Looking for nerdy, family friendly neighborhoods (Seattle, Bellevue: fit in, renting, low crime)

[Dotmom]

We just moved here from the east coast and are looking for homes in seattle and on the east side. We are looking for family friendly neighborhoods (we are very nerdy, so "fit" is really important), as are good schools. These are some of the neighborhoods we are looking at (our price range is around (650K-750K), would like 3bd + 2ba atleast, 2000sqft or so (larger would be nice too) some yard. Commute to Amazon.

Seattle - Greenwood, Olympic Hills (other areas like wallingford or ravenna seem out of our price range). Saw a few town homes in queen anne in our price range, not sure if the area would have less families and a more younger crowd.

Northern Suburbs - Shoreline and Lake forest park - these seemed to be a hit or a miss, in terms of neighborhoods. some streets were quite gritty.

Eastside-Bothell - very suburban; Kenmore - kinda blah.Issaquah - again hit or miss in terms of grittiness, somewhat nice homes. Bellevue seems out of our price point and so does Redmond west of Marymoor park. Have looked at Education Hill. Looked at the larger lots in Woodinville, however "fit" is a concern - we don't own horses (we like wine and like to grow our own vegetables - inability to do so is not a deal breaker)

[cmswazey]

Well, my husband and I are a bit on the nerdy side- but re neighborhood we mainly cared about low crime and comfortable, affordability, highway access, ease of transportation, etc. I don't care what my neighbors like to do as long as they are cordial, aren't criminals and keep their places from looking like skid road. If I'd had kids, schools would have been another criterion.

I've always found that the world is filled with college grads who wouldn't pick up a book to save their lives, though many of them are alert, bright, pleasant and all the rest of it. If I get a bit too free with literary or historical references, I often get blank looks. I find it easier to make friends based on activities and venues of mutual interest. I haven't been able to turn to my 'hood to get my geek on. Probably easier in the million dollar and up range? Dunno.

Just find a pleasant neighborhood with prices that meet your budget and you'll probably be aok.

I think 650k for a house is quite doable.

[homesinseattle]

Welcome Dotmom, I'm from Miami via university in Vermont, here in Seattle 26 years. My wife was born NYC and grew up in and around DC. Don't give up on the Northend. Shoreline in particularly is a good fit for your budget (great schools too). Other clients of mine who fit your profile have settled quite happily there. On the Eastside, throw Newport Hills (South Bellevue) into the mix.

[Dotmom]

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I should have clarified, the fit is more important for my kids, than me or my husband (we can get our geek on where we work). My concern is that the value systems spills into the schools. My son's elementary school (in the Wash. DC area) had kids with a totally different value system than ours. The neighbor hood looked great on paper, but it wasn't us. As a result, my kid was bullied for his interests and for not wearing $250 shoes (I am serious). We are in renting in Redmond right now where the kids have values similar to ours (all fairly nerdy, similar interests to my son) and I have never seem my son this happy, EVER. It's important for kids to be somewhat accepted into the schools they attend - a constant negative feedback is very damaging. Kids step outside the door to find kids to play with and a constant clash of value system can be draining to both the kids and parents.

I don't care what my neighbors like to do as long as they are cordial, aren't criminals and keep their places from looking like skid road.

[Dotmom]

Thank you! Any neighborhoods there that are a no-no (in terms of safety)

[homesinseattle]

If you are asking about Shoreline, I just think staying away from being too close to Hwy 99 is wise. You might want to have a look at West Seattle too, though the Shoreline schools have a better overall reputation. Another place where your dollar would go farther is Bothell-Kenmore (Northshore schools). Overall, I think Shoreline may be the best fit (schools, geographic needs, budget, commute without bridges).

All these areas discussed are quite popular, for the reasons I mentioned. You need good preparation, excellent research and a decisive manner when the right home comes. As I'm sure you know, homes in these areas are often selling for $75-$100K over list price, pre-inspected, with multiple offers. Another benefit of Shoreline is that there isn't quite as much competition as closer in, you will like what you can get for your money, might want to plan on the high end of your range. Shoreline also enjoys close proximity to Puget Sound.

School rankings are nice starting points but not everything. I recommend strongly to my clients to visit the schools in the areas they are considering, meet with the administrators. You can learn a lot that way.

[Dotmom]

Originally Posted by Dotmom

Thank you! Any neighborhoods there that are a no-no (in terms of safety)

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Welcome Dotmom, I'm from Miami via university in Vermont, here in Seattle 26 years. My wife was born NYC and grew up in and around DC. Don't give up on the Northend. Shoreline in particularly is a good fit for your budget (great schools too). Other clients of mine who fit your profile have settled quite happily there. On the Eastside, throw Newport Hills (South Bellevue) into the mix.

Thanks so much! Any no-no areas in Shoreline?
Will add Newport Hills!

[Dotmom]

Thanks @homesinseattle

[homesinseattle]

Sure, see above, I added more

[aislingdeas]

HI Dotmom, everyone,

We are both in the tech industry and getting ready to move from the Boston area to Seattle for my husband's job. I am in the same boat as you, I am worried about my kids settling and choosing an area where they don't need $250 shoes to fit in! We are looking at Magnolia, - safe, convenient, easy to get around and seems very friendly. It is very pricey though, any thoughts on Magnolia?

Thanks!