Can you confirm that Bothell and Woodinville would be the best places for our family? (Seattle: cul-de-sac, rental market)

[DIYMama]

Hello - I have been researching here and everywhere on the best places to live in the Seattle metro area. I am hoping you can confirm my ideas on where the best places to live would be for my family.

Job location: my husband has a new job at University of Washington's main campus. He will be working regular business hours plus off hours for events. Would prefer no more than 45 minute commute (we are coming from a place with a 5-minute commute, so any commute will be a rude awakening for us!). Open to public transit, but will want option to bring car for days that will end in a late night for events.

Our Budget We will rent initially. We expect to pay $2500-3000/month for a 3/2. We would be fine in 1600sf+.

Kids/Pets: We have two elementary-school children. We will need a school with a good gifted program. We also have two dogs, so a backyard of some kind is desired. We tend to prefer holistic education with a focus on character development and less on testing. Difficult, I know, in the public environment. I know the top districts are Bellevue, Lake Washington, Northshore, shoreline, Issaquah, etc. Private is not an option at this point.

Environment We are not urban-setting people - we are much more comfortable in a suburban environment. We are moving from a small college town in Virginia (40,000 people) and enjoy the smaller, close-knit atmosphere of seeing people at the grocery store that you know. We would like to be in a neighborhood setting - cul-de-sacs and community parks and such.

Lifestyle We are homebodies, but are eager to explore Seattle and beyond through the libraries, parks, zoo/museums, etc, plus the outdoor options. We are not overly outdoorsy people, but do enjoy something every couple months or so. We prefer a low-key lifestyle and want a down-to-earth place that is more about the kids and not cars, designer clothes, or 9-year-olds with the latest cell phones.

My husband visited for his interview and was able to tour some areas. He thought Issaquah was too rural/not developed enough for us and that Kirkland was cute. He didn't get a chance to visit Woodinville or Bothell area, but those are areas that I have been focusing on. I like the fact that he would have essentially two commute routes to go if needed.

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

[homesinseattle]

Absolutely, for your specific geographic, school and budget reasons, focus on Bothell and Northshore schools.

[tobester]

The biggest killer to your whole deal might be the two dogs in a rental. The rental market for SFH is very tight and most landlords would prefer no pets. Also, though Seattle is a big city, most neighborhoods have exactly what you're looking for - cul de sacs, parks, community affairs, low key lifestyle ...

[Thom52]

UW job location....
I would strongly advise checking out some neighborhoods on the Seattle side. Traffic and tolls can really take its toll.

Otherwise, if that is not an issue for you, its a good choice...other than trying to find a rental that will take pets.

Kirkland Rose Hill area has easy access to a couple of park and rides that might have a direct bus to UW. It is worth checking into anyway.

[CrazyDonkey]

Look also at the Lake City area in NE Seattle. Schools: John Rogers K-5 "7", Eckstein 6-8 "9", and Nathan Hale 9-12 "8". Commute will be much more doable.

[modc]

Maybe check out lake forest park. I think some of it is in the Northshore school district and it might cut down on some of the commute. I like bothell too.

I know you like the suburbs but some of the neighborhoods in the north east part of Seattle, a little north of Magnuson park seem very neighborhoody and family friendly to me. Of course, big yards will be easier to come by in Bothell vs Seattle but a shorter commute might make it worthwhile.

[DIYMama]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Absolutely, for your specific geographic, school and budget reasons, focus on Bothell and Northshore schools.

Thank you so much!

[DIYMama]

Originally Posted by tobester

The biggest killer to your whole deal might be the two dogs in a rental. The rental market for SFH is very tight and most landlords would prefer no pets. Also, though Seattle is a big city, most neighborhoods have exactly what you're looking for - cul de sacs, parks, community affairs, low key lifestyle ...

Thanks for pointing this out about the dogs - I hadn't thought of that. Good to know most neighborhoods offer these items!

[DIYMama]

Originally Posted by Thom52

UW job location....
I would strongly advise checking out some neighborhoods on the Seattle side. Traffic and tolls can really take its toll.

Otherwise, if that is not an issue for you, its a good choice...other than trying to find a rental that will take pets.

Kirkland Rose Hill area has easy access to a couple of park and rides that might have a direct bus to UW. It is worth checking into anyway.

An express bus would be a great option. I did see this on some of the transportation sites I have looked at. Thanks for your comments!

[DIYMama]

Originally Posted by CrazyDonkey

Look also at the Lake City area in NE Seattle. Schools: John Rogers K-5 "7", Eckstein 6-8 "9", and Nathan Hale 9-12 "8". Commute will be much more doable.

I'm concerned that this area would be too densely populated for us. Just looking at satellite images on google maps...and it appears to lack the neighborhood feel. Am I getting the wrong impression of this area? The commute definitely looks better! Thank you!