If cost were not a factor, where in Washington would you live? (Seattle: homes, living)

[kavm]

Originally Posted by dav51lin

waterfront gig harbor wa with a small dock

We aren't kayakers/boaters/sailors. So, while find it attractive, the value we might place on it is not as high. Of course, waterfront, in and of itself, is hugely attractive but we aren't an exception on that.

[SeattleCat]

West Seattle. On the back side of Alki. I'm not sure exactly what that neighborhood is called. Second choice would be Port Townsend.

[StealthRabbit]

Originally Posted by kavm

We aren't kayakers/boaters/sailors. So, while find it attractive, the value we might place on it is not as high. Of course, waterfront, in and of itself, is hugely attractive but we aren't an exception on that.

You will pay dearly for WA waterfront (property taxes). Rates and assessments vary by county, and within each county. (Some are <$7/ thousand to in excess of $15/ thousand within a single county) Some assessors are very aggressive and proactive, others are more reasonable. Our tax obligation on same home have gone from $800 / yr to over $15k / yr (no improvements, only older and needing repairs now). Senior / retiree Deferrals available if you make less than $35k / yr. But these deferrals include a lien and significant interest which will be reconciled when you sell the property.

You will pay taxes on assessors valuation (not what you actually pay for property) May be more, may be less.
WA is a full disclosure / reporting state, as there is a RE sales excise tax, so purchase price is public info.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

You will pay dearly for WA waterfront (property taxes). Rates and assessments vary by county, and within each county. (Some are <$7/ thousand to in excess of $15/ thousand within a single county) Some assessors are very aggressive and proactive, others are more reasonable. Our tax obligation on same home have gone from $800 / yr to over $15k / yr (no improvements, only older and needing repairs now). Senior / retiree Deferrals available if you make less than $35k / yr. But these deferrals include a lien and significant interest which will be reconciled when you sell the property.

You will pay taxes on assessors valuation (not what you actually pay for property) May be more, may be less.
WA is a full disclosure / reporting state, as there is a RE sales excise tax, so purchase price is public info.

Yes, despite cost not being a factor in buying, the cost of tax and insurance can be significant. Our house has gone up in value to $1.6 million so we have nice equity but the taxes for this year just went up $1,000 to $8,500, and the insurance went up from $2,200 to $2,900, due, they say, to the cost of lumber/materials/labor. Of course, if one can afford a $12.8 million Seattle waterfront property, with a $4,000/month HOA fee, paying another 35,000 in taxes is probably not a big deal.

[mayfair]

Originally Posted by StealthRabbit

You will pay dearly for WA waterfront (property taxes). Rates and assessments vary by county, and within each county. (Some are <$7/ thousand to in excess of $15/ thousand within a single county) Some assessors are very aggressive and proactive, others are more reasonable.

True. I know people who sold water view homes because of the tax burden. Since WA has no income tax, property taxes can be high if you want any type of waterfront or view home.

Another factor for views of Puget Sound is the evening western exposure which can cook the house inside in summer in the afternoon. The long summer days and intense afternoon sun can make the place very hot, and I also know someone who sold a view house for that reason. You need blinds to block out the afternoon sun in summer.

[leastprime]

thinking, ...
Maybe, Bainbridge, East slope looking towards Seattle (Puget-Elliott Bay), Mt Rainier, and the sunrise.
A 30 minute ferry ride to Coleman Dock Seattle, then a 10 minute walk to Amtrak, LINK, Chinatown, Stadiums, Bus connections. Or walk the other direction towards Pike Place and Seattle Retail District. Senior Fare $4.60 RT (Bainbridge to Seattle is free, but Seattle ->Bainbridge is $4.60) $9.40 adult fare. $1.00 senior on ORCA card within the Seattle Metro area, 2.5 (?)hour, unlimited transfers and boardings.

I am always in awe of water views, sunsets/sunrises and mountain views all at the same time.

[kavm]

Thank you for very nice ideas! We will try to check out some of these options too!

[trailtramp]

Money no object...I'd likely pick Gig Harbor, on a hillside looking at water.

[FVWinters]

If cost were no factor?
Bellingham!

[jabogitlu]

I'd live in this neighborhood.

https://www.google.com/maps/@47.6060...7i16384!8i8192