Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 38
Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Hi, again I'm new here and have looked at previous threads for advice on moving to Seattle, but I guess everyone's situation is a bit different. So here's mine... My husband has been tentatively offered a job at a well-respected technology company in Kirkland (subject to formal interview). We're seriously considering the move but know next to nothing about the area.
From what I've read, Kirkland seems like a fairly expensive place to buy houses but we'd probably rent to begin with. His salary isn't fixed yet but he's earning £70k in the UK (almost $100k) - and obviously won't accept a pay cut - is that enough for us to live comfortably in a nice area? I obviously won't be able to work on his visa. Also we were just about to start trying for a baby before this news came - am I mad to still consider being pregnant and having a baby over there?
It's so much to think about but I've read that Kirkland is a beautiful place with nice family atmosphere, picturesque countryside, and bars/restaurants etc. Can we survive on one salary - and possibly with a baby? I guess he'd have to discuss healthcare with the new company when he negotiates package. What sort of package should he expect to receive - in terms of relocation remuneration?
Sorry for rambling questions - I'm just not sure where to start with this!
Any advice you can offer would be great!
Many thanks
From what I've read, Kirkland seems like a fairly expensive place to buy houses but we'd probably rent to begin with. His salary isn't fixed yet but he's earning £70k in the UK (almost $100k) - and obviously won't accept a pay cut - is that enough for us to live comfortably in a nice area? I obviously won't be able to work on his visa. Also we were just about to start trying for a baby before this news came - am I mad to still consider being pregnant and having a baby over there?
It's so much to think about but I've read that Kirkland is a beautiful place with nice family atmosphere, picturesque countryside, and bars/restaurants etc. Can we survive on one salary - and possibly with a baby? I guess he'd have to discuss healthcare with the new company when he negotiates package. What sort of package should he expect to receive - in terms of relocation remuneration?
Sorry for rambling questions - I'm just not sure where to start with this!
Any advice you can offer would be great!
Many thanks
#2
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Hi,
Welcome to the Expat life. I would strongly suggest clicking the link for WIKI at the top and go into the USA / Lifestyle section for some more information on the issues you may confront when/if you do a move.
First bit of advice, don't consider a flat $/£ conversion to be 'fair' when it comes to your salary. You need to assess what your expenses will be to live the relatively same standard of living, including the fact that your income may be lost. You should also consider if you have any UK£ expenses while you are away (like a loan or something) and definitely consider the cost of moving (some of which they will pay) but also the bits you will pay, i.e. a trip home for an emergency, buying placemats and coat hangers because you left yours in the UK, etc.
The other bit is rent first, at least 3 to 6 months so you can get a feel for the area, the schools, etc before you buy. I don't think the prices will be going up much in the next 6 months.
As for having a baby here, you can do a search on pregnancy and health insurance in the forums. It's talked about a great deal. Midwives are rare (but available if you hunt around) in the US and most of your pre-natal care will be by a doctor and nurses with your OB. Delivery is usually in a hospital and about 1/3 of the cases end up as c-sections. Usually the cost is covered by your employers health insurance, with your contribution being between $20 total to 10% of the bill (depends on the insurance)
As for the specifics of Kirkland, you should take a look at http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/ That's a relocation messageboard in which people can give you some 'on the ground' advice about specific neighborhoods and areas, and schools and all that. It's not Brits but everyone but it can offer some very good advice.
Welcome to the Expat life. I would strongly suggest clicking the link for WIKI at the top and go into the USA / Lifestyle section for some more information on the issues you may confront when/if you do a move.
First bit of advice, don't consider a flat $/£ conversion to be 'fair' when it comes to your salary. You need to assess what your expenses will be to live the relatively same standard of living, including the fact that your income may be lost. You should also consider if you have any UK£ expenses while you are away (like a loan or something) and definitely consider the cost of moving (some of which they will pay) but also the bits you will pay, i.e. a trip home for an emergency, buying placemats and coat hangers because you left yours in the UK, etc.
The other bit is rent first, at least 3 to 6 months so you can get a feel for the area, the schools, etc before you buy. I don't think the prices will be going up much in the next 6 months.
