Apartment availability in Seattle and surrounding area (Bellevue, Everett: apartment complex, to rent)

[VirtualErik]

So I'm prepping on my relocation and at first do plan to rent a room as I won't be stable enough for my own place just yet, but that being said I would shortly after arriving, here where I live now apartment availability is non existent, either a waiting list is at least 20 people long or apartments don't take applications at all. That goes for every apartment complex in this area, those wondering I'm in Bend, Oregon.

Just curious as if Seattle and area is the same way, I know cost of living is higher and rent is pretty expensive so maybe giving more availability? Just checking ahead of time to get an idea.

Thanks!

[Hemlock140]

No, the high rent is caused by the lack of availability, so if anything it's worse here. Decent deals are snapped up the first day without being advertised. There are many big apartment complex projects being built but with the high cost of land and construction they are going to have even higher rent. Unless you have a really good job it's best to look outside the Seattle metro area and take transit to work.

[VirtualErik]

i was thinking of settling in Renton, but rent seems just as high as Seattle. How is availability there?

[Ira500]

Originally Posted by VirtualErik

i was thinking of settling in Renton, but rent seems just as high as Seattle. How is availability there?

They've built a lot of apartment buildings in Renton. Availability isn't bad, and some of the older buildings are much less expensive than Seattle.

[mkarch]

Originally Posted by VirtualErik

i was thinking of settling in Renton, but rent seems just as high as Seattle. How is availability there?

On average Renton is far cheaper than Seattle. Few people would pay a premium to live there, though that's not to say it doesn't have some nicer complexes that can charge a premium.

Interesting based on this times article that Ballard has some of the highest rents in the area but also the highest vacancy rate. Notice where Renton falls in the comparison - it's one of the least expensive areas overall.

Seattle-area apartment rents climb to average $1,284 a month | Business & Technology | The Seattle Times

Average rents
Here are the asking monthly rents for a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment in May, excluding utilities, at properties with at least 50 units.
• Seattle: $1,445
• Bellevue: $1,635
• Kent: $848
• Everett: $1,048
• Renton: $1,058
• Federal Way: $825
• Kirkland: $1,359
• Redmond: $1,347

[VirtualErik]

so Renton is the area to focus on, I do plan to go to college or a university, would it be a rough commute into Seattle from Renton for classes and work? I would use the transit system if it goes from Renton to Seattle area.

[amaiunmei]

Originally Posted by VirtualErik

so Renton is the area to focus on, I do plan to go to college or a university, would it be a rough commute into Seattle from Renton for classes and work? I would use the transit system if it goes from Renton to Seattle area.

Here's a great question: where will you be going to school?

[VirtualErik]

was checking out university of washington, but its open to other schools.

[amaiunmei]

You will want to play with this list for a bit:

Routes by Neighborhood - Schedules & Maps - King County Metro Transit

Scroll down to "University District", and click. You will then be shown a list of routes that serve the U-District (i.e., the area where the University of WA is located).

Just as an FYI, Renton appears to only have one bus servicing the U-District directly ... otherwise, you would need to make a transfer (usually in downtown Seattle). You may want to consider living on the North End; bus service degrades significantly the further out you go in the suburbs. Unfortunately, South King County tends to have less developed service than Northern King County.

In particular, several bus routes are commuter focused, so being near highly-trafficked routes (i.e., I-5, Hwy 99, Lake City Way) gives you more options.

Lynnwood, in particular, seems to have several routes going to the UW. You may want to keep that in mind when looking for places to settle.