Snoqualmie Ridge -> Downtown commute (Seattle, Bellevue: house, neighborhood, new construction)

[jimmywoods]

We're quickly outgrowing our "charming" old north seattle home and the new construction out on Snoqualmie Ridge is currently our top relocation choice. While the idea of a bigger home with modern floorplan and quieter neighborhood all sound great, my biggest concern is the daily commute to downtown seattle for work (5th & Union area).

Anyone with experience want to chime in on what to expect? I would probably end up driving/parking downtown as opposed to taking the bus which I imagine would take much longer. It seems being right off 90 provides a little advantage to other closer-in suburbs that are farther off the freeways.

Secondly, how do the schools out there compare? Currently we're in the Green Lake Elementary, Eckstein Middle, Roosevelt High boundary.

[homesinseattle]

Oooh Jimmy, sure you want to leave the northend? I bet you will miss it. I'm thinking these days that it's good to make your commute better rather than worse. Although those are nice areas that you are talking about, I'm feeling future commute pain for you. How about a spacious completely remodeled mid-century home on a large lot in Shoreline or Broadview?

[jimmywoods]

Those are possibilities too as nothing's set in stone yet. Unfortunately I don't see any way to not make my commute longer AND get a bigger home. At this point it's just about keeping it as short/stress-free as possible while meeting our housing needs.

[Canamlian]

I tested out the Snoqualmie Ridge to Factoria, Bellevue commute a couple of times when I first moved to the area. In normal commute times, that was upwards of 40 minutes. I think the fastest was 20. Add another 20-30 to get to downtown Seattle in bad conditions.

If you leave before 7am, you might be able to squeeze it out in 35-40.

Ended up not having interest because I couldn't imagine living that far away to still have no land.

[MayouInSeattle]

I think the commute will wear on you over time. My friends in Sammamish complain about their commute pretty often, and the weather isn't even bad yet. I can't imagine going for an even longer stretch on i90.

[homesinseattle]

I'm telling you...Shoreline, give it a look. Maybe Seward Park too.

[jimmywoods]

Originally Posted by MayouInSeattle

I think the commute will wear on you over time. My friends in Sammamish complain about their commute pretty often, and the weather isn't even bad yet. I can't imagine going for an even longer stretch on i90.

My co-worker lives in Sammamish and complains about the commute. Though having driven to both his house and Snoqualmie during non-commute hours, it took much longer to get to his place due to the fact of it being so far from the freeway where as I-90 tends to be pretty clear after those exists going EB and the newer parts of the Ridge are right by the freeway.

[jimmywoods]

Originally Posted by Canamlian

I tested out the Snoqualmie Ridge to Factoria, Bellevue commute a couple of times when I first moved to the area. In normal commute times, that was upwards of 40 minutes. I think the fastest was 20. Add another 20-30 to get to downtown Seattle in bad conditions.

If you leave before 7am, you might be able to squeeze it out in 35-40.

Ended up not having interest because I couldn't imagine living that far away to still have no land.

Thanks for the info!

[flyingsaucermom]

We moved from Wedgwood to Issaquah Highlands and although there are a few things I really miss about Seattle, overall it's a better arrangement for my family. I think some Ridge people decide to drive to the Issaquah Highlands park and ride and take the bus into Seattle. My husband rides his bike to the park and ride and then busses to SLU. It's an hour commute, but since he's not driving he stays productive. And it's free for him so our commute costs are next to nothing (literally).

"How are the schools?"

I wouldn't have a problem with the schools personally. With all the new development and new money coming in I imagine schools will improve. There had been some contention between the Ridge development and older parts of Snoqualmie. Still an issue? I don't know...

Even where I live in Issaquah there are many parents that complain about the education here. I've learned over the years that education is a subjective, personal thing. I know a few families that have one kid going to public and another private based on the attributes of a particular child. Just keep that in mind when people give you their opinion.

There is a distinctively different feel with lifestyle and feel of the communities. Eastside is more conservative (which I surprisingly feel completely okay with despite being solidly left of center in my of my political views).

If I were you I would just make a point of spending a few more afternoons hanging out in the parks, library and retail areas. Try imagining that this is where you live and this is your life each and every day and see how it feels. Before committing to Issaquah I returned there at least once a week or so for about two months. I waited to see how my feelings changed... but they didn't. I just became increasingly convinced that we needed to move. Maybe that will happen to you, maybe it won't.

[Stonepa]

An hour each way doesn't sound bad at all. My commute in Cleveland was longer and I lived 17 miles from the office.