As for having a baby here, you can do a search on pregnancy and health insurance in the forums. It's talked about a great deal. Midwives are rare (but available if you hunt around) in the US and most of your pre-natal care will be by a doctor and nurses with your OB. Delivery is usually in a hospital and about 1/3 of the cases end up as c-sections. Usually the cost is covered by your employers health insurance, with your contribution being between $20 total to 10% of the bill (depends on the insurance)
As for the specifics of Kirkland, you should take a look at http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/ That's a relocation messageboard in which people can give you some 'on the ground' advice about specific neighborhoods and areas, and schools and all that. It's not Brits but everyone but it can offer some very good advice.
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 38
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Hi,
Welcome to the Expat life. I would strongly suggest clicking the link for WIKI at the top and go into the USA / Lifestyle section for some more information on the issues you may confront when/if you do a move.
First bit of advice, don't consider a flat $/£ conversion to be 'fair' when it comes to your salary. You need to assess what your expenses will be to live the relatively same standard of living, including the fact that your income may be lost. You should also consider if you have any UK£ expenses while you are away (like a loan or something) and definitely consider the cost of moving (some of which they will pay) but also the bits you will pay, i.e. a trip home for an emergency, buying placemats and coat hangers because you left yours in the UK, etc.
The other bit is rent first, at least 3 to 6 months so you can get a feel for the area, the schools, etc before you buy. I don't think the prices will be going up much in the next 6 months.
As for having a baby here, you can do a search on pregnancy and health insurance in the forums. It's talked about a great deal. Midwives are rare (but available if you hunt around) in the US and most of your pre-natal care will be by a doctor and nurses with your OB. Delivery is usually in a hospital and about 1/3 of the cases end up as c-sections. Usually the cost is covered by your employers health insurance, with your contribution being between $20 total to 10% of the bill (depends on the insurance)
As for the specifics of Kirkland, you should take a look at http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/ That's a relocation messageboard in which people can give you some 'on the ground' advice about specific neighborhoods and areas, and schools and all that. It's not Brits but everyone but it can offer some very good advice.
Welcome to the Expat life. I would strongly suggest clicking the link for WIKI at the top and go into the USA / Lifestyle section for some more information on the issues you may confront when/if you do a move.
First bit of advice, don't consider a flat $/£ conversion to be 'fair' when it comes to your salary. You need to assess what your expenses will be to live the relatively same standard of living, including the fact that your income may be lost. You should also consider if you have any UK£ expenses while you are away (like a loan or something) and definitely consider the cost of moving (some of which they will pay) but also the bits you will pay, i.e. a trip home for an emergency, buying placemats and coat hangers because you left yours in the UK, etc.
The other bit is rent first, at least 3 to 6 months so you can get a feel for the area, the schools, etc before you buy. I don't think the prices will be going up much in the next 6 months.
As for having a baby here, you can do a search on pregnancy and health insurance in the forums. It's talked about a great deal. Midwives are rare (but available if you hunt around) in the US and most of your pre-natal care will be by a doctor and nurses with your OB. Delivery is usually in a hospital and about 1/3 of the cases end up as c-sections. Usually the cost is covered by your employers health insurance, with your contribution being between $20 total to 10% of the bill (depends on the insurance)
As for the specifics of Kirkland, you should take a look at http://www.city-data.com/forum/seattle-area/ That's a relocation messageboard in which people can give you some 'on the ground' advice about specific neighborhoods and areas, and schools and all that. It's not Brits but everyone but it can offer some very good advice.
Do you know if there is ever much leeway for negotiation in terms of salary/annual leave/relocation renumeration? I suppose a company won't pay over the odds as they'd just hire a US citizen instead and save themselves the trouble and extra money. But we're just wondering what we should expect and how hard we should press for salary/leave/health insurance etc.
Anyway, thanks again - it's certainly given me a starting point.
#4
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Do you know if there is ever much leeway for negotiation in terms of salary/annual leave/relocation renumeration? I suppose a company won't pay over the odds as they'd just hire a US citizen instead and save themselves the trouble and extra money. But we're just wondering what we should expect and how hard we should press for salary/leave/health insurance etc.
