Thinking about moving to Redmond

[en3d]

I've spent some time in Bellevue from a previous job, so I know about the rain and weather. What I am trying to figure out is the cost of living (I would like to buy something), how the people are (being on a business trip doesn't allow you to see everyday life), job market, community stuff like school system/good place to raise a child etc.

thanks

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[CosmoTheCat]

Buy my house.

Redmond is ok if you're out in the stix.

Seriously though, unless zipcodes are your first priority, forget living in Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, Queen Anne, ..... there's a pretty big list of places that are trendy to live but the cost of houses is just stupid. I live 10 miles from downtown bellevue on I-405. Takes about 15 minutes in off-hours, or 20-25 during rush hour on bad days.

As an example a buddy of mine bought a house in Kirkland (for the zip code) and paid like $250k for a 900 ft^2 house. My 2000 ft^2 house doesn't have the prestigious zip code, but it's in a good neighborhood and it cost me a lot less than that (when I bought it.)

[gtcrispy]

Around here if you are on the redmond side of the plateau, a 2500sqft house would probably run you about $350,000 depending on exactly where you are.

[mitch808]

Horatio102's houise is in a GREAT location and is in really good shape. If I still lived in WA, I would buy that house mainly for it's central location and quiet neighborhood.

[driggity]

Nick, how are we supposed to buy your house if you never say how much it is? And where is it located anyways?

[david2z4]

I live in Mill Creek and have a Bothell zip. Lot a good that does me. Now my UPS center that services me (because of the zip) is 20 miles from my house. The closest UPS Delivery Center though is just 3.5 miles from me in Everett.

So if I get a signature required box from UPS I have to drive 42 freaken miles through I-405 rush hour traffic to find out the freaken thin is damaged.

[en3d]

I appreciate the feedback. I don't care much as far as status, just a nice safe clean neighborhood. I've been on the 405 during rush hour traffic and it sucks.

horatio102, where do you live?

[david2z4]

think nick is in the "Queens Gate" or close to it area.

[Basshead]

how much money do you have for a house..where is your job going to be...there are lots of little town 15-20mins away from the "bigger" suburbs and prices are at least $100k lower; not to mention you still might have a tree in your yard!!!

[en3d]

I have not decided on the job yet, but it is in Redmond itself. Not exactly sure where. As far as the house, there are alot of factors that I need to consider. We don't have any friends or family up there, so my wife will stay home and take care of our baby (12 weeks old). And we want to move back to Bay Area once the economy picks up, so I am guessing a couple of years.

So if I can get something in the 250k or below range, that would allow me to save tons of money and what we save and the gains (hopefully) that we make on the house will go towards another house in the Bay Area. We are probably not going to be going out much because of the baby. Like I said a safe, clean neighborhood where my family is safe. I don't mind something that need a bit of work either.

[mitch808]

Sounds like Nicks house is what you need

[Basshead]

Then look for a house in duvall/carnation/fall city...your 10-15 minutes from downtown redmond(20mins in the morning 8am rush)...I used to live in monroe and commute to downtown Seattle for 3 months, it took me 25mins to get to redmond and another 50 to downtown seattle...they are all small towns, and have housing costs easily 1/3 less than in redmond. You can get a nice NEW 3-4 bedroom house and 1/2acre for $250k in duvall, $250k in redmond will get you a 1200sf crackerbox on a 50x50lot. It's worth the "drive". Not to mention duvall is pretty much the starting point for the best driving roads in western washington just watch out for those green sheriff cars camped behind the trees.

I live in Kirkland and the condo next door to me is for sale... around $150K for a 2 bedroom 1.75 bath. 1100 sq ft or more.

Oh, did I mention that I live in Kirkland? And I have a fancy zip code? For Kirkland...

Unfortunately, the best site for school info closed down a month and a half ago. Your next best bet is: http://texis.seattletimes.nwsource.c...e/vortex/index

My personal belief is that the best mix of quality schools, nice neighborhoods, and affordability is the Bothell area. The trick is, make sure your kids are in the North Shore school district, but avoid the prime zip codes. There really aren't any bad neighborhoods on the East Side. But... Most of the good schools are servicing the expensive zip codes. Much of the North Shore district is expensive zips, but there's enough that isn't to still provide you some options.

If you're moving from the Bay Area to Redmond for work, you're likely either considering M$ or AWE. In the unlikely event it's AWE, keep in mind that it's likely your position will move between Redmond and Bothell during your tenure.

That all having been said... Bothell is BORING. Fortunately, it's pretty easy to get to less boring places from here. :-)

-Dave

[CosmoTheCat]

Bothell... for a day or a lifetime. Or whatever the sign says.

It is kinda boring. Not really a town.

I'm in Queensgate. It's the Bothell side of Kingsgate (which is a Kirkland addy). Just a tick north of Totem Lake.

