Relocating from Tustin, CA to Seattle Area (Kent, Kirkland: apartment, condo)

[dcm9]

I’m moving from Orange County, CA to the Seattle area in early December. I will be visiting in early November to find an apartment. Here are my details:

- 24 year old single male.
- I work from home, so I can live just about anyplace.
- I will be traveling approx. 8-10 times per year.
- I’m used to urban sprawl, but don’t necessarily require it.
- I’m a baseball and hockey fan
- $950 / month max.
- I would prefer 2 br, 1 ba, (2nd br for office), but 1 br would be OK if living area was large enough.

After doing some research, it looks like East and Downtown are too expensive for me. I’m thinking North Seattle is probably what I’m looking for. The areas I’m thinking about are Bothell, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Mukilteo, Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds, Lynnwood and Kirkland.

Does this sound about right? Are there places I should add/remove from this list? If anybody has specific apartment recommendations, I would really appreciate it.

How about Kent? It isn’t in the North, but it sounds interesting (minor league hockey team).

[CityGirl72]

Being from Orange County you obviously would know it's impossible to find a 2 bedroom for $950 there - right? Same here - so you will definately NOT be near the downtown/urban areas on that budget.

Kent is rundown and dangerous compared to North of Seattle. I wouldn't live there. It's bonus is close to the airport.

There are some nice places in Burien but you really will have to look.

At that price and your age - I'd tell you you can get a decent studio apartment for your price, but it sounds like you'd like some space.

My husband (prior to marriage) had a studio in Fremont for $800 (in 2003) and it was kind of run down but the location was fantastic!!!

++++
PS - My husband and I are both from So Cal too

[Djpuma]

Moved from SoCal as well.

I think everyone moved here from somewhere else, not sure why really.

My advice is don't get too close to the Water, just like in Newport Beach, it's real expensive.

When I moved here last year I rented an apt in Kirkland for 950. 1br 1ba, not really worth it. It was a condo so at least it included water and garbage.

Woodinville, Kirkland, Bothell, Mill Creek are all pretty decent and the further North you go the cheaper it is. Driving into Seattle will be a nightmare but since you work from home. You'll be fine. On a good day I can get to Downtown Seattle in under 20 Minutes.

Kirkland has a pretty good downtown scene, not to posh, but not trashy either.