Here are some things to consider in expat packages:
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Corpor...tion-Australia
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Before_You_Move
It is worth noting that standard vacations in the US start at 10-15 days a year (which when mixed with weekends works out to about 3 weeks). You'll also get 6-12 bank holidays (varies). Some folks balk at this drastically reduced vacation time, but you also have to remember that 'popping over to Paris' is really quite a pain when you are 5,000 miles away and that most Americans don't even use their full allotment of vacation days.
You're going to have to find the fine line where 'they'll just hire an American' and they can offer you these things. They're probably already going to be spending about $5,000 or so on your visa paperwork so that will be part of the process.
He's just going to have to 'wow' them in the interviews.
Good luck.
#5
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
We live south of Kirkland and I think you'll be very happy there. My husband loves this area because it reminds him somewhat of England, he works in Bothel and at the time we couldn't afford to buy up there. Real estate prices have lowered, so you should find something suitable.
Negotiate a very good health insurance package though....
Negotiate a very good health insurance package though....
#6
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 38
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
We live south of Kirkland and I think you'll be very happy there. My husband loves this area because it reminds him somewhat of England, he works in Bothel and at the time we couldn't afford to buy up there. Real estate prices have lowered, so you should find something suitable.
Negotiate a very good health insurance package though....
Negotiate a very good health insurance package though....
#7
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 22,105
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Healthcare is scary if you don't have good insurance. My husband has a good job and with a big company and 4 years ago started off with a very good insurance package. We've since seen that get worse. We currently pay around $100 a month for our premiums, but we have to meet our huge deductible before we get to pay our co-pays at our doctor or pharmacy. Our deductibles are $2300 annually, per person. So until that is paid (going to the doctor, having tests, buying prescriptions whittles that amount down) we pay full price for all of our medical care.
You will probably pay some out of pocket expenses for medical care. If you negotiate a good insurance package then your expenses may be small. Besides salary, this is very important in your husband's negotiations with the his company.
#8
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
I'd say yes
Send me a private message and I'll send you my IM address. My wife and I would be happy to help you with any questions.
Kieron
#9
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 38
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Thanks, Kieron, I will do that as soon as I've got a list of questions together. I'm very keen on the Kirkland area - although someone mentioned that the Juanita Bay area is a bit rough. We'll be coming from London though so it depends on your definition of 'rough' I suppose.
Many thanks though for taking the time to answer my questions - I'll IM you with my next batch soon!
Many thanks though for taking the time to answer my questions - I'll IM you with my next batch soon!
#10
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Perhaps someone here can confirm this as I'm not sure, but I think that many health insurers will not cover a pre-existing condition initially and might exclude coverage for 6 months or more, I think that might mean they would not insure you if you arrived in the US already pregnant.
Paying for a pregnancy and delivery without insurance is beyond the means of most people and might mean you waiting in the UK to give birth if you get pregnant in the near future.
I'm sure I read that someone on here is waiting to have her baby in the UK for those reasons, I'm afraid I can't recall the details though.
Paying for a pregnancy and delivery without insurance is beyond the means of most people and might mean you waiting in the UK to give birth if you get pregnant in the near future.
I'm sure I read that someone on here is waiting to have her baby in the UK for those reasons, I'm afraid I can't recall the details though.
#11
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
I wouldn't buy/rent anything North of 116th street which is Totem Lake area and try to stay away from the freeway/motoway (I405).
Rough, I don't think so. The area is 20% below average for crime rates for the whole of the USA. If you are from London then you'll think this place is good.
The one thing I will say about Kirkland is it's a little of a show off place. You see kids driving expensive cars (BMW, Merc, ....) all bought by mummy and daddy.
Also given there isn't much foot traffic in Kirkland then you see shops come and go.
Some other good things about moving to this area. You shouldn't have any problems getting credit Because the area is use to a lot of expats (Microsoft/Boeing/Google), then they are easier on you. I managed to buy a car on a 5 year loan, even though my visa was only for 2 years. I also managed to get a home loan as well without any issue.
Rough, I don't think so. The area is 20% below average for crime rates for the whole of the USA. If you are from London then you'll think this place is good.