I haven't had my place appraised yet but My guess is that the market value is about $260k.

~2008 ft^2
It's basically a rambler with an addition over the garage.
downstairs - master suite w/ 3/4 bath, plus 2 bedrooms and another full bath, kitchen, eating area w/ 2-sided gas fireplace showing through to the living room, family(?) room w/utility closet. 2 car garage.
upstairs - bedroom w/ 1/2 bath and an office. Both have built in cabinets/drawers/counters at the far ends. The bathroom was completely redone less than 4 years ago with a new toilet, sink and flooring.

I'll be honest... the air return is below the floor level of the upstairs, so it gets hot as heck up there. Moving the air return upwards would probably fix this.

Outside - 5000 ft^2 lot, fenced backyard with small enclosed area for either dogs or a garden. Backs to a greenbelt with trails to the schools. ~10x15' shed with electrical.
Exterior of the house is brick and wood. It has gas heat, gas water heater (which will be brand new by the time I sell, as the dip tube? has dissolved in the old one), gas clothes dryer.

The house is at the end of a cul-de-sac with about 10 houses on it. There's a basketball hoop out front. 3 of the neighbors are retirees. 6 are 30-50 somethings with kids (I think. There are some new people I don't know about). I believe it's in the Northshore school district. Northshore Utility District, Puget Sound Energy, and Waste Management Sno/King are the util providers.

Crime in the neighborhood is pretty low. A girl on the corner got her tires slashed and her window broken (and cd's stolen) in the past year, but she was parked along the main street and left her CDs sitting on the seat. Other than that there hasn't been anything I'm aware of. I have left vehicles open and keys in them before. Left the truck open all night once (windows down and everything) with a 4 year old Clarion pro-audio CD player and $120 set of JBL speakers in it.. not gone in the morning.

There is a Safeway, Bartels (or is it Rite Aid?), as well as several gas station/quicky marts within easy walking distance. Also a handful of restaurants and assorted other things (like a bingo hall and hockey rink) within the same easy walking distance.

Can't forget the Totem Lake Mall... Car Toys, some shoe store, Ross, Gottshalks(sp), Radio Shack, Old Country Buffet, etc. There's a bunch of stuff.

Oh. There's a park and ride within a mile, and the bus service stops pretty close to the entrance to the cul-de-sac if you don't mind hopping busses. The local Subaru dealer (Melody's, which sucks BUNG, avoid at all costs) is only ~3 miles away, as is the University of Wa. Bothell campus and Cascadia Community College (if you're interested in taking classes). There are also Chrysler/jeep, Ford, Infinity, Toyota, Hyundai, etc. dealers within a few miles. There are movie theaters in downtown Kirkland and Woodinville, both within ten minutes driving time. So is the Redhook Brewery, Columbia Crest & Chateau St. Michelle wineries, a driving range, and a golf course. And the paved trail along the river from Redmond to Seattle.

There's lots around here. It is a pretty central location.

And I'd be more than willing to work a deal on the numbers. A friend of mine has offered to be my listing agent for no % fee, just her monthly broker's license fee, which could save me possibly $20k or so if the buyer didn't have a seperate agent charging a fee.

[minx]

I don't doubt that Nick's house is awesome and a killer deal...

BUT I work in Redmond and I've done the drive from the Woodinville/Bothell area and lemme tell ya. It SUX. Whether your on 405 or Hwy 202, going South in general in the morning and North in the evening BITES. Unless your going to work early (6-7 AM or late 10-11 AM- then you might miss the rush)

If you can afford it, I'd live somewhere more central. East or West of Redmond. e.g.-Bellevue, Kirkland etc. I myself am looking to move back to Redmond (currently in Bellevue) and the rents/property prices are going down slightly given the economy.

Just my dos centavos.

Brandee

[Avedis]

horatio102: PM'd you.

--jeff

[Basshead]

bothell --> redmond @ 7:30am = 45+minutes on a good day...horrible commute both ways every single day...

[CosmoTheCat]

Hm. I never found it took that long to get there/back.

I'm off the exit south of 522, so it's not like you're driving up to Canyon Park or (god forbid) Mill Creek.



PM'd you back Jeff.

[MGXsport]

bothell --> redmond @ 7:30am = 45+minutes on a good day

It doesn't take that long.

It is usually 20-30 minutes when it is an average night

From where I think Nick's house is, it isn't in 'downtown' (If there is a downtown Bothell ) It is just 1/2 mile away from I-405 and only one exit away from a Redmond direct road through Totem Lake.

Chris

Downtown Bothell is about as big as the drive through at Mc D's.

That corner cafe (Pantry?) has great food and you get a big plate of it! mmmmm....

[en3d]

thanks all, I've decided not to take the job. Moving away from family and friends didn't prove to be worth it.

[mitch808]

Bah, we didn't want more californians here anyways...





<---- What am I saying, I dont live there anymore