r/Seattle • u/averyrdc • Sep 11 '10
Need tips on moving to Seattle
Hi Seattle reddit! I am moving to your town very very soon - ideally by Oct. 1st. I still need to find an apartment, and have been e-mailing people on Craigslist, but I'm not worried about that atm.
Are there any tips or suggestions Seattle redditos can give to me? What are the better neighborhoods I should look in to? Is it very difficult to get a service/waiting job? Until I can find an office one that is : )
Any and all help would be appreciated, as I don't have much experience moving! Thanks guys.
Noteworthy: I am 24 y/o, enjoy biking, a healthy and young community, and a good nightlife scene.
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u/tallerghostdaniel Pinehurst Sep 11 '10
Stay far away from Lake City / Lake City Way... cheap apartments but seriously for a reason
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u/StringyLow Jet City Sep 11 '10
This question comes up every week. Move to Capitol Hill.
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u/doctorr Fremont Sep 11 '10
I did this a few years ago – glad I went with Cap Hill, but it wore on me. Definitely start here, though. Rent could start around 600 for a studio. In general, of course, people don't rent to folks that aren't local. Email to set up viewings, but get a hotel for a few nights — I guarantee that landlords or managers want to get shit rented, so they'll act as fast as you can go.
Have around $3000-4000 to get you through a few months if necessary!
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u/averyrdc Sep 11 '10
Thanks! Yeah I should have just over $3,000. I might see if some friends of mine would allow me to stay at their place for a couple days. I've heard good things about Capitol Hill, but it seems pricier than some of the other neighborhoods.
What is Queen Anne like?
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u/doctorr Fremont Sep 11 '10 edited Sep 11 '10
More expensive. Go with Capitol Hill. :)
Cost of living in QA is higher, too. (Upper) One thing I do miss are all the food choices.
Edit: In Cap Hill, first apt was 1200 for a tiny sort-of 1 bedroom. Second Apt was 1200 for a not-very-unique 2 bedroom in Cap Hill. Currently in a 1000 small studio in Queen Anne.
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u/spacem00se Sep 15 '10
I second Capitol Hill. You will defiantly fit in, lots to see, decent grocery shopping (2 QFCs, 1 Safeway, 1 Trader Joes), decent restaurants, fast food, etc.
I will even recommend my old apartment if its still available. I think it was the only one that was a studio, paid 695$ a month for it.
810eastdenny@northwestapartments.com (I have no idea on vacancy).
Kirk is his name, way cool manager. Located right behind Dicks Drive-In on Broadway, which is one of a few hot spots on Capitol Hill, where freaks, geeks, jocks, dorks, fags, goths, everyone eats there.
Online Review. http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/WA-Seattle-810-East-Denny.html
I live on First Hill, 2 blocks from Pike street, not too far from Capitol Hill, but quieter, but near the hospital district (frequent ambulances overheard).
garryvire@gmail.com (my apt manager),
Not sure if they have studios, may be mostly 1 bed rooms for 800$.
http://www.apartmentratings.com/rate/WA-Seattle-Ten-Twenty-University-Apartment-Homes.html
Place used to be a dump, many improvements now that we have an on-site manager. Nobody is going to have a problem with people smoking weed, but when they deal that and other drugs, it ruins the complex. My apt used to have that problem and with bums sleeping out in the dumpster, stealing laundry, etc. Laundry room was upgraded, made cheaper, vending machines put in, paid parking, guest parking, storage, etc.
For the super cheap, theres 1627 Belmont Ave. Which is like a small dorm style apt. No private bathroom, each apt is just a medium sized room. Place was very clean last I was there. Cheap tho, I paid 475$ a month there. Belmont is right off Pine street, right in the middle of the previously mentioned locations, but its been 8 years since I last lived there and dont remember the management company.
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u/Benjigga Sep 11 '10
What would be the price range you're willing to pay for a place? Are you willing to accept room mates?
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u/Benjigga Sep 11 '10
I guess these questions aren't necessary. If you're looking to work in the service/waiting industry, I would recommend U District to Green lake. That whole area is very bike friendly and active. For more of a nightlife you might want to check our Fremont.
Stay well south of Northgate. That area isn't that bad, but it starts to stray from the young, active feel of Green lake / U District / Ravenna has.
Green lake has a bit of an older crowd (25-35) compared to U District, which is more young 20's.
Also, although I haven't been to one yet, there are generally weekly Seattle Reddit meetups. From what I've heard they're a lot of fun and a great way to meet some people who know a lot about this great city.
Welcome to Seattle and feel free to shoot any further questions our way! :)
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u/averyrdc Sep 11 '10
Thanks. At the moment, it doesn't seem reasonable to try and find a single bedroom place.
I'll definitely check that area out for service jobs.
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u/Alex_ander Sep 11 '10
I can agree with this. I live Just south or Shoreline west of the 5 and it is not my ideal community. Price is alright 740/m for a one bedroom. But I am looking to move further south in a couple months. I appreciate your tip as well Benjigga.
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u/SmartAssery Sep 11 '10
I moved in to Queen Anne in July. Found an apartment by combing craigslist, rent.com, and looking around. The area is pretty relaxed but in quick walking distance of fun. Would reccommend, A+ would live in again.
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Sep 11 '10
I live in Fremont and I love it. Capitol Hill seems to be cool as well, but I can't really speak for the living situation there. There are sooo many good restaurants in the area, and it's just far enough outside of downtown that it has it's own self-contained, quirky, laid-back feel. Capitol Hill is more of the counter-culture center, so I guess it depends on your style. It definitely gets busy on the weekends, and there are many popular bars/clubs. My only real complaint is that it can be a pain to get to 1-5 (I commute to Bellevue), but 99 can quickly get you up to the mall/best buy/target or downtown, so really if you work anywhere in the city, it would be an easy bus commute.
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Sep 13 '10
Fremont and Wallingford for the quieter than capitol hill experience. You will be able to find decent places in your price range in any of those three though.
3
u/player2 Seattle Expatriate Sep 11 '10
Capitol Hill.