The one thing I will say about Kirkland is it's a little of a show off place. You see kids driving expensive cars (BMW, Merc, ....) all bought by mummy and daddy.
Also given there isn't much foot traffic in Kirkland then you see shops come and go.
Some other good things about moving to this area. You shouldn't have any problems getting credit Because the area is use to a lot of expats (Microsoft/Boeing/Google), then they are easier on you. I managed to buy a car on a 5 year loan, even though my visa was only for 2 years. I also managed to get a home loan as well without any issue.
#12
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
$100k should be okay to get by, I would think. No state taxes in Washington.
However you must negotiate a decent health package. That is probably the most important thing. Not sure how familiar you are with the US, but pay attention to vacation time too. This is often negotiable too.
What kind of neighbourhood are you looking for? I'm in the younger crowd and tend to find the eastside (Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond and Mercer Island) stuffy, a bit pretentious and frankly, a little boring.
However, they are probably alright if you are looking for a pleasant. safe environment to raise a family. If you want to live in a happening neighbourhood, there are much more vibrant parts of Seattle to live in.
Horses for courses, really.
Also, be prepared for a potential rollercoaster ride with the visa stuff.
However you must negotiate a decent health package. That is probably the most important thing. Not sure how familiar you are with the US, but pay attention to vacation time too. This is often negotiable too.
What kind of neighbourhood are you looking for? I'm in the younger crowd and tend to find the eastside (Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond and Mercer Island) stuffy, a bit pretentious and frankly, a little boring.
However, they are probably alright if you are looking for a pleasant. safe environment to raise a family. If you want to live in a happening neighbourhood, there are much more vibrant parts of Seattle to live in.
Horses for courses, really.
Also, be prepared for a potential rollercoaster ride with the visa stuff.
#13
N99sea
Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 248
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
I have several friends who live in that area (Kirkland, Redmond). They enjoy living there, definitely very family friendly, good schools etc. I'm more of a Seattle girl myself, we live a few miles north of downtown in the Ballard/Greenwood area. There are a lot of great neighborhoods around here too, I think Seattle is a bit more vibrant than the Eastside but that's just my personal preference. I also think you shouldn't have a problem living off $100k, that's a pretty decent salary. Also a great time to be buying of course, but definitely rent first to find your feet. Good luck, you are (hopefully) moving to a great part of the country.
Naomi.
Naomi.
#14
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 38
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
I have several friends who live in that area (Kirkland, Redmond). They enjoy living there, definitely very family friendly, good schools etc. I'm more of a Seattle girl myself, we live a few miles north of downtown in the Ballard/Greenwood area. There are a lot of great neighborhoods around here too, I think Seattle is a bit more vibrant than the Eastside but that's just my personal preference. I also think you shouldn't have a problem living off $100k, that's a pretty decent salary. Also a great time to be buying of course, but definitely rent first to find your feet. Good luck, you are (hopefully) moving to a great part of the country.
Naomi.
Naomi.
You've definitely given me a lot to think about (maybe Seattle sounds a bit more lively than Kirkland...? but are rental prices similar?) so we'll keep researching and hopefully it'll all work out. Maybe we'll postpone the baby idea slightly until we're more settled and have sorted out the health insurance thing. Not even sure pregnancy health will be covered under OH's insurance... So much to think about, but thanks for giving me a jumping off point. Am really excited and I hope so much the move goes ahead! I'll keep you all posted ;-)
No doubt I'll be back with more questions though!
Many thanks again
#15
Re: Moving to Kirkland/Seattle, WA - advice needed, please?
Good. Sounds like you have the right attitude.
I know a few young couples in the Fremont-Wallingford-Greenlake part of the city that like it there. Those are nice neighbourhoods.
I live in Cap Hill (basically the gay/alternative/party district), which is far as I am concerned is the centre of the universe, but it's not for everyone.
Wherever you end up living you'll be alright. Seattle is fabulous.
I know a few young couples in the Fremont-Wallingford-Greenlake part of the city that like it there. Those are nice neighbourhoods.
I live in Cap Hill (basically the gay/alternative/party district), which is far as I am concerned is the centre of the universe, but it's not for everyone.
Wherever you end up living you'll be alright. Seattle is fabulous.