Has anyone moved from Ballard to Shoreline with kids? (Seattle: real estate, houses)

[RustinginSeattle]

I'm thinking of making the move from Ballard to Shoreline for cheaper house and larger lot. I have 2 grade school age kids and little experience with Shoreline. If we did it, we would stay west of 99. Has anyone done this? Any regrets?

Also, how far west of Aurora do you feel like you should be? I don't know the nuances of the neighborhoods up there, so not sure exactly where to look. I'm also curious about school experience and whether or not kids run around and play in the neighborhoods.

Thanks for any insight!

[mkarch]

Shoreline west of Greenwood Ave is better - 98177 zip. The section East of Greenwood to Aurora is somewhat similar to the section in Seattle city limits (98133)- it depends on the block and the elementary school, as some of the 98133 homes feed 98177 schools. Other than that, most of Shoreline schools are pretty good, and some of the neighborhoods are run down. 98177 is a far wealthier zip code with all of the Highlands homes, Innis Arden, etc. Stark contrast compared to what is next to Aurora. The houses get significantly more modest the further east you go, but even Innis Arden is extremely affordable (for what you get real estate wise) compared to Ballard. Try finding a 15,000 sq ft lot in Ballard. Up there, it's easy.

[RustinginSeattle]

Thanks, mkarch! I appreciate the feedback.

[amaiunmei]

A friend of mine with two little boys has moved up to Shoreline. My understanding from her is that the schools are very well-rated, especially as you get closer to Puget Sound.