I’ve been given a few choices for my next rotation at my job that I got after graduating this past may, I won’t be moving till June (from Dallas) but I’m getting my research done early.
Here’s what I’m looking for: A nice urban/downtown area, mostly comprised of young people, walking distance to bars (that is a must). I was born a city boy and while I would love to move to NYC or LA my company doesn’t have that opportunity, and from the list of available cities Seattle is the biggest.
University park seems like the obvious choice, but I just left a college town, I’ve lived in rundown houses the last few years of my life and now that I’m graduated I’ve decided I don’t want to move back into an apartment like that. If there nice/new places to live in that area, or just outside, that would be acceptable, I certainly haven’t grown out of the college scene completely. So please suggest! And like I said I have to be able to live in a place in walking distance (or some metro transport) to bars.
Capital Hill has also been suggested but from Wikipedia it seems to be a "coffee shop" kind of town and has a large gay population and I’m not really down with that. Is it still like that today?
I’ll be working in Redmond so somewhere on the North side seems like it would be better for my commute, but if need be I’ll drive an extra 20 minutes each day to enjoy where I live.
What about downtown, is there a good nightlife there? I can’t seem to find a good event calendar for the Seattle area so this is really my only viable source of insider information.
There are distinct neighborhoods within the city of Seattle, and each has a different vibe. I’m sure you’ll find one you like.
Based on what you are saying, you’ll probably want to be in Seattle itself, not in one of the suburbs. But that means that you’ll be stuck dealing with the bridge commute. Going from Seattle to Redmond is the reverse commute, but it can still be bad. No question it is a tradeoff, so be prepared.
The U district would be OK, but will definately have a university lifestyle kind of vibe.
Some neighborhoods to consider:
Belltown and Lower Queen Anne – lots of newer condos/apartments, restaurants and bars. The Belltown area does have a drug/crime issue. LQA tends to be pricier, with somewhat fewer crime problems.
Street Parking is nearly all metered, so make sure where you live comes with parking, as the commute to Redmond will likely have to be done in a car.
Fremont – Tends to have a "funky" vibe. Lots of restaurants and bars nearby. Most parking is not metered, but it is tight. Somewhat harder to get to the freeway for the daily commute.
Ballard – more recently redeveloped. Fewer bars/nightclubs, but there are a few. A bit less pricey, but it has awful freeway access for the commute.
Capitol Hill – tends to be the "gay" area of town, but not exclusively. Lots of bars and restaurants, especially on the pike/pine corridor. Easy freeway access.
You might consider looking at the calendar that the Stranger (the alternative weekly newspaper) puts out. They probably have the best music/nightlife listings for Seattle.
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Home
There are distinct neighborhoods within the city of Seattle, and each has a different vibe. I’m sure you’ll find one you like.
Based on what you are saying, you’ll probably want to be in Seattle itself, not in one of the suburbs. But that means that you’ll be stuck dealing with the bridge commute. Going from Seattle to Redmond is the reverse commute, but it can still be bad. No question it is a tradeoff, so be prepared.
The U district would be OK, but will definately have a university lifestyle kind of vibe.
Some neighborhoods to consider:
Belltown and Lower Queen Anne – lots of newer condos/apartments, restaurants and bars. The Belltown area does have a drug/crime issue. LQA tends to be pricier, with somewhat fewer crime problems.
Street Parking is nearly all metered, so make sure where you live comes with parking, as the commute to Redmond will likely have to be done in a car.
Fremont – Tends to have a "funky" vibe. Lots of restaurants and bars nearby. Most parking is not metered, but it is tight. Somewhat harder to get to the freeway for the daily commute.
Ballard – more recently redeveloped. Fewer bars/nightclubs, but there are a few. A bit less pricey, but it has awful freeway access for the commute.
Capitol Hill – tends to be the "gay" area of town, but not exclusively. Lots of bars and restaurants, especially on the pike/pine corridor. Easy freeway access.
You might consider looking at the calendar that the Stranger (the alternative weekly newspaper) puts out. They probably have the best music/nightlife listings for Seattle.
http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Home
References :
The drive from Seattle to Redmond can be tough at times – depending on what time you work. Crossing the bridges is a hassle.
However it really seems like the neighborhoods you want are in Seattle. Ballard is very much it’s own little community – very close to the downtown area. Lots of little shops, coffee shops, really good trendy restaurants and bars/ pubs. Most definately a hipster place to go. Another place is Fremont. Several bars and pubs and restaurants.
You could also try Wallingford area – just north of the UW area – lots of restaurants and bars. If you do choose Fremont or Ballard, access to the freeway is a b it – 15 min on the freeway then your half hour commute to the east side on a good day each way. Wallingford has easier access, Fremont second easier access and Ballard has the worst access to the freeway.
In terms of nightlife, if you are talking "clubs" where you get dressed for the nines then yes downtown Seattle is where you want to be but in all honesty the crowd is young. Not for all but for most, by the time you hit 24-25, you are frequenting places in Fremont, Bel Town and Ballard and some lowkey places nearer Pike Place. Plus Beltown gets sleazy quickly with lots of homeless and crime.
Capitol Hill is a great place – affordable, probably more so than any of the 3 that I listed earlier. Good location – easier access to the freeway but mind you it is busy here so going a few blocks here is the same as going many blocks in Ballard or Fremont. Still access to restaurants and nightlife definately. It is near the gay scene also.
References :
"Capital Hill has also been suggested but from Wikipedia it seems to be a "coffee shop" kind of town and has a large gay population and I’m not really down with that. Is it still like that today?"
Easy answer: Yes, very much so!
References :