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Arkaaito
February 16, 2007, 01:29:07 PM - ORIGINAL POST -
So, as faithful readers of the introduction thread know, I'm really hoping to end up with a job in and move out to Seattle.

This "moving out" part is requiring some effort.  I've finished doing my cost-of-living analysis, so I think my budgeting will be fine.  However, I'm starting to (preemptively) look for apartments, which is always... fun.

I've actually found some promising places online, but since you guys actually LIVE there, I thought I would ask: does anyone have recommendations for apartments in the Bel-Red area?  Specifically, I'm looking for something in the $900-$1300/month range.

For that matter, does anyone have utilities estimates for a 2-bedroom apartment occupied by 1?  I'm assuming about $200/month, and that may be ridiculously high (or ridiculously low).

Forgive my asking this of a bunch of people I don't yet know that well - but I'm nervous about the whole thing, and I figured, hey, it's worth a shot.  The last time I lived out in Seattle I was in short-term housing, which is unfortunately not a reliable barometer of housing cost.

(Now watch me get an "offer I can't refuse" down in San Antonio or something..)
 
BLueSS
Read February 16, 2007, 01:36:11 PM #1
I live in a 1 bed-studio, middle floor on a 3 story building with a side facing the sun all day.
My electricity utilities for 2 months are normally like $38. (using the stove, computer running)

I know it's a different area, but in case you're curious rent in Seattle by the university district (UW) for me is $600/month with garbage/water included.

I'd look on seattle.craigslist.org for what's being offered in that area, and average prices. I had better luck on Craigslist than any apartment site... (but eventually found mine by walking past a place and phoning the manager).
 
zeppy_gorrila
  • where da white women @
    •
Read February 16, 2007, 01:37:54 PM #2
down here in popo they have apts for 450 a month utils inc.
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 01:39:04 PM #3
I live in a house, 4-bedrooms, 2-stories, 3-bathrooms, garage, large back porch, long driveway, huge kitchen; in general very nice, and its only $400/month rent for me but then I live in Kent, which is a suburb about 25 minutes drive south of Seattle (but relatively conveniently located for ACME and Narrows access) ^_~, and about equidistant to Bellevue and Redmond if you go when the traffic isn't so bad.

Actually my housemates pay the utilities and are supposed to tell me how much I owe them, but so far that hasn't happened so...can't help you in that area.

But in general, you sound like you can afford something in the Bellevue-Redmond area that's nice quite easily, so I would say just go ahead and look there.  Craig's List is pretty good.  But, yeah, that's part of the reason I like Washington; rent is cheap here =D
 
Arkaaito
Read February 16, 2007, 01:41:21 PM #4
Nice.  You must be in an insanely energy-efficient unit...

I actually was contemplating the university district, since I love downtown Seattle and I'd like to pick up a[nother] Master's at UW eventually.  However, the commute across the bridge of doom killed that idea.

Craig's list is a good idea, I'll have to look on there this weekend.

"Popo"?

Chris: that sounds insanely great for a student.  Mind if I ask how many people you have to share with?  :shock:
 
zeppy_gorrila
  • where da white women @
    •
Read February 16, 2007, 01:42:58 PM #5
Portland
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 01:43:26 PM #6
I have no idea what Popo means but Zeppy is from Oregon I believe, so maybe "Portland?"
EDIT: Ah I'm right.

I think you should just get something on Mercer Island (lol I kid I kid), erm but just look for something on craigslist for the Bellevue-Renton area; I guarentee you'll find something nice within your budget easily.
 
BLueSS
Read February 16, 2007, 01:43:49 PM #7
Alpha, is your total rent $400?  Or do your roommates pay rent too?

Arkaaito, the bridge of doom? lol  I'm not sure which bridge you're referring to but commuting anywhere in Seattle will be equally as bad.
 
Arkaaito
Read February 16, 2007, 01:44:10 PM #8
Ah!  Of course.  I was going, "Queen Anne, U, Belltown... hmm... I haven't been gone THAT long."

