Lacey: Gimme the good, the bad, and the ugly? (Seattle: apartment, to rent)

[KrystalAway]

I'm currently living in Eastern Washington, after spending almost five years in Seattle. Anyway, I have an interview lined up in Lacey, but I've only ever passed through the area (namely, Olympia), so I have no idea what to expect if this interview turns into a job offer.

Here's the deal, I'd be working part-time, making approx. $1300/month, and even though I've done some looking on Craigslist, I really don't know if I could get a decent apartment in a safe part of town for, say, $500-$600/month.

I also don't have a car at the moment, so I'm wondering how feasible it is to live in Lacey without one. For the most part, I'll only be doing the basics--going to work, grocery shopping, and recreational stuff on the weekends--so late-night transportation/travel isn't a must. But, really, how's the bus system? Or should I get a car?

Those, really, are my main two questions:

1) can I afford to rent a decent place for $500-ish/month (particularly in the area around Saint Martin's University) and;
2) can I get by reasonably well without a car?

I'm also interested in hearing about the "vibe" the city gives off. I know it's about half the size of the city I live in now, but my current city is a cultural wasteland, so I'm thinking anything's a step up from here, lol.

Is it more of a quiet, small-town feel? Or is it more college town-y? I'm kinda hoping for a happy medium between Seattle's urbanness and the laidback, country-ish lifestyle we have out here in Eastern Washington. Am I way off the mark with that?

Oh, and I totally want to hear about any negatives, perceived or proven, people have run into. Basically, I want to hear it all!

This potential job definitely isn't a sure thing, but if it turns into a job offer, I'll have to make the move in early May, so I want to be prepared, just in case.

Thanks, everyone.

[Inkpoe]

Originally Posted by KrystalAway

Those, really, are my main two questions:

1) can I afford to rent a decent place for $500-ish/month (particularly in the area around Saint Martin's University) and;
2) can I get by reasonably well without a car?

1.) Better to up your range to $700-800 range. It is possible to find 500ish, but wouldn't expect it. Olympia is very safe, hardly any "bad" neighborhoods.

2.) Probably better to get a car. But otherwise, you'd have to exercise patience (you'll get to your designation eventually).

Olympia is VERY granola, especially more so around the college (Evergreen State College). I would never classify it as "country-living" even though it is more rural than Seattle. I guess you can say it's a happy medium between Seattle and "country-living"-- VERY laid-back and open. I love-love-love the DT area of Olympia as it's so quaint... just so cute and strangely comforting. It's got great bars yet very family oriented. It's got a great farmer's market. And plus, it's right on the water and has lots of lakes around-- fun times! Only con: Homeless people. However, they're not intrusive-- they're just there.

Lacey is a growing town. Lacey has all the shopping stores (Costco, Target, Walmart, et c.) and restaurants. My friend lived in Lacey and she actually got to rent a house for around $800 a month.

[j_k_k]

Originally Posted by KrystalAway

I'm also interested in hearing about the "vibe" the city gives off. I know it's about half the size of the city I live in now, but my current city is a cultural wasteland, so I'm thinking anything's a step up from here, lol.

From that description, you probably live in Kennewick. I like it here, but I guess it's not for everyone. The main cultural thing I miss here is a diverse variety of interesting ethnic food. Mexican doesn't count as an ethnic food because in a very real sense it IS the default food. There are definitely a lot more Mexican restaurants than steakhouses, anyway.

I haven't been there much, but I can't imagine there's an unsafe place in Lacey.

[ThurstonCoMedic]

The Intercity Transit system in Thurston county (Lacey-Olympia-Tumwater area) actually received the best "medium sized" system in the country recently. They have very good coverage throughout lacey. Obviously, its not as fast as jumping in your car and going, but for a public transportation system it is a very good system and very reliable.