moving from NYC to Seattle without a job - live/work areas (real estate)

[movingwiththewind]

Hi guys, I am moving to Seattle in 2009. I am considering following areas: Ballard, Fremont, Lower Queen Ann, West Seattle and Capitol Hill. I want to move first and look for a job once I am in Seattle. I know many people think it's not a good idea (some on my friends including), but I did it before, so I'm sure I'll be fine. My question is: From the commuting perspective, what are areas to look for a job in, once I'm settled in one of the above mentioned neighborhoods? One more thing: I'll probably rely on public transportation for the first 6-12 months. Thanks everyone!

[allforcats]

Downtown Seattle, or any of the neighborhoods you mentioned, or other neighborhoods adjacent to any of those neighborhoods, or south of downtown, or north of downtown, or the east side on an express bus line.

There's plenty of public transportation service in all of the neighborhoods you mentioned, going in a variety of directions. Loads of people commute from and to exactly those neighborhoods. There's good access.

The public transit system within the city of Seattle is called Metro. Here is the Metro system map:
http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/psystem_map.html (broken link)

[movingwiththewind]

Originally Posted by allforcats

Downtown Seattle, or any of the neighborhoods you mentioned, or other neighborhoods adjacent to any of those neighborhoods, or south of downtown, or north of downtown, or the east side on an express bus line.

There's plenty of public transportation service in all of the neighborhoods you mentioned, going in a variety of directions. Loads of people commute from and to exactly those neighborhoods. There's good access.

The public transit system within the city of Seattle is called Metro. Here is the Metro system map:
Metro Transit System Map (http://transit.metrokc.gov/tops/bus/psystem_map.html - broken link)

Allforcats, as always a great info, thanks! I've heard that rents/real estate in West Seattle is a bit lower than in other parts of Seattle in part because commuting to other parts of the city is somewhat restricted. Is it true? As I understand, there are only two ways to reach other neighborhoods from West Seattle: Through a bridge and a ferry service (only half a year per during summer months).

[Ira500]

West Seattle has the main bridge, the lower level bridge next to it, and another bridge a bit further south. When things are flowing smoothly, or you're on a bus in the bus only lane, West Seattle is only ten minutes from downtown, and has great views and fun walkable neighborhoods.

[Ira500]

West Seattle has the main bridge, the lower level bridge next to it, and another bridge a bit further south. When things are flowing smoothly, or you're on a bus in the bus only lane, West Seattle is only ten minutes from downtown, and has great views and fun walkable neighborhoods.

[movingwiththewind]

Originally Posted by movingwiththewind

Hi guys, I am moving to Seattle in 2009. I am considering following areas: Ballard, Fremont, Lower Queen Ann, West Seattle and Capitol Hill.

I'll rent. Being used to NYC's housing, I'm looking for a 1-2 bedroom in an appartment building. I'm not sure about renting a place in a house. I understand, there are areas in Seattle with only houses, no appartment buildings. What are good areas in the above mentioned neighborhoods that have appartment buildings? Earthquakewise, are modern appatment buildings in Seattle as safe as woodframed houses? Also, what is a difference (other than price) of renting a (half) house and an appartment? Thanks!

[Ira500]

The above mentioned places all have apartments, especially Capitol Hill, but Fremont and Ballard have plenty as well.

[movingwiththewind]

Originally Posted by Ira500

The above mentioned places all have apartments, especially Capitol Hill, but Fremont and Ballard have plenty as well.

Thanks, Ira500. Are apartment buildings spread out all other the neighborhoods or are they rather concentrated in pockets of small areas?