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Affordable Living in Seattle Area?

manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
in All Encompassing Trip
Anyone have leads on places to live in Seattle area that's affordable? I have a job prospect in Renton and looked at home rentals in the area....good god! How do people afford to live out there?

What are the surrounding areas that are affordable but still within reasonable commute distance?

Any help is greatly appreciated.
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
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Comments

  • whispering handswhispering hands Under your skin Posts: 13,527
    Ask Big Bank Hank, he "lives in Seattle".
  • jeffbrjeffbr Seattle Posts: 7,177
    Rental prices and sale prices of homes in the Seattle area have exploded over the past couple of years, and have been at or near the top in terms of percent increase year after year. It is definitely ridiculous, and is not sustainable.
    Anyway, to the OP's question, if you have a job prospect in Renton, you do have options mostly to the east and the south. Look at Kent, Auburn, Maple Valley, Covington, Burien, Seatac, Tukwila, etc.. But definitely check out prospective places in person. Some of the locations I mention have less than desirable parts of town (read shit-holes). But there are nice newer neighborhoods constantly being built as people are fleeing the Seattle metro area due to being priced out. There are definitely bargains to be had. Some of those places can make for a pretty long commute to Seattle during rush hour, but are within easy to reasonable commuting distance/time to Renton.
    "I'll use the magic word - let's just shut the fuck up, please." EV, 04/13/08
  • 2-feign-reluctance2-feign-reluctance TigerTown, USA Posts: 23,345
    Affordable and west coast don't belong in the same sentence!
    www.cluthelee.com
  • JOEJOEJOEJOEJOEJOE Posts: 10,724
    Its expensive to be rentin' in Renton, eh?

    DOH!
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    Thanks all for the help. Will check out some of those locations. I know if I'm selected the company I work for will move me and pay for temporary housing for like the first 3 months or so. But damn, renting a house is double+ what I'm used to seeing/paying.
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    affordable living in Seattle? :rofl:

    what type of house are you looking for? 2 bed? 3 bed? haw many bath? do you want off street parking, or street parking, do you want to live in the city or a 'burbs? do you know what price range you are looking to spend on rent?
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    It would just be the wife, myself, 2 dogs and a cat.
    2 bed would be best.
    Parking doesn't really matter...we can work with what's available to us.
    In city or not doesn't matter either if it gives us better options. Commute will only affect me due to wife taking care of business at home.
    Pet friendly with somewhat of a yard.
    Rent range? Haven't received offer or do I know what the pay is. I know it's more than I make now but how much more will determine how much I can afford. How about starting at around $1500- $2k.

    I should also mention that this may be a 2+ year gig. Company is known for fast tracking people who want to build careers. So buying and settling in to a house may not be an option if I'm going to get reassigned in a couple years or so.

    Is there any local services/advertisers of rental properties anyone can recommend? I'm just looking at rental apps and they help but won't show me surrounding areas unless I specify a city name.

    Thanks for the help!
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 50,154
    Skid Row? .... nah, probably not even.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • Dr. DelightDr. Delight Posts: 11,210
    Cut off both the East and West Coasts, and just about everywhere else you'll find affordable housing.
    And so you see, I have come to doubt
    All that I once held as true
    I stand alone without beliefs
    The only truth I know is you.
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    manitouman said:

    It would just be the wife, myself, 2 dogs and a cat.
    2 bed would be best.
    Parking doesn't really matter...we can work with what's available to us.
    In city or not doesn't matter either if it gives us better options. Commute will only affect me due to wife taking care of business at home.
    Pet friendly with somewhat of a yard.
    Rent range? Haven't received offer or do I know what the pay is. I know it's more than I make now but how much more will determine how much I can afford. How about starting at around $1500- $2k.

    I should also mention that this may be a 2+ year gig. Company is known for fast tracking people who want to build careers. So buying and settling in to a house may not be an option if I'm going to get reassigned in a couple years or so.

    Is there any local services/advertisers of rental properties anyone can recommend? I'm just looking at rental apps and they help but won't show me surrounding areas unless I specify a city name.

    Thanks for the help!

