looking for best town to raise family (Seattle, Tacoma: 2015, houses)

[nickibobo]

Hi, we're relocating to Seattle area from New Hampshire. I'm looking for a nice larger suburb, for a 2500+ sq ft. home $300-$350,000. I'd prefer to be in a culde sac type neighborhood where kids can ride bikes. My husband will work in Kent, so the commute should be 30 minutes or less. The schools are what matters most, but I do not prefer to be in an upper class town (Like Bellevue??) Don't like the attitude that goes with that, and we are looking for friendly people. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I've looked into Puyallup, but that's it so far. Thanks!!!

[CityGirl72]

Have you looked into Maple Valley or Black Diamond? That's where I would live with my kids if it wasn't so far away from Downtown seattle

Plus alothough I know it's possible to find a house in that price range you are going to get out of the city area to find them that low...prices are starting to slow and come down - but we are still high, although I'd say New Hampshire might be expensive too

[Ira500]

Maple Valley is home to he Tahoma School District, which is well regarded.

[MaikeerinWA]

Maple Valley is certainly worthy of strong consideration, especially with your spouse working in Kent. It's relatively affordable and family friendly. Do a search on this forum for this city; you'll find a good deal of discussion, I'm sure.

[ohanby]

I would have to agree with Maple Valley. Covington is nice as well, but then you are in Kent Schools, but the ones in Covington are pretty good. All in all, the Covington/Maple Valley/Black Diamond are is one of my favorites here.

I live in Kent (East Hill) and the only bad thing about where I live is the schools. I like this area of Seattle a lot. Lots of families and close(ish) to Seattle.

[seattlenextyear]

Yes, if anyone can tell me where I can find a 2500 sq ft home for $300,000 in the Seattle area, I'm also all ears. I'm currently on the "won't be able to afford a house until 2015" savings plan.

[Ira500]

Actually, you can find a 2500+ square foot home in the Seattle area for under 350,000 dollars, and a couple under 300. I just scanned the MLS listings. There aren't a lot, and nothing north of downtown Seattle, and it depends on how you define the Seattle area, but there two within the Seattle city limits, one on South Beacon Hill and one in upper Rainier Beach, one in Renton, a few in Kent, a few in SeaTac, and a bunch in Tacoma and Bremerton. Not saying that any of them are in decent shape at all, but they do exist.

[CityGirl72]

Ira500, they stated they wanted the best for their kids, in my honest opinion only: I wouldn't put my kids in any of those areas you mention

[Ira500]

No, me neither. It was more an exercise to satisfy my own curiosity about whether such a place existed at all in the Seattle area. I was more answering seattlenextyears post than the original poster from NH.

[nickibobo]

I did notice some houses $300-$400,000 in Puyullup & Maple Valley. Maybe closer to $400,000. Am I wrong? Some people mentioned Maple Valley...but I did not see anything about Puyallup. Is that a town anyone out there would consider? I do not want to live in downtown Seattle, and prefer to be in a suburb.