From MSP to NYC to SEA?

[homesinseattle]

Redmond is nice but not really that walkable (I have a NYC bred wife too ). Kirkland is a possibility, nice walkable core by the lake. I just feel though, based on what you have said, that the vibe of the Seattle neighborhoods I mentioned might be the best fit for you.

[leastprime]

Take a six month rental, get a RE agent, and make them earn their fee.

[MrGrocer]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Hi Mau, sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of our little part of the world, best of luck with the move. You might really like Seattle neighborhoods like Phinney Ridge, Green Lake or Wallingford, all walkable and with quite good schools. Other options, a little higher in price but very walkable areas with good schools: Capitol Hill, Madison Park, Montlake.

Olympia (and Tacoma) are also walkable with mostly liberal mindsets. Maple Valley, Leavenworth and Gig Harbor, not so much. Dark horse outside the box candidate, you might consider Vashon Island. Not a bad Seatac commute, idyllic, very progressive/organic/groovy vibe.

I'll echo Green Lake, Wallingford, Capitol Hill (For a young family, probably east of 12th Ave), Madison Park, and Montlake neighborhoods. Madrona may be a good place to check out as well. If you are planning to buy in the near future, budget $1.0MM+ on the very low end for these areas if you're looking for a single family home.

Once you're searching for homes to buy, my geologist family member recommends first searching the property in the Seattle GIS map. Select the "Layers" filter in the top right, and tick the box for "Environmentally Critical Areas". Seattle has neighborhoods on landfills, peat bogs, steep hills prone to mudslides, and other fun features underground.

[RVFullTimer]

You picked all the cities that are the most expensive. You have good taste. You must beware of the counties UGA restictions which will cost you. For example I spoke with Mason County Health Dept. and they wanted 16000. yes 16000 extra dollars because it was in a URBAN GROWTH AREA. I remind you that this is just a added on fee to the normal crap. Buyer beware!!!! I didn't mention that the $16,000 only involved the septic system. I can not imagine the rest of the fees. Screw Mason county.

[lifexponential]

I live in Gig Harbor, not too bad of a drive to anywhere and it's still an idyllic town.

[leastprime]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Redmond is nice but not really that walkable (I have a NYC bred wife too ). Kirkland is a possibility, nice walkable core by the lake. I just feel though, based on what you have said, that the vibe of the Seattle neighborhoods I mentioned might be the best fit for you.

It is walkable, when one live in the Flats of Redmond (apartment buildings, condos, )
Redmond is Not very walkable if you live in them hills (SFH, apartment complexes)

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by leastprime

It is walkable, when one live in the Flats of Redmond (apartment buildings, condos, )
Redmond is Not very walkable if you live in them hills (SFH, apartment complexes)

I guess I meant more "walkability" than "walkable", the ability to stroll out and enjoy real neighborhoods with pubs, cafes, shops. Sure, there is some of that if you live near Downtown Redmond, but not in the same way Seattle neighborhoods (or Downtown Kirkland) provide that.