Seattle Washington Area Information?

[DavidS]

Looks like a potential move to the Seattle, WA area is in the works. Not a 100% certainty but ......

Any residents from up in that area have:
-recommended websites to look at for houses for sale or houses/apartments for rent?
-recommended general areas to live or to avoid?
-recommended website for concealed carry information - reciprocity, obtaining a WA state permit, etc.?

[jtc49]

For real estate and apartment info go to www.trulia,com (http://www.trulia,com) and plug in the city. You can pick price range on buying and renting houses and apartments.

[Bawanna]

Seattle is a big place and many refer to everything within a 45 minute drive as Seattle.

Seattle has some of it's own in city rules on things that don't apply once you get out of Seattle proper.

I'm not far from Seattle. I'm not up on real estate much but if you have more info on where your gonna work that helps the hunt for a proper neighborhood.

Also what kind of life you want at home, a little room or ok with a development. You mentioned apartment. I guess if you can handle an apartment you can handle about anything.

I need a little room myself. Happy to help if I can.

[muggsy]

My advice would be to avoid Washington State at all costs. Nothing of much good ever came out of Washington aside from the Redskins and the damn liberals are trying to change that. Better you should move to Ohio or Indiana where the good people live. No offense, Bawanna. :)

[marshal kane]

My advice would be to avoid Washington State at all costs. Nothing of much good ever came out of Washington aside from the Redskins and the damn liberals are trying to change that. Better you should move to Ohio or Indiana where the good people live. No offense, Bawanna. :)
I believe the Redskins are an eastern team based in the Washington DC area. If you're talking about a Washington state team, it's the Sea Hawks out of Seattle but I share your view on the rest of Washington state.

[jeepster09]

Hope you like rain.....:rain:

[berettabone]

Hope you like libs.........................

[DavidS]

Seattle is a big place and many refer to everything within a 45 minute drive as Seattle.

Seattle has some of it's own in city rules on things that don't apply once you get out of Seattle proper.

I'm not far from Seattle. I'm not up on real estate much but if you have more info on where your gonna work that helps the hunt for a proper neighborhood.

Also what kind of life you want at home, a little room or ok with a development. You mentioned apartment. I guess if you can handle an apartment you can handle about anything.

I need a little room myself. Happy to help if I can.

The apartment would only be short term if necessary while house hunting.

For now, let's say withing 1-1/2 hour drive of the University of Washington. Prefer something with a little bit of acreage outside of city limits where a person could do a little shooting when they want. However, a development would work if necessary. I don't want to put anyone out trying to find our perfect place, just looking for general area recommendations.

[DavidS]

Hope you like rain.....:rain:
Rain - maybe not.
Grew up in SE South Dakota.
Snow and cold - definitely not.

[yqtszhj]

I hear they like weed around there?

Would you be able to work from home at all? If so you can live where ever you like around there. Get east of the mountians i hear to get away from some of the liberalism.

[Bawanna]

Every one is right about the liberalism and yes it's a whole different world east side of the mountains. Dryer climate, better people and some actually commute to Seattle from just over the pass but it's not something I would entertain at all especially in winter. I don't want to spend my whole life driving to and from work.
I commuted to downtown, south of the U by a ways for about 10 years. No more of that for me

Yes it rains a lot. We do get snow and cold but generally it don't last long like other places.

There's a ton of options within 1 1/2 hours of the U. More towards the mountains you get the better chance of a sizeable piece of property. Still a bit of a challenge to get where you can shoot on your own property.

Even on places where you can, all it takes is liberal neighbors complaining and they'll mess it up for you.

Budget would of course come into play. Probably cheaper the further away from the U you get.

[DavidS]

Thanks Bawanna and others that posted. The answers were somewhat as expected after looking at a map of the Seattle area, go to the east. I will start looking at towns toward the east. Our situation is a little unique so we have an advantage in location.

A little back story. Ever since we were married 40+ years ago, we have not lived withing 600 miles of our immediate families (fathers-mothers-sisters-brothers) except for a few years after our daughter graduated college, then they moved to LA. Five years ago they moved back to Oklahoma shortly before she gave birth to our grandsons. We are retired now and Meemaw decided we will live near them from now on. Her world revolves around those boys (mine too). When they move, we will move. Now, the University of Washington is having serious discussions with her about a job opening they have.