    With your price range, you will be lucky to find a HOUSE to rent for that price, lots of condos or apartments though. Now, of course this is in Seattle proper. I asked if you want to live in the city because some people want to live close to the stadiums, bars/clubs where bands play regularly. I think you could find a house in Renton, Kent, Auburn for that price range but it won't be in a 'white picket fence' type neighborhood-they are trying to clean up the area, you might get lucky and find a newer neighborhood to live in that's affordable for you.
    If you want to live in Seattle, just remember people are packed in tight...it's summer, we leave the windows open, I know when my neighbor's boyfriend is visiting...I have also had my car broken into 3 times in the last 3 years.

    Let me poke around and see if I can find some decent rental sites. Are you concerned about crime? Most of the stuff that happens here are car prowls and break-ins, not so much violent crime. Where will you be moving from?
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • mookeywrenchmookeywrench Posts: 5,963
    Renton, Kent, Auburn....understand you'll also be spending about 90-120 minutes a day for your round trip commute in these areas.
    350x700px-LL-d2f49cb4_vinyl-needle-scu-e1356666258495.jpeg
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    mookeywrench said:

    Renton, Kent, Auburn....understand you'll also be spending about 90-120 minutes a day for your round trip commute in these areas.

    Not if the job is located in Renton.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • mookeywrenchmookeywrench Posts: 5,963
    Ah...reading the original post helps. Well in the case it will only be a 80-110 minute commute.
    350x700px-LL-d2f49cb4_vinyl-needle-scu-e1356666258495.jpeg
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    All great feedback....really appreciate it!

    I'm in a shithole as it is just a better part of the shithole....like under the rim. Lots of murders and violent crime.
    Don't need to live in Seattle as I don't mind driving 90 minutes or so to attend a show.
    As it was a few years ago...I was 90 minutes to Denver metro for shows.
    As it is now, I'm about 90 minutes from Chicago/Madison/Milwaukee. So I don't mind the drive for a show.

    Matter of fact we're driving out in a bit to Wrigley for a rock 'n' roll show with about 40k friends.
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    What's the commute like from Tacoma to Renton via 167? On paper it looks like 40 minutes.

    Been checking Trulia to give me an idea of rental prices.

    What about utilities? Average gas, electric, what cable providers, water, etc.
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • deadendpdeadendp Northeast Ohio Posts: 10,434
    manitouman said:

    What's the commute like from Tacoma to Renton via 167? On paper it looks like 40 minutes.

    Been checking Trulia to give me an idea of rental prices.

    What about utilities? Average gas, electric, what cable providers, water, etc.

    You should be able to check with utility companies about specific properties you are looking to rent. They would have records and though I could be wrong about it being a possibility there, in Ohio you can contact them to get an idea of utility costs prior to purchasing or renting a home. Average gas and electric would vary by home depending upon their set up with heating (electric or gas), cooking, insulation and so forth.

    Good luck!
    2014: Cincinnati
    2016: Lexington and Wrigley 1
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    manitouman said:

    What's the commute like from Tacoma to Renton via 167? On paper it looks like 40 minutes.

    Been checking Trulia to give me an idea of rental prices.

    What about utilities? Average gas, electric, what cable providers, water, etc.

    1. Depends on the time you will be commuting...167 is a mess, count on an hour during rush hour. According to this article rush hour in the southend is 2pm-8pm http://mynorthwest.com/gallery/9-longest-puget-sound-commutes-ranked-from-bad-to-worse/

    2. Good start. I would also look at prospective places on google earth, it would be nice to know if you will be living next to an apartment complex that is surrounded by a chain link fence topped with razor wire.

    3. It really depends on how big your dwelling is. Washington has some of the cheapest electricity rates in the nation. http://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/averageenergyprices_seattle.htm

    ...and then we have some of the most expensive gasoline.

    I have Century Link as an internet provider since it's fiber internet (fiber internet is not available everywhere here yet, you'll have to call and ask if it's available where you may be living)...Clink sucks donkeys. Though so does Comcast which is your other choice. Clink also offers Prism TV if you really hate Comcast, but I had to deal with an almost week long outage with Clink recently.
    At the moment we have DirecTV for TV, it's okay, it has gone out when the wind kicks up. It rarely snows here, so we'll see how it does in winter.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,165
    West Seattle. It is close to downtown and Renton.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    Jason P said:

    West Seattle. It is close to downtown and Renton.

    ...and a tad pricey.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,165
    RKCNDY said:

    Jason P said:

    West Seattle. It is close to downtown and Renton.

