Moving to Seattle in a month! Work in downtown, considering Bainbridge Island. Thoughts? (Kirkland: real estate, rental)

[Zima1349]

Hi all,

I've recently accepted an offer in downtown Seattle, and will be moving there in a month. I've posted a thread before about where to live - but now I'm actually making the move, and have a specific place in mind.

I'm a 26 year old with a preference for quieter places and scenic views - seeing mountains and water from my window would be a dream come true. And I mean bodies of water - not just the kind that's falling from the sky . Don't care much for nightlife or luxury high-rises. Max rent I'm willing to pay is 2k. The job is right by the ferry to Bainbridge Island, and I'm considering living there and commuting by ferry. Thoughts? Alternatives?

By the way, how is the commute by ferry? Is it packed? Possible to get some work or reading done while you're on it?

Other places I've considered are Issaquah, Woodinville, etc., and commuting by car - looks like monthly parking is around $250, which is not bad. However, I'm starting to look at a few areas within city limits as well. I've walked around Fremont and Capitol Hill when visiting, and they seemed a bit too city-like for my taste - but I'll likely wind up getting a short-term rental in a place like that for the first month or so while I look for a more permanent residence.

[fnh]

You sound like an ideal candidate to commute from Bainbridge. Do it! I wouldn't recommend commuting from Woodinville or Issaquah for you. Never mind that they have morphed into traditional suburbs of Any City U.S.A., those places will still give you the stress of a road commute. Why do that when you can glide across the water every day? Yes, it is quite calm enough to read or work, or simply take in the view.

[Hemlock140]

I work on the Seattle waterfront, and there are several people here that take the ferry from Bainbridge or Bremerton. They walk on and then walk the mile or so from Coleman Dock to the office. I would not drive on the ferry to commute. There have been times when I went to see family across the water after work and even as early as 3:30 you may have to wait for a 2nd boat to get on. Walking on you never have to wait, there's always room for you. The ferry has wi-fi from a company that charges for it, but if you have a smartphone or cellular tablet you can do whatever you want on it without the wi-fi.
The morning ferry is dead quiet, in the afternoons people do talk more but it's still pretty quiet after the initial PA system announcements.

[CityWok]

I'm actually in a similar boat (get it? wah wah wah) currently in Kirkland, but taking a job in downtown Seattle, so am considering a move to Bainbridge Island much like the OP. Not to hijack this thread, but I'm hoping people can also address some questions like:

1. Internet Service. What does Bainbrdige Island have for ISPs. Good, excellent, meh?
2. What do locals do when they fly home on a 2am flight or have a late night on the town? Are there ferries running that late, or do they have to be careful with this, or drive all the way around?
3. Are there special costs, taxes, or "gotcha!" fees with purchasing a house there, other than the usual costs of commuting by ferry every day? Are real estate taxes insane over there?
4. What's it like getting things delivered there from Seattle (say furniture) -- is something like this usually a hassle?

[gray horse]

Originally Posted by CityWok

I'm actually in a similar boat (get it? wah wah wah) currently in Kirkland, but taking a job in downtown Seattle, so am considering a move to Bainbridge Island much like the OP. Not to hijack this thread, but I'm hoping people can also address some questions like:

1. Internet Service. What does Bainbrdige Island have for ISPs. Good, excellent, meh?
2. What do locals do when they fly home on a 2am flight or have a late night on the town? Are there ferries running that late, or do they have to be careful with this, or drive all the way around?
3. Are there special costs, taxes, or "gotcha!" fees with purchasing a house there, other than the usual costs of commuting by ferry every day? Are real estate taxes insane over there?
4. What's it like getting things delivered there from Seattle (say furniture) -- is something like this usually a hassle?

Good questions, I'm considering a move as well.

How about rental resources, is it possible to get a rental if you have a few dogs.

Thanks.

[Zima1349]

Hemlock140 - that sounds like an awesome commute to me. I was thinking of walking to/from the ferry, too - I'd only take the car when I want to go hiking out East.

CityWok - not hijacking at all, I'd love to know the answers to those questions myself!

[Hemlock140]

Internet service is the same as other areas, Comcast, Century Link, Wave, and probably 20 more less known companies.

When you have a 2am flight arrival you would have to drive around, or wait until 5:30-6:10am depending on weekday/weekend. The last ferries back home would be 1:30-2:10am.

Real estate taxes are not as bad as Seattle and the eastside, if nothing else the home values are less.

Delivery does cost more since in most cases things have to come by Ferry, but if you buy in Silverdale
it's not so bad.

[RVD90277]

I know people who do this commute every day in downtown Seattle. They seem to enjoy it even though it takes awhile. If your work is near the ferry dock in Seattle and your house on the Bainbridge Island side is not too far from the dock, it's a good commute.

Internet (even the paid one) is a bit spotty and your cell phone access will also be spotty...so read a book or take a nap.

[Ira500]

Like RVD90277 said, if you live on Bainbridge Island 5 or 10 minutes from the ferry, you're golden. If that's the case, the ferry ride is going to be shorter and more pleasant than a lot of local bus commutes.
On the down side, weather affects the ferries more than the buses, so it's a little bit less dependable than trains or buses.
I'd do it. In a heartbeat. Bainbridge is awfully pleasant. If it were me, at the age I am now, I'd live in nearby Poulsbo as opposed to Bainbridge, but it would take longer to get to downtown Seattle. But if you do end up living on Bainbridge, by all means take a trip to Poulsbo, go have a beer or a meal.

[Zima1349]

I've heard of Poulsbo before - a bit far to live in, but I will definitely be visiting it.

So far it sounds like Bainbridge would be a great option. My only concern is proximity to hiking. I know Issaquah is known for being really close to great trails. What's the situation like on the island? I don't mind driving for a bit.