Re: Moving to Seattle
 

If you want month to month then thats a whole different thing. Your choices are limited.

Embassy suites, residence inn.
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_...ngton/index.do
https://www.marriott.com/reservation...ertyCode=SEASO

The ones in the landing do, do a corporate suite but I am sure you have to pay through the nose for it just like the above.

In the US I found that it is very hard to get a month to month after the initial rent period like in the UK. They seem to lock you in for another term. We managed to negotiate a 2 month end on lease after 9 months (we hadn't found a home by then) that was the shortest we could do and find.

But if you are going with work for a fixed or short term then I hope they will help you out at least with finance help as doing it month to month is very expensive, do they not help you out even with info on places to stay?

But maybe others know of more places maybe cheaper here, as I don't know of any.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

I really don't think you should be looking to live in Tukwila OR downtown.

Seattle's deal is that it is comprised of a number of eclectic, distinctive neighbourhoods. Life doesn't revolve around downtown. For instance, I live in Capitol Hill, which has turned out to be absolutely excellent.

I would recommend trying to find an apartment in Cap Hill or Madrona. You can find month-to-month places in Cap Hill on craigslist on a fairly regular basis.

Downtown has too many bums and can be a bit sketchy late at night, and the bars in the smaller neighbourhoods are better than the ones downtown in general. More friendly.

A lot of the best neigbourhoods are in the north of the city, which will be too far for you unfortunately. I don't really rate the areas south of downtown, however there are some fairly nice developments in places.

The bus system here is pretty decent so you should have no problems commuting to work. You shouldn't need to get a car.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

I spent about two days in Seattle at a hotel downtown and I'd second the notion that it wasn't the best place to live (Downtown) not when there were plenty of interesting neighborhoods around that had more of a life. Downtown struck me as touristy places on the water and kind of quiet at night.

Like I said, only there 48 hours but that was my impression.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

Yeah, there are lots of great neighborhoods in Seattle, most close to bus lines.
Capitol Hill is a great neighborhood, lived there for a few years back pre-kid, and still enjoy going back there once in a while. Tons of bars and restaurants.
Belltown and South Lake Union are both fun neighborhoods really close to downtown core, South Lake Union is really growing.
A quick hop to downtown on the bus: Ballard (I live there and love it), Fremont, Greenlake, Queen Anne. All have tons of rentals/condos. I personally really like living close to Seattle rather than in the sprawl.
Naomi.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

His office is in Tukwila and he changed his mind about living in Seattle and seemed to settle on Renton.
(he doesn't want to live in Tukwila don't think anyone does :D)

He also said earlier on, he tried to look at craigs list even in Seattle and couldn't find anything, but maybe he should keep trying :thumbup:

The buses are better in downtown Seattle and is easier to try and find your nearest bus stop than in Renton. But if you live on a 'main route' its OK. But Renton is a lot cheaper than Seattle and a lot quicker commute and can easily get to Eastside and Seattle.

ah so you've got money ;) :D

Those places are great, do love them but the trip up there can take a while, nice restaurants there.
Yes as a general rule go north of the city not south.

re capitol hill we go for the bars etc but its not ballard or Queen Anne with nice housing its a bit run down or industrial looking, we were just commenting on that on Sunday a'noon at Quinn's pub in capitol hill. Maybe I just haven't seen the nice bits?

But I guess its comes down to what an individual likes, nice views, lovely quaint housing or 'where it is happening'.

Our friends live in Belltown and there are so many great restaurants they have a lovely apartment and view of the water, love visiting there. But after having been used to the space of a house and garden we chose the 'burbs' over apartment living. Only 20 mins to get there though so not bad. :)

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

The secret to Capitol Hill is to live on 15th, not Broadway.

If you head to the area around Volunteer Park the houses are FABULOUS. I live in a mansion. It's amazing. I would wager that the houses in that area are as good if not better than Queen Anne, Fremont or any of the other downtown-ish neighbourhoods.

If you are prepared to share with other people, the rent in Cap Hill is actually very reasonable. I pay $400 a month and I live in a great house.

The problem with living in Renton or any of the other South Seattle neighbourhoods is that they are, frankly, boring. If he is only going to be here for 3 months, surely he would be better of living in a fun part of town where he can get the best experience?

On 15th ave in Cap Hill I can roll out of my house any night of the week and there are 4 or 5 bars within three blocks that are likely to be busy. Even on a Tuesday. That's not going to be the case in Renton.

I admit the bus commute from Cap Hill/Downtown to Tukwila is going to be a pain, but personally I would say it would be worth it to live with cool people in a cool neighbourhood.

Rooms in Cap Hill pop up on Craigslist all the time, since it tends to be populated by a lot of young people who are always coming and going. If he wanted to live there, I don't think he would have much trouble.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

I know that people were buying up the big homes in capitol hill and doing them up a few years back, can you still buy them at such a good price, cause the price really jumped when we looked at them a couple of years back?

And great idea only $400 a month for sharing there - that is amazing :thumbup: and I agree there is a lot to do there. :) (personally I still prefer Belltown there seems to be more happening there, could be wrong just what I perceive ;)
but I would make sure anyone would get an apartment with good security and secure parking there.)

And I was only giving the OP the run down on Renton as he specifically mentioned it and even when I gave good other nearby areas he just wanted Renton, maybe it is the commute?

Re bars etc there are plenty there he can walk to if he lives downtown Renton including an Irish pub etc. It is improving with the new apartments and shops etc right by the Lake, and coulon park is lovely and it is easy and quick to get to Bellevue, which to me I prefer to go to than downtown Seattle (mostly :))

So if he wants Renton it's fine, but yes you are right not anywhere near as 'happening' as Bellevue or Belltown etc and for a short term stay then personally I would take the long commute into Seattle.
But who knows maybe he works incredibly long hours and 6 day weeks?

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

The houses in my area of Cap Hill cost millions. I rent though, so I don't have to worry about that. Most of them are gigantic. "Upper" Cap Hill is the way forward :thumbup:

We're not talking the area around Broadway here - I admit that's kind of a dump, although it is being gentrified at a startling rate these days. Seriously, roll over to 15th and check it out - we have a good little scene going on here!

I suppose Renton has some spots, but I can't help but feeling it's a bit out of the action. A bit like living in Cumbernauld, in many ways :D

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

Yeah, I really like 15th too, used to own a little townhouse on 15th and Pine, was pretty sad to leave that 'hood. Lots of good memories, miss walking down to the Comet Tavern, many a good night spent there.
Naomi.

Re: Moving to Seattle
 

Ahh.. Cumbernauld great analogy :lol:

I always viewed Seattle like living in the SW of Scotland, you can go East or North but South, - nah that's dodgy ;)

And those homes in Capitol Hill (if its the same ones, we looked at so many different homes and areas) when we looked at them at the time they were $600k to do up, (if you even found one!) and I thought that was expensive (out of our price range as well), ah I'd be sitting pretty if I had one of those now :lol: