Affordable Living in Seattle Area?

manitouman
manitouman In My Head Posts: 1,088
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 hands
    whispering hands Under your skin Posts: 13,527
    Ask Big Bank Hank, he "lives in Seattle".
  • jeffbr
    jeffbr 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-reluctance
    2-feign-reluctance TigerTown, USA Posts: 23,461
    Affordable and west coast don't belong in the same sentence!
    www.cluthelee.com
  • JOEJOEJOE
    JOEJOEJOE Posts: 10,865
    Its expensive to be rentin' in Renton, eh?

    DOH!
  • manitouman
    manitouman In My Head Posts: 1,088
    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....
  • RKCNDY
    RKCNDY 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
  • manitouman
    manitouman In My Head Posts: 1,088
    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_Soul
    PJ_Soul Vancouver, BC Posts: 51,033
    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. Delight
    Dr. 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.
  • RKCNDY
    RKCNDY 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
  • mookeywrench
    mookeywrench Posts: 6,099
    Renton, Kent, Auburn....understand you'll also be spending about 90-120 minutes a day for your round trip commute in these areas.
  • RKCNDY
    RKCNDY 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
  • mookeywrench
    mookeywrench Posts: 6,099
    Ah...reading the original post helps. Well in the case it will only be a 80-110 minute commute.
  • manitouman
    manitouman In My Head Posts: 1,088
    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....
  • manitouman
    manitouman In My Head Posts: 1,088
    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....
  • deadendp
    deadendp 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
  • RKCNDY
    RKCNDY 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 P
    Jason P Posts: 19,437
    West Seattle. It is close to downtown and Renton.
    Be Excellent To Each Other
    Party On, Dudes!
  • RKCNDY
    RKCNDY 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 P
    Jason P Posts: 19,437
    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!

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