Yeah, it will most likely be a real culture shock moving there from a 40 acre playground in Oklahoma. But, with our situation, if our daughter and family locate somewhere east of Seattle, them we can locate somewhat farther east of Seattle and keep the libs at bay for a little while.

[Bawanna]

Oh that makes it way more easier. Even if she has to live closer to the U you can still live quite a ways off since you won't commute every day.

Actually work well for her too since she can visit you and get away from the crowd. It will be a cultural shock for sure.

Being Missouri born and bred I know this to be true. In Missouri a car broke down on the rode will have 6 pickups behind it trying to help.
Here you might as well walk cause very few will stop and half of the few that stop will only try to rob you or get parts off your car.

This gets better quickly the further you get from downtown. I probably make it sound worse than it is. I just can't handle crowds or congestion. Many people love it down there. Park Place Market is way popular. I've never even been in it proper and have no desire to go there. Lots of people love that stuff so it aint all bad to many.

Look at your maps and look at Duvall, Carnation, Issaquah, Monroe and east on SR 2 Gold Bar, Startup, etc.

You can also go south and east. I'm not as partial to that area as it's not my usual stomping grounds so it's foreign to me.

You got a ton of options in your circumstance.

[DavidS]

Thanks a bunch!
That gives me a lot of areas to just look around. With our situation and our daughters penchant to live in more "rural" developments with good school systems, we do have a lot of options and could wind up quite a ways to the east.

[DavidS]

Appears the Concealed Pistol License laws for the state are not too onerous. Look to be more gun owner friendly than Oklahoma's concealed carry laws at first glance.

[Bawanna]

Oh yeah, no big deal. You have to be here like 30 or 60 days to establish residency. Then like 60 bucks at application. No class, no puffed up instructors, and as long as your not a felon or convicted of domestic assault your good to go.

Snohomish county usually delivers under a week. We're around that in the city of Monroe.

Seattle proper I'm sure would take longer. Any of the outlying areas would be pretty quick.

[Barth]

Rain - maybe not.
Grew up in SE South Dakota.
Snow and cold - definitely not.

I lived in Portland OR, very near Seattle WA, for three years.
It rains like crazy.
You won't see the sun for weeks at a time.
Plus it gets cold and snows.
Get ready.

I currently live across the street from the Paradise Valley Mall Phoenix AZ.
http://thumbs.trulia-cdn.com/pictures/thumbs_3/ps.67/d/3/c/0/picture-uh=e387c5f19a4127f9ceefe0556daf26aa-ps=d3c02977e9973f4758374bed0e1ba1e.jpghttp://pics4.city-data.com/cpicc/cfiles30188.jpg

[DavidS]

Looks like some real advantages to living east of the mountains. If this all happens, will seriously be looking for any possible way that would work. May not be too far fetched of the kids find a place somewhat east of Seattle, like the towns Bawanna mentioned then we could still be across the mountains but still pretty close to them.
No, I am not a people person and city life is not for me. Grew up in and around towns of 400 people or so until I went to college. Visited the kids in LA a couple times while they were there. I couldn't live like that!

[Alfonse]

If east of the mountains is an option, check out Wenatchee, and Lake Chelan. https://www.google.com/search?q=lake+chelan&espv=2&biw=1280&bih=685&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=aqtVVIv4CNDAiQL8zYDgAQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg

By the way, Chelan county is a democrat free zone as far as elected officials go.

[Alfonse]

Bawanna hit some areas to look at on the west side. Its been a few years, but there were some acreage north of Bothell too off highway 9. He'll probably straighten me out, but it they haven't been all built up, that might be nice too. Near Maltby is the area I'm thinking about. Watch out for areas that flood in the spring, like some areas around Snohomish.

[Alfonse]

One more thing, all the areas you are looking at are on one MLS system, except for Wenatchee that I mentioned earlier. You can search it from any real estate agency's web site. It will be much more accurate than Trulia or Zillow for how current the information is. RE/MAX, Windermere, Coldwell Banker, etc. will all have the same information on homes for sale.

[DavidS]

Thanks everyone. I think I have enough information to keep me busy planning for "what if".
Something to do while waiting for final confirmation on yes/no from our daughter. Not looking forward to a relocation, but wishing her the best of luck. She is a wonderful daughter, a super mom and a great architect and the nicest person I know on the planet. I fully expect her to get the job, she deserves it.

