Looking to live near a quaint downtown: where is it? (Seattle: rentals, houses)

[jemyr]

We're a family of four, two very small children.

I'm looking in the good school district areas (Bellevue, Mercer, Issaquah, Bainbridge Island).

So far I like Bainbridge the best. It has a nice, though sleepy downtown, and direct access by the ferry to all the things to do in downtown seattle (Big sports events and movie theaters, very nice restaurants).

But I was noticing prices in Mercer for the types of houses and rentals I'm looking at are comparable in Bellevue and Mercer.

I went over to Mercer and while the homes are gorgeous, the downtown area seemed very.... strip mally to me. I didn't see many people walking, and it just didn't have the community type of feel the Bainbridge downtown had. In addition, I left during rush hour and MY WORD the traffic is horrible. If I wanted to leave to see a movie, it could take me an hour to get ten miles.

So any suggestions? Looking for a nice safe neighborhood for children in a good school district, but within about 10 blocks to a downtown that has cafes, restaurants, and a grocery store and possibly a movie theater. Think old town Pasadena, CA or old town Sarasota, FL.

My friends tell me Wallingford would be perfect for me, but I don't know if those schools are any good. And good schools and safety take priority with the kids.

[Prple]

Sounds like you are on the right track... I think Bainbridge Island would be your best bet. Snoqualmie Ridge MIGHT be worth looking at, but the schools aren't quite as good as Bainbridge or Mercer Island and it is farther out, (but more affordable). Snoqualmie Ridge - Shopping and Services Some of the Seattle schools are pretty good, but many people choose to private school in the city. If you decide to go the Seattle route, I would look at Madison Park, Green Lake and Magnolia; not sure about the schools though. I love Issaquah, and the downtown is super cute, but I don't think of it as being extreemly walkable like some of the other places mentioned. Good luck!

[Ira500]

Downtown Issaquah has it's charms. I like old downtowns that are doing well, and I love Old Town Pasadena, and I don't think there's quite anything comparable in a good school district. Within Seattle, the school district administration is royally screwed up and almost seems to want to sabotage successful programs, but despite that there are some good elementary schools in friendly, fun neighborhoods. Wallingford is one. So is Ravenna. So is Montlake, and so are Mount Baker and Madrona...but in Seattle you have to be much more proactive as a parent to ensure that your children go to good schools, but they are out there.

[jemyr]

Originally Posted by Ira500

Downtown Issaquah has it's charms. I like old downtowns that are doing well, and I love Old Town Pasadena, and I don't think there's quite anything comparable in a good school district. Within Seattle, the school district administration is royally screwed up and almost seems to want to sabotage successful programs, but despite that there are some good elementary schools in friendly, fun neighborhoods. Wallingford is one. So is Ravenna. So is Montlake, and so are Mount Baker and Madrona...but in Seattle you have to be much more proactive as a parent to ensure that your children go to good schools, but they are out there.

Well, as for Pasadena, it's in a terrible school district too. That seems to be the problem with the succesful old town downtown areas (50+ restaurant types). It tends to be young couples and not families there. Usually the good family neighborhoods end up with slightly smaller, quainter downtowns. Probably because families don't have as much money to spend.

Old Town Pasadena is a perfect sized downtown, but I simply don't think I'm going to find something like that up here with a good school district.

So Wallingford IS in a good school district? And has walkability too? As do the others you mentioned?

I guess what I'm really looking for is that kind of lifestyle where you would live within 5 blocks of downtown Mayberry (or bigger), but also have access to the "big city" which is what I like about Bainbridge. Getting into Downtown Seattle without needing a car is very nice.

The problem with these areas that are near big cities is they tend to be in about a half square mile radius and are very easy to miss. I drove around some neighborhoods in Bellevue and didn't see anything walkable, but the traffic was so terrible at the time, I didn't push into the city center areas.

My husband and I work from home, though we need to be within an hour or so from the airport. I think we are suffering from too many options.

[Ira500]

No, Walllingford is a neighborhood in Seattle. Nice neighborhood, some good public schools around, but the school district as a whole is pretty bad.

[mitsuturbo]

There's always Port Orchard or Gig Harbor

[tkchamp]

Have you looked at West Seattle? We moved here a year ago and live there. It's a great place! Nice "main street" area and the best part is that it's only 3 miles from downtown Seattle. Housing prices are a little higher, but if you're willing to do with a little less house, or a little older house, it's a GREAT place. School districts are great (especially in the Admiral area). Check it out....

Also, it is extremely safe.....I love it here!

[Ira500]

tkchamp is right. West Seattle has some great neighborhoods that are safe and feel like small towns. The Admiral district is great, as is the Alaska Junction area, has that " Mayberry with espresso" feel.

[MaikeerinWA]

Another for West Seattle; I especially like the Admiral Junction area. It doesn't particularly remind me of old Pasadena, though. West Seattle can be walkable and pleasant, but I dunno about "quaint."