Moving to Washington soon... where to avoid for an apartment? (Seattle: apartments, rentals)

[Wanderingwanderer]

Hello everyone,

Long story short, my place was damaged pretty bad in the May storms here in Oklahoma. That was the last straw for me. I loved Washington the few times I've visited, but I do not have enough experience to know where to avoid for an apartment. I want to stay around the 700$ range to start off if that matters any.

So far on my list of towns I have Everett, Auburn, Bellingham, Bellevue, Redmond, Covington, Pullyup, Burien, and Steilacoom. I can venture elsewhere once I get to know the areas better.

Bellevue is unfortunately out of the question right now. I liked that area.

My question like the title says, where should I avoid? It will be just me and my cat. He's going to hate that road trip!

Thanks in advance everyone!

[Hemlock140]

I would suggest avoiding any places where the rent meets your budget. The only place mentioned likely to have $700 apartments is Puyallup, and they won't be in good neighborhoods. Even the worst parts of Everett start at $725. The cost of living here is 50% higher than Oklahoma.

[sequoias]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I would suggest avoiding any places where the rent meets your budget. The only place mentioned likely to have $700 apartments is Puyallup, and they won't be in good neighborhoods. Even the worst parts of Everett start at $725. The cost of living here is 50% higher than Oklahoma.

Worst part of Everett would be Casino Rd area, I believe. Not sure about the other areas. Don't forget Kent and Federal Way. I wonder why those random cities? Do you have a job set up over there so you can have a short commute?

[Pahn]

At $700 a month, you'll do just fine in Bellingham. I just hope you're good at waiting tables, because that's about all there is for jobs here. The only area to avoid in Bellingham is certain parts of Texas St. It's not dangerous, but it LOOKS shady.

The other noteworthy employers here are the oil refineries. If you've got skills that would work there, check them out.

[Cinebar]

You can get a decent apartment in the Chehalis/Centralia area for around $600.00 a month.

My son and daughter-in-law have a one bedroom apartment in Centralia for about that that is close to I-5, restaurants, grocery stores, an outlet mall, a nice park, and a health club.

They share the apartment with their three cats.

Is employment a concern? If you will be looking for work, and are interested in this area, I might be able to offer you a few ideas.

[Wanderingwanderer]

Employment is not a concern. I did find a place in Steilacoom. Is that a pretty decent area?

Moderator cut: link removed, linking to competitor sites is not allowed
According to that link, its not a bad area. The reviews for the apartment are at a very high recommendation rating.

[Tac-Sea]

Steilacom is fine, but as others said, most places in WA at that price are going to be dumps in the middle of the ghetto. No joke.

[lady fern]

The further you get away from the Seattle area, the more reasonable rentals will be.