a little more city-ish than we'd prefer. All the apartments I saw seem to be in downtown- are there more suburban parts of Bellevue? I'd like to have nearby grassy areas for my dog. Downtown Bellevue seems like an area I'd like to visit, but not live.

I also don't really know what I'm talking about yet We're visiting the area for the first time in two weeks, so I'll see what I think when I get there!

The apartments I've seen online in Redmond are Red160 and the Elan Redmond Town Center. In Kirkland, there are a couple in Juanita Village, but is downtown Kirkland a better option? I need to do more searching.

One part of Bellevue you might check out is Crossroads. It's an easy commute to DT, there is quite a bit of shopping there including the Crossroads Mall (which is more like a small shopping center with a very unique, international food court, and very kid-friendly). Housing is cheaper, and it admittedly won't have the views you'll find in Kirkland. It's a little older and hasn't gentrified as much as other areas. However the prices will reflect that. But it's definitely a distinct part of Bellevue that's a bit more suburban, and pretty family-friendly with areas to walk the dog and take the kid to play.

If it's Kirkland vs Redmond, I'd rather pay the premium to be located near DT Kirkland. It does have lots of charm and is a fun area. The waterfront is long, a great place to take walks, and very vibrant. I'll second the Juanita recommendation too. It's a smaller area, but there's still a decent selection of shops and amenities and it has a nice community feeling to it as well as some nice waterfront to walk along.

DT Bellevue might not be as 'city-ish' as you'd think. It's no gritty, urban center and it has some nice, quiet residential areas that are quite convenient to shopping, while feeling almost suburban. In fact DT Bellevue is often accused of being sterile and boring. Personally, I like part just NW of Bellevue Square. Lots of lovely walking routes and close to all the day-to-day amenities (grocery store, drug store, coffee shops, etc). There's a large park just to the south of Bellevue square that has a nice play area and is great for dog-walking.

Enjoy your visit!

[Blondebaerde]

Originally Posted by abbybernstein

We're moving to the area in the next couple months. My husband's job is in Bellevue. We are thinking of moving to either Redmond or Kirkland. Not exactly looking forward to moving across the country with the dog and an infant by car But I'm thrilled to be moving from the D.C. area- I think I'll love it.

Wouldn't try that trip mid-summer, though people do it. When I was a kid, I could stand stuff like that and my old man's Chrysler would overheat if we kept the A/C on while towing a trailer. Ah, the '70s! Might stress a dog and infant a bit, however. I'm sure you'll make-do. I question if that trip's a money-saver or loser, calling it four days on the road, back-of-envelope math, but YMMV.

I live in Kirkland, work in Redmond, and both are nice (along with Bellevue, Issaquah, and Samm: "eastside"). I personally find Kirkland a bit more picturesque, why I moved here among other reasons, but I walk along Lake Washington couple times a week and find the little downtown shops rather quaint (support your local businesses, and all). Not a thing wrong with Redmond, though "downtown" is a couple busy streets. Leary Way being one of them. Redmond Town Center (RTC) is a well-built store-center, too, with various things to do.

Based on your wants, suggest trying Kirkland. You won't go wrong in Redmond, or Issaquah, if that's how it comes out, too. Bellevue is bigger, and busier.

Thanks for not going on about "affordable, and safe". "Affordable, safe, easy commute to major employers, and cool stuff to do" should not be in the same sentence anymore. $2,500 should be enough (cross fingers) though the dog-thing may or may not trip you up. Dunno.

Assume you're flying out on a recon mission to find a place? Seems to be one way to get a feel for the area, if you have a thorough list of needs and specific places to examine (and make a strike-on, when you've found what you want, given rental market around here).

[modc]

Redmond has a large off leash dog park in Marymoor you might want to check out. Downtown Kirkland, Juanita, and Downtown Redmond are all nice and I'm sure if you visit them, one area will feel right.