Breakdown in Seattle Neighborhoods?

Question

Hey everyone,

My first post got some awesome responses, but not all the questions were answered (understandably). I was hoping that some people could toss in their own perspectives without being too bias on the residential neighborhoods of Seattle. I'm a 22 year old college grad, with about 4 years experience in the IT field, so an expensive apartment is out. Ideally, I would like to spend 600-1000 dependent on area and average job salary on a decent place.

Can anyone please tell me the differences and their reasoning behind the neighborhoods of Seattle? People say to stay north of King's counties, but why? Any other insights would be appreciated, but please try to keep it as unbias as possible.

Also, has anyone had success finding roommates using roommates.com? I would love to know before paying to use it. Thanks in advance for any help.

Answer 1

I think Percy is right-on in many respects.  People are telling you to stay north of Seattle because the south end is a little less desirable in terms of character, population, and crime.  Sure, there are nice neighborhoods south of downtown too, but they are fewer and farther between.

Finding an apartment in north Seattle or even downtown for less than $1000 should be possible.  If I were looking for a place in your situation, I'd probably look at living in Fremont, Wallingford, Greenwood, Ballard, or Northgate.  All of these neighborhoods are good for younger people, more affordable than downtown neighborhoods, and still a reasonable commute to downtown.

I haven't had any success finding roommates on roommates.com.  I have, however, met a few nice "households" at Craigslist.  http://seattle.craigslist.org

Yes, there are scams on that site, but there are also plenty of great people, affordable apartments, and good deals on furniture, tickets, etc.

Answer 2

What I think people are saying is to look for a place "north of King County".  King County - where Seattle is located - has gotten REALLY expensive.  But that's more for people BUYING homes.

With a budget of $600-$1000 you should be able to find a studio apartment, room for rent or one bedroom in some areas of Seattle - at least for now.  Seattle is going through a transition and a lot of apartments are being converted to condos.  Five years ago a friend of mine had a really great one bedroom right downtown (First Hill) for $700 a month.  But last year he had to move because they were renovating the building and then selling the units for far more than he could afford - and that's happening all over.

The Wallingford, Ballard, Fremont and University District neighbourhoods of Seattle would all be great areas for someone of your age.  Capitol Hill is pretty cool and trendy but crime seems to be increasing there.  West Seattle is also quite nice as well.  Avoid most of the areas just South of downtown - pretty rough.  And Renton, Kent and Auburn - ech - pretty gross and white trash.

You could also live on the Eastside - Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland.  Though rents there have really skyrocketed.  The same 2/2 townhome I rented five years ago for $995 in Bellevue now rents for $1,500.  

If you want to look a bit North of Seattle then Bothell, Lynnwood and Everett all have more affordable rentals but bear in mind the I-5 and/or 405 commute is a ***** if you're going to be working in Seattle or on the Eastside.

I think the think consider first is WHERE you're going to be working and then look for a place.  Avoid craigslist - lots of scams on there.  Safer are listings in the Seattle Times - http://marketplace.nwsource.com/rentals/... and The Stranger http://classifieds.thestranger.com/seatt...  http://www.rent.com also has listings.

I used a roommate service years ago in Florida and actually was quite happy with the one I had for awhile.  Personally, though, I prefer to live alone.  Wouldn't you rather have a smaller place that's just yours than split something with a stranger?  You could get a room-for-rent or studio to start and then once you've made some friends here maybe then move to a bigger place with someone you're friends with.