Sorry, but I was hoping for a commute in the 0 < c < 6 hours range. Tongue

The bridge of doom is the 520 bridge across the water - mayhaps it's called Evergreen Point?  Anyway, that one can take up to an hour to cross if traffic is really bad, IIRC.
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 01:46:32 PM #9
Quote from: "BLueSS"
Alpha, is your total rent $400?  Or do your roommates pay rent too?

Arkaaito, the bridge of doom? lol  I'm not sure which bridge you're referring to but commuting anywhere in Seattle will be equally as bad.


My individual rent is 400, yes.  I have three housemates.  Which still isn't that bad.  I'd much rather be paying 600/month and living in the U-district if I had any business up there, though.  But for now I have comfy living at a fraction of the price!  

I'm pretty certain you can commute from U-town to Bellevue or vice versa in under 6 hours, btw.
 
BLueSS
Read February 16, 2007, 01:47:10 PM #10
Well, if I try to go to Acme from the UDistrict in the rush hour time it takes almost an hour, where normally it'd be about 20-25 min.

If you're talking about the 520 bridge from I-5 to Redmond, you'll have an hour either way just getting across during the bad times.... but just don't live on one side and work on the other. :-P

6 hours is a WAY overestimate.
 
Arkaaito
Read February 16, 2007, 01:48:57 PM #11
Precisely.  My best job prospect in Seattle is in the Bel-Red area right now.  So much to my dismay, U is out.

Chris: I was talking to the guy from Portland with my 0 < c < 6 hours comment. Cool
 
tada
Read February 16, 2007, 01:54:38 PM #12
Really?  Only $600 for near the U-district?  Last I checked, everything was like $800-$1,000.

May just be moving out soon (okay, not that soon... ~September '07) if what Tony said about the CS course that requires computers that are only available at the UW is true.  Also, just for the hell of it.

I'd probably be looking for a single-person apartment (I'm absolutely against having any roommate, after the fiasco that was attempting to live with my grandpa.  Kinda traumatized me).
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 02:01:35 PM #13
Quote from: "tada"

I'd probably be looking for a single-person apartment (I'm absolutely against having any roommate).


Haha, I think I was the sole reason why my freshman-year roommate wanted to live in single-person only housing from Sophomore year onwards.
 
tada
Read February 16, 2007, 02:02:44 PM #14
Quote from: "AlphaConqerer"
Quote from: "tada"

I'd probably be looking for a single-person apartment (I'm absolutely against having any roommate).


Haha, I think I was the sole reason why my freshman-year roommate wanted to live in single-person only housing from Sophomore year onwards.


What did you do that pissed him off? o_o
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 02:09:17 PM #15
I think he just didn't like men; like not even in a friendship way.  He always ignored me in the halls but chatted up my girlfriend and girls who were friends quite readily.  He even ignored most of his fellow male Hawai'ian collegiates.

But I was the one guy he HAD to live with freshman year, and he probably realized his disdain of other men through me. (Since I'm so manly LOLz)
 
BLueSS
Read February 16, 2007, 02:12:15 PM #16
He sounds pretty gay to me.


Anyways, Tada, with all my bills and paying for my own food and what not it gets to be around $800-850 a month probably (after phone, internet, parking etc).
 
metroid23
  • Marysville, Wa
Read February 16, 2007, 02:17:57 PM #17
I usually use this when relocating out of state candidates to the PNW. Good luck!

Want an apartment?

http://www.rent.com/rentals/washington/seattle-tacoma-and-vicinity/seattle/
http://www.ForRent.com
http://www.seattleapartmentfinder.com
http://www.rentnet.com/apartments/fyp/search/msa.jhtml?city=seattle&state=wa
http://seattle.apartments.com/
http://www.apartmentinsider.com/
http://www.seattleapartments.com/
http://www.seattlerentals.com/
http://www.apthunters.com/
http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/WA-Seattle.html


Want a house?

http://www.justlisted.com/
http://www.realestate.com/local-real-estate/washington/seattle.aspx
http://www.ziprealty.com/index.jsp
http://www.seattlepowersearch.com/
http://www.homegain.com/local_real_estate/WA/seattle.html
http://www.realtor.com
http://www.century21.com
http://www.remax.com
http://marketplace.nwsource.com/classified/
http://seattle.craigslist.com

But I'm moving to Seattle site-unseen! I'm moving on a shoestring budget and can't afford to come visit first, yet have enough money to be choosy about the neighborhood I want! How will I know if there are serial murderers wandering through any given neighborhood?