    ...and a tad pricey.
    It has been a while since I lived there, but I didn't have to buy a shotgun and bars for my doors and windows, which was a plus.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    Jason P said:

    RKCNDY said:

    Jason P said:

    West Seattle. It is close to downtown and Renton.

    ...and a tad pricey.
    It has been a while since I lived there, but I didn't have to buy a shotgun and bars for my doors and windows, which was a plus.
    OP is asking about Tacoma...I'm being honest. There are nice places in T-town, but there are also not so nice places. He could look in Burien, it's close to Renton, and still a little more affordable.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    You all are awesome! Had my 2nd interview and I guess next step is a decision. A little nervous but exciting at the same time.

    If I throw out addresses of rentals being considered would you be able to tell if it's in a shady area?

    The waiting for a decision is killing me!

    Wife already submitted an address change :)
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    I don't live in the south end...but I could possibly tell you if the area is nice or not.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    Well.....looks like we're moving on up, to the west coast. Finally received an offer for the position I applied for and it's too good to pass up. Looking like late January or early February.

    I will have questions that hopefully y'all can help me with.

    Excited but have to admit....a little anxious as well.
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
  • polaris_xpolaris_x Posts: 13,559
    congrats on your new job!

    just wondering if seattle is a bikable city?
  • Jason PJason P Posts: 19,165
    polaris_x said:

    congrats on your new job!

    just wondering if seattle is a bikable city?

    Downtown is built on a steep hill. I can't recall a ton of bikers when I lived there. Downtown has free bus fare.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • mfc2006mfc2006 HTOWN Posts: 37,484
    We were prepared for a housing hike when we moved to the West Coast a little over 4 years ago(we live in Portland), but damn it's a lot more than we prepared for!

    Congrats on the job, man!
    I LOVE MUSIC.
    www.cluthelee.com
    www.cluthe.com
  • whispering handswhispering hands Under your skin Posts: 13,527
    Congrats on the job!!
  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    Jason P said:

    polaris_x said:

    congrats on your new job!

    just wondering if seattle is a bikable city?

    Downtown is built on a steep hill. I can't recall a ton of bikers when I lived there. Downtown has free bus fare.
    It's hilly everywhere. Seattle is the second hilliest city in the nation. San Fran takes number one.

    There are cyclists everywhere-vicious creatures they are. They will bypass traffic on the street and ride on the sidewalk whizzing by pedestrians and they also run red lights, so if you are driving, be aware. There are protected bike lanes in Capitol Hill and some in SoDo (South of Downtown-by the stadiums). You will know where they are since the lane is painted green.
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • manitoumanmanitouman In My Head Posts: 1,086
    edited January 2017
    So I'll be in the area Jan 8th through 11th. The 9th and 10th I have to spend a couple hours in the morning to meet with staff and see where I'm going to be working from. If all goes well, January 27th I begin what will probably be a 3 day drive with a start date of February 1st.

    Going to look at some rental properties in Renton, Kent and Covington. Any feedback on any one of those 3 cities? If it helps, I'll be working in Renton. I can provide exact addresses via PM if someone is willing to give in depth feedback about that area.

    Thanks!
    Soldier Field, Chicago, IL 7-11-1995; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-29-1998; MGM Grand, Las Vegas, NV 10-22-2000 ~PJ10~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 4-1-2003; Cricket Pavilion, Phoenix, AZ 6-7-2003; United Center, Chicago, IL 6-18-2003; Alpine Valley, East Troy, WI 6-21-2003; Fox Theatre, St. Louis, MO 10-5-2004; The Gorge, George, WA 9-1-2005; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-16-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 5-17-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-2-2006; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 7-3-2006; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-23-2009; United Center, Chicago, IL 8-24-2009; Rogers Arena, Vancouver, BC 12-4-2013; Key Arena, Seattle, WA 12-6-2013; iWireless Arena, Moline, IL 10-17-2014 ~No Code Show~; Xcel Energy Center, St. Paul, MN 10-19-2014; Bradley Center, Milwaukee, WI 10-20-2014 ~Yield Show~; Pepsi Center, Denver, CO 10-22-2014 ~PJ24~: Wrigley Field 1 & 2, 2016; Safeco Field, Seattle Home Shows 1 & 2; Wrigley Field, Chicago Away Shows 1 & 2....
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