Job transfer to Seattle, need some ideas about housing.

[eugene_b]

Something to add to your calculation is that Seattle is one of the best US cities when it comes to public transportation. I would very strongly recommend to utilize that and prioritize staying inside city; so places like Fremont, Ballard, Green Lake, etc. and whatever neighborhoods the train going South connects to (I am not very familiar with those parts of city) even if it means renting a smaller room, basement, etc.. Unless you have actual reasons to be further out, like you are a hardcore skier or something.

[dav51lin]

the market is nuts expensive

[CrazyDonkey]

Originally Posted by skyhawk214

Then stay in a hotel for a week (with my discounted rate) and look at some places in person, because I can see where people would be uncomfortable renting a room to someone from out of state.

Smarter might be to stash your car at an off-site airport parking lot (<$10/day? - check Groupon for deals), then stay at a hostel, rather than a hotel. Get an ORCA card and put Regional Day Passes ($8/day) on it, then learn the transit system while looking for a place to live.

[Ruth4Truth]

Originally Posted by skyhawk214

I'll have my car, but my job does pay up to $30 a month for utilization of public transportation. I'd like to use that as much as possible. According to my manager, everyone commutes to work every day. I don't mind taking the light rail or a bus from a park and ride.

I'd consider West Seattle, where rents are a little lower, and there's a nice beach scene and great parks. Also--a people ferry to downtown, which allows you to skip the commute traffic. Another "affordable" (-ish) option would be the Northgate area in north Seattle, which has a transit center with buses that take you downtown. The buses still have to deal with traffic, though. Do a search on Craigslist under the "shares" category, to see what rooms rent for in those areas.

Is your schedule a regular 9-5, more or less, or is it a different shift? It makes a difference in terms of traffic and commute times.

[leastprime]

The Alps Apartments, 621 King St. S; Chinatown. $700/mn + $170 parking. Temporary-shortterm. 3 blocks to LINK, Bus, Amtrak (International Transit Center). This will be as cheap, as easy to get to your work hotel as it gets. Cheap eats. Know idea on availability.
Good Luck.