[AJBert]

Best advice I can give you is the advice I got when I got stationed in Seattle. Do not live in King County. Highest taxes in the entire state. Ended up living up north in Snohomish County in Everett but that was 20 years ago. Leavenworth is a nice little Bavarian tourist town that my wife loved and isn't too far down Stevens Pass if you like skiing. The best salt water taffy I've ever found!

[O'Dell]

Oh yeah, no big deal. You have to be here like 30 or 60 days to establish residency. Then like 60 bucks at application. No class, no puffed up instructors, and as long as your not a felon or convicted of domestic assault your good to go.

Snohomish county usually delivers under a week. We're around that in the city of Monroe.

Seattle proper I'm sure would take longer. Any of the outlying areas would be pretty quick.

Hey Bawanna, didn't Washington pass a law this week requiring a background check on person to person gun sales?

[RRP]

Yep. I-594; the toughest background checks in the country. Passed by 60% of the votes.

[Bawanna]

Yeah stupid wins again. I'm hoping the law is contested and a common sense judge throws the whole thing out.

It won't change a thing. Media is in a frenzy at our gun show this weekend. I missed last month, just forgot. They are predicting record crowds. Me and crowds don't do well. Not sure I'll even go now.

I so wanted to see all the rich bastards that infused millions into the campaign watch it all circle the drain when it failed but alas..........


I have no idea how they will enforce such a law. Still parts that aren't clear too such as gun range rentals, family gifts etc.

I plan to just ignore it like all other stupid laws.

At the gun show I'm sure they will just have the FFL table holders process non FFL table holder sales. Maybe even some areas in the membership area that just do transfers.

Just gonna cost a few more bucks, nothing really changes.

All members already have back ground checks and we don't allow dirt bags in the show.

[DavidS]

Just gonna cost a few more bucks, nothing really changes.

There ya go!

[whiskytango]

Another Seattlite here. I live on the Eastside of Seattle in Kirkland. It's not ideal, but for me it works. I'm close to work at that one obscure software developer in Redmond. I don't really have much to add to the post but if any more questions pop up that I can answer I'll be more than happy to help.

[DavidS]

Looks like it is a done deal and we will be moving to the Bothell area. Starting the search for a place to live.

[Bawanna]

Bothell is a good area. I had a house there for a few years. A lot or rural around there.

Kind of built up like every where else in the last 5 or 10 years. Lots of options around that area.

Only about 20 minutes away from me.

[Alfonse]

Welcome to Washington. Find a spot that your normal running around doesn't drive you crazy with traffic. The clouds there are no choices about on that side of the mountains.

[89grand]

There are a lot of things to like about many states, but damn it feels good to live in Arizona where we have nearly the most gun freedom in the entire world. We've been given a big fat F from the Brady morons that grade each state.:Amflag2:

If I can afford it, there is really nothing I can't own. Class 3 weapons, SBR's, 50 BMG's, no mag restrictions, no person to person back ground checks, concealed carry WITHOUT a permit, no waiting periods (just instant checks), open carry. I can't really think of anything any other place has as far as gun rights that are better then here.

And best of all, violent crime here is quite low, and if it wasn't for illegals aliens, because of our proximity to Mexico, it'd much even lower still. Considering the sheer size and population of Phoenix, where I live, it proves gun control is a complete failure and in fact encourages crime.

[DavidS]

And Bothell it is.
We have a house under contract there and ours is being listed now.
Sigh, gonna miss this place. Really gonna be hard to downsize.

[yqtszhj]

And Bothell it is.
We have a house under contract there and ours is being listed now.
Sigh, gonna miss this place. Really gonna be hard to downsize.

I want to downsize so bad I can't stand it. Just have to get the wife there. I've determined all I need is my firearms, some space to do what I want outside, electronic communication, and a den to hang out in. I can get rid of everything else. Wife just wants an A+ kitchen since she loves to cook. Its driving me nuts.

I'm glad you found a place and wish you well.

