Living in outskirts of Seattle and commuting (Everett, Renton: 2015, apartment)

[tothewolves1099]

Originally Posted by Kayela

Not sure why you keep using the word 'central' to describe someplace that most people almost consider to be part of Canada (not totally exaggerating). The only good thing I can say about living in Everett is that if you ever lose that telecommute option, it's almost equally as painful to the Eastside as to Seattle.


I've spent plenty of time in Everett. There's a reason it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to live there. Much like Tacoma, Everett is being forced to gentrify rapidly as one of the last affordable bastions of Western WA.

You seem like a real treat.

[Seacove]

Originally Posted by tothewolves1099

You seem like a real treat.

Portland might be the perfect mix of lower costs at a higher standard.

[tothewolves1099]

Originally Posted by misscross

Lynnwood is between Everett and Seattle and more affordable than the Eastside and accessible by light rail. There are plenty of choices between those two cities

Thank you, I will look into those areas.

[tothewolves1099]

Originally Posted by Seacove

Portland might be the perfect mix of lower costs at a higher standard.

Classy.

[Jane917]

Double check that Oregon income tax rate. Only the top income levels are taxed at that rate. After deductions, even with no children, the average rate is more like 6%. Housing in Portland, though expensive, is still less than Seattle. Many people prefer to live in Vancouver WA, or the vicinity to avoid the OR income tax, but take advantage of no sales tax in OR. However, if you live in WA and work in OR! You will still be subject to OR income tax.

[Ruth4Truth]

OP, if Everett was good enough for the late Senator Henry Jackson, it should be good enough for you. There are nice parts of Everett, and it has quite a bit of waterfront. There are good transit links to Seattle, all the way to downtown.

Also consider Edmonds, just south of Everett, on Puget Sound, and Lake Forest Park, bordering Seattle to the northwest, on Lake Washington. Condo prices in those areas are also in your price range.
https://www.trulia.com/property/3014...monds-WA-98026

https://www.trulia.com/property/3211...-Park-WA-98155
https://www.trulia.com/property/3049...-Park-WA-98155

[Hemlock140]

This is the kind of thing that gives Everett the reputation among the cities to the south, and while there are drug and crime problems, there are also nice areas. It's just a matter of researching neighborhoods well before choosing where to live.

Everett sign reads 'Welcome to Tweakerville' | KING5.com

https://myeverettnews.com/2017/09/12...n-casino-road/

[homesinseattle]

Go sit and take in the vibe and nice people at Zippy's organic cafe/coffee shop at 15th and Rucker in Historic North Everett, walk over to beautiful Grand Ave park at 16th and Grand overlooking Puget Sound and flanked by well kept historic mansions. Go down to the waterfront, have a happy hour drink and seafood at sunset at Anthony's. You'll discover a side of Everett that most people don't know exists. Housing prices to buy or rent, relative to King County, are quite reasonable.

[tothewolves1099]

Originally Posted by Jane917

Double check that Oregon income tax rate. Only the top income levels are taxed at that rate. After deductions, even with no children, the average rate is more like 6%. Housing in Portland, though expensive, is still less than Seattle. Many people prefer to live in Vancouver WA, or the vicinity to avoid the OR income tax, but take advantage of no sales tax in OR. However, if you live in WA and work in OR! You will still be subject to OR income tax.

Hi Jane,

I used a paycheck calculator and it came out to 9% of our level of income, insanely high. Most jobs are in Portland, Hillsboro, or Beaverton in my field so the chances of being able to find a job in Vancouver are relatively low. I'm also kind of sour on the Portland job market in general, it seems more up and down than Seattle area.

[tothewolves1099]

Originally Posted by tothewolves1099

Do any of you have thoughts on Everett? To me it looks like an up and coming area that's kind of been an afterthought for transplants of Seattle. Our main interests will be hiking, exploring, photography, dog walking, and living a healthier lifestyle. We do not have kids but would prefer to buy in an area with good schools for resale value. I've seen several condos/townhomes that are in the $275K range that are very appealing to us.

Are there other areas we should look at in that price range that are similar that might be better?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Also wanted to correct something here, we're looking more in the $300-310k range and a condo/townhouse specifically.