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/webtowns/
http://www.gonorthwest.com/Washington/seattle/neighborhoods.htm
http://www.seattleneighborhoods.com/
http://marketplace.nwsource.com/neighborhoods/
http://www.cityofseattle.net/neighborhoods/net/northwest.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/college/loc_seattleneigh.mspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seattle_neighborhoods
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2688358-seattle_introduction-i


A lot of it seems like common sense, but hopefully this provides you with a nice resource. Plan on spending 1k+/mo to live in the bel/red area for 700-900sq ft relatively close to MS. I've lived in Bel/Red for 5 years and now live in Issaquah and commute to Redmond- if you have any questions let me know :)

edit> Is this better off in the WA forum?
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 02:30:15 PM #18
I think the WA forum has become only for machine locations and arcade discussion in general, not so much for personal business.  I think it's good here.  Thanks for info, Met!
 
Arkaaito
Read February 16, 2007, 02:42:12 PM #19
Hey, thanks, metroid!  That's a great infodump for the house-hunt.

Oh yeah, and as long as we're sharing roommate horror stories, I decided even during my undergrad years that I would never have a roommate again.  My freshman year roommate was removed to other housing after threatening to "beat me black in blue" -- in front of my RA.  (I'd gotten such threats in private for a while, but once it was public the residence staff was pretty much obligated to do something.)
 
tada
Read February 16, 2007, 03:05:47 PM #20
Quote from: "BLueSS"
He sounds pretty gay to me.


Anyways, Tada, with all my bills and paying for my own food and what not it gets to be around $800-850 a month probably (after phone, internet, parking etc).


That's actually not bad, and I've been stingy long enough... Is it within walking distance of UW, or do you drive?
 
AlphaConqerer
  • N/A Renton, WA
Read February 16, 2007, 03:08:02 PM #21
Quote from: "BLueSS"
He sounds pretty gay to me.


This is not the first time I've been met with this explanation.

In that case, you could say living with me makes you gay. =X (disclaimer: this is a joke)
 
Arkaaito
Read February 16, 2007, 03:24:49 PM #22
The craigslist.com listings are depressingly expensive in the Bel-Red area - I wonder if this is because there's less selection or because they're being more honest about what they actually plan to charge you.  :roll:

However, Craig's List seems to be more up-to-date than the apartment listing sites I've been using, so it will probably be more useful to me later on.

And then of course there are the gems of bad ad writing that I'm being treated to... Tongue
 
ChilliumBromide
Read February 16, 2007, 04:00:55 PM #23
btw, Po to Seattle is only 3-5 hours. ;P
5 with bad traffic.

Although we wound up taking 9 hours ONCE, when it was ICEY, SNOWING, and we stopped at Denny's and spent 2 hours waiting for our food and another hour eating it.

So even in extremely shitty conditions, it's only 6 hours driving.

Po-town has lots of places around the $300-$400 range (I think my dad's paying around $250 a month for his place), but you'd be paying more than you'd concievable save on rent in gas money unless you rode a moped to work each day. ;P

Seattle's a lot more expensive than Portland, but gas is more expensive than either, so I suggest looking as close to anywhere you're going to be going regularly before even really looking at prices at all.
 
metroid23
  • Marysville, Wa
Read February 16, 2007, 04:05:30 PM #24
Bellevue is generally more expensive than anywhere else in the area. It's a commercial center (it's population does something like triple during the day) and very prissy, for lack of a better term. Redmond has a lot of MS money and they know they can charge it and get away with it.

You may want to try Kirkland on the "north" end or farther south depending on where you're planning on working. I have the sinking suspiscion that you're interviewing at Microsoft, and if that's the case, they have a dedicated transit center for those of you carpooling or taking the bus that makes it very easy to get to and around Redmond without living nearby.
 
 
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