Townhome in Bellevue vs House in Issaquah / Kirkland (Seattle, Newcastle: apartments, townhomes)

[Walch1007]

How does everyone feel about buying a townhome in Bellevue vs a House in Issaquah or Kirkland?

I'm interested in views from both a convenience standpoint as well as property appreciation.

I will be working in downtown Seattle, and employer has shuttle buses from all 3 of these areas so difference in commute times won't matter to me as I will just nap/work/read on the bus.

My thought is that Bellevue will continue to attract many rich Asians as it does have that more urban, multicultural, newer feel (all things I enjoy) so there is definitely potential for further price appreciation.

On the other hand, Kirkland and Issaquah both have excellent schools, have more of that sleepy suburb feel where you could get to know your neighbour, and single family homes very often experience MORE price appreciation than apartments and townhomes.

I plan to start a family in a year or two and my budget is $700-800K. Could afford more, but would prefer not to be super house poor.

Thanks!

[homesinseattle]

I think Kirkland seems like the best combination of your needs and what you say you like.

[Ira500]

I don't think price appreciation is going to be significantly different between the three, and that's not something that can always be predicted accurately.
So if you remove that from being the most important, where do you think you'd be happiest? As far as single family homes, both Kirkland and Issaquah have seen lots of newer construction in the last few years. Issaquah has plans for much more growth on the west side of downtown Issaquah. Right now it's the quietest of the three, although rush hour on Front Street is an absolute nightmare. Bellevue is quite large physically, so if you wanted a single family home within the city, it's still possible to buy one for 700-800k, just not so close to downtown Bellevue, and often older, but well maintained/remodeled homes.

[MayouInSeattle]

Originally Posted by Ira500

I don't think price appreciation is going to be significantly different between the three, and that's not something that can always be predicted accurately.
So if you remove that from being the most important, where do you think you'd be happiest? As far as single family homes, both Kirkland and Issaquah have seen lots of newer construction in the last few years. Issaquah has plans for much more growth on the west side of downtown Issaquah. Right now it's the quietest of the three, although rush hour on Front Street is an absolute nightmare. Bellevue is quite large physically, so if you wanted a single family home within the city, it's still possible to buy one for 700-800k, just not so close to downtown Bellevue, and often older, but well maintained/remodeled homes.

Maybe I am not looking in the right place, but most SFRs in Bellevue seem to be in the million++ range. I am looking near the freeway though. Any tips on others to check out?

[Akama13]

Originally Posted by MayouInSeattle

Maybe I am not looking in the right place, but most SFRs in Bellevue seem to be in the million++ range. I am looking near the freeway though. Any tips on others to check out?

East Bellevue is cheaper.

[homesinseattle]

Yes Mayou, try the Lake Hills area near Crossroads Mall. You'll find some great mid century homes on good sized lots.

[jrpaulson]

Walch and Mayou, you won't see very many houses listed because they are getting offers right away and no longer show up when you look. However, there have been over 200 homes sold in Bellevue in that price range over the last 6 months. You must be prepared, patient, and not get discouraged if you don't get the first home you make an offer on.

[Walch1007]

Could someone help me understand why Kirkland so much cheaper, on average, than Newcastle or even Issaquah? Newcastle is quicker into downtown I guess.

[homesinseattle]

Walch, I think it depends on where you are talking. North Kirkland or Juanita might be a little less expensive than Newcastle, Central Kirkland/Houghton certainly aren't. Are you comparing apples to apples with square footage? There are some large homes in Newcastle and Issaquah.

[RVD90277]

Kirkland is expensive if you look at areas like Houghton, etc. If you go over to Rose Hills, Juanita, etc. then it gets a little more affordable the houses are older, no lake views, etc.

Personally I would recommend a home in Kirkland over a townhome in Bellevue but that's just me. I like having a yard, space between neighbors, etc.