area recommendations (Seattle, Everett, Edmonds: rent, homes, to buy)

[homesinseattle]

Mill Creek is lovely, but not near the train.

[CrazyDonkey]

What you're asking for is a bed of Procrustes. You're either going to have to lop something off (apartment size, commute convenience, school scores) or stretch your budget.

North Seattle: Closer to Downtown Seattle, reverse-commute to Everett. 14 apartments within your budget (Zillow), 33 if budget increased to $2,500.

Shoreline: Meets your other criteria, but only 8 apartments within your budget (Zillow), 13 if budget increased to $2,500.

Edmonds: Only one apartment within your budget, four if budget increased to $2,500.

Lynnwood: Easier commute to Everett, tougher commute to Seattle. Schools not as good. 10 within your budget, 15 if budget $2,500.

Everett: Sounder to Seattle. 22 apartments within budget, 24 if budget $2,500.

Personally, I'd recommend you look in either North Seattle or Everett. Forget the train, except from Everett.

[Neil73]

Yeah fully understand its always the way, you have to give up on something unless you have a bottomless pit on money. Edmonds looks great and if i buy instead of rent there are places i can get for about 500k, thing is i only want to rent at first to ensure we like it and stay, before setting roots.

[homesinseattle]

Edmonds is fantastic, much more expensive as you get down to "the bowl", by the water. That's also where commuter rail is. If you can be okay with a smaller home, might be able to buy something in that range.

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by Neil73

30-40 min commute to Seattle center, by train or car.

Do you mean "The Seattle Center" or the "center of Seattle" (or Downtown)? They are not the same thing. The Seattle Center is actually north of Downtown, while the Seattle Sounder Station (King Street Station) is south of Downtown. If the first, getting from King Street Station to the Seattle Center area can easily add 30 minutes to the commute.

[homesinseattle]

Neil, here is a good local Edmonds blog that will give you a good vibe of the place: My Edmonds News | An online gathering place for neighbors and friends in Edmonds, Wash.

[Neil73]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Do you mean "The Seattle Center" or the "center of Seattle" (or Downtown)? They are not the same thing. The Seattle Center is actually north of Downtown, while the Seattle Sounder Station (King Street Station) is south of Downtown. If the first, getting from King Street Station to the Seattle Center area can easily add 30 minutes to the commute.

Sorry i mean the main shopping/ restaurant area really, the job is located in Everett, but don't want to be too far from the action.

[homesinseattle]

Amazing what $500K will get you in Everett, very sweet historic home in the best neighborhood, maybe even some Puget Sound views.

[Neil73]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Neil, here is a good local Edmonds blog that will give you a good vibe of the place: My Edmonds News | An online gathering place for neighbors and friends in Edmonds, Wash.

Thanks very much will check them out.

[RustinginSeattle]

I would say Shoreline or Edmonds (you want good schools, right?), but the only time they are 30 minutes from Seattle is MAYBE on the weekends. Also, the train you're talking about is a commuter train and probably won't run during the evenings. I would look up the schedule if I were you. That train also stops running a lot in the winter due to mudslides.

I love Edmonds and considered moving there myself, but I just want to make sure you know that it is awkwardly west and time consuming to get in and out of. It will probably take you at least 20 minutes just to get to I5. I live in Ballard and have the same problem, if I ever need to drive on I5.

You are so smart to rent first. The traffic can be paralyzing around here and you really need to experience the area to understand how a neighborhood will work for you. Looking at a map will tell you next to nothing. Also, don't forget you have to cross bridges to get everywhere. Bridges get jacked up in rapid fashion and you will be stuck with nowhere to go, so you just have to sit and wait.

Shoreline might be a good compromise while you're getting to know the area.