[DavidS]

Thanks.
I don't mind the downsizing of the house, we have too much crap anyway.
Gonna miss stepping out the back door and being only 100 yards from shooting or fishing and following the grandsons around on their little electric 4 wheelers and not having neighbors close enough to worry too much about whether the shades are closed or not and just peeing on the nearest tree instead of having to run in the house and ............. you know, guy stuff like that.

[Alfonse]

And, you may find you miss seeing the sun. You are arriving at a pretty good time. There are usually a few sunny days in February, so you only have a little over a month. If you arrived in October, it might have been brutal. It is pretty much dark, or almost dark all day this time of year. The great thing is everybody has a huge grin when it is sunny in the spring.

[Bawanna]

Even on your side of the hill? Different world on your side. Just passing through the moss between my fingers and toes goes away.

Been wet and dreary round these parts for a while now. I'm ready for summer.

[Alfonse]

I was talking Seattle/Bothell. I lived on that side for over 30 years. It is much brighter over here although today we do have clouds. Yes, I am completel ready for summer. I never get the flu in summer, but have had a nasty version since Friday.

[Bawanna]

I had it before Christmas, felt like I'd have to die to get better, it was miserable. Still not 100% but a solid 88% at least.

[b4uqzme]

Flu sucks. Everyone around here has it or has had it except my buddy who ironically is the only person I know who didn't get a flu shot. Go figure.

Good luck in your new digs DavidS. Give it time and it will soon be home. Change sucks too but it always seems to work out for the better in my experience.

[Bawanna]

I got a flu shot too, no more, never again.

And DavidS, I'm practically a neighbor, half hour away give or take. If you need something neighborly let me know.

[DavidS]

Now that's right neighborly of you! :D

[Alfonse]

The Puget Sound area is wonderful. The sunny days are fantastically beautiful and it never rains hard. It seems nobody bothers with an umbrella or even a rain coat most of the time. The local politics have gotten wacky, mostly from the influx from places like California. I remember when Seattle was pretty conservative and traffic was no problem. Progress I suppose. You are pretty close to Bawanna. He can probably direct you to some places to shoot.

I remember a pretty nice shotgun range in Bothell. They might have had other types of ranges too, but the shotgun range was sweet. Have a great time!

[Armybrat]

Quite an adventure moving across such a big chunk of the country from Oklahoma to yankeeland (no offense Bawanna & all you other damy.... uh, Washingtonians). Hope it all goes smoothly and y'all settle in comfortably.

Say Bawanna, what part of Missouri do you hail from? My Dad's family was from NW Mo., between St. Joe & Maryville. My Mom's family was from the Farmington area in SE Mo.

[DavidS]

I guess I am completing a "diamond". Grew up in South Dakota, spent most of my Navy service stationed in South Carolina, worked to retirement in Oklahoma and now moving to Washington.

[Bawanna]

Quite an adventure moving across such a big chunk of the country from Oklahoma to yankeeland (no offense Bawanna & all you other damy.... uh, Washingtonians). Hope it all goes smoothly and y'all settle in comfortably.

Say Bawanna, what part of Missouri do you hail from? My Dad's family was from NW Mo., between St. Joe & Maryville. My Mom's family was from the Farmington area in SE Mo.

Mostly Bowling Green, in Mexico MO for a couple years and a few years near Hannibal. I was only there until I was about 7 but that was long enough to instill honesty, common sense and a solid knowledge of right from wrong.

I was back numerous times up until I got squished. Haven't been there since after chair. 20 years. That sucks!

[jeepster09]

Quite an adventure moving across such a big chunk of the country from Oklahoma to yankeeland (no offense Bawanna & all you other damy.... uh, Washingtonians). Hope it all goes smoothly and y'all settle in comfortably.

Say Bawanna, what part of Missouri do you hail from? My Dad's family was from NW Mo., between St. Joe & Maryville. My Mom's family was from the Farmington area in SE Mo.


My dad was from St. Joe area also....he grew up 3 houses from Jessie James. He also lived in Balko.

[Armybrat]

My dad was from St. Joe area also....he grew up 3 houses from Jessie James. He also lived in Balko.
I've been in that Jesse James house museum - 1st time was about 60 years ago - last visit was in 1969. I think it had been moved to its present location earlier than that.

The size of the "bullet hole" in the wall indicates that Ford either used an elephant gun to murder Jesse or curiosity souvenir seekers carved a lot of splinters out of the original spot. :D