Seattle is a beautiful city to live in but renting an apartment can be a daunting task. Where do you begin your search? Online? In person? There are big apartment finder websites like Rent.com or Apartments.com which list the latest availabilities at apartment complexes and you can survey which ones you want to pursue. Seattle has the I-5 freeway running right up through it and the 405 freeway which runs around the east side of Lake Washington. To the west of Seattle is the Puget Sound water way so there are some excellent views from many of the downtown apartments. Trying to commute into downtown each day is a nightmare for many as the freeways get very congested during peak times. Many people live in the outlying cities like Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Renton, Lynnwood and even further out in Everett or Tacoma. Prices are pretty high for renting an apartment in the downtown region and slowly decrease as you leave the city center. We suggest that you drive through and around some of the neighborhoods you may want to live in to see about parking, general upkeep in the region, and how close you will be to your place of work. You will find several apartment websites listed below that we have put on this page to help you find specific spots with the area they are located in. You will be able to find 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom, and even 3 bedroom units at many of the complexes or buildings. Be sure to ask the apartment or property manager about available floor plans, are pets ok, parking access, etc. Keep a list handy so you can quickly go down your questions and get as many answered over the phone as possible before you waste your time going out and viewing the unit.
The cost of living is high in the Seattle Metro area, and 1 BR apartments will normally set you back $1200 or more per month. Below are listings for some Seattle Apartment Rentals.
Here are some more resources to aid in your apartment shopping: Apartment Inspection Checklist - take this on your walkthrus and jot down notes. Avoid Renters Remorse: parking, noise, etc. Check this list.
Rules for Renting a Condo: Condos are a little different..
Your Credit Report: What is shows, what to look for.
Other nearby cities to include in your search are: Lynnwood, Shoreline, Edmomnds, Bellevue, Bothell, Everett.
Buying a Home in Seattle: Real Estate Brokers and Agents
When looking for a home, whether for a corporate relocation or just moving across town, it always helps to begin with MLS listings to get an idea of what is on the market and what your $$ can buy. Start with MLS Listings. Then find a real estate agent you trust and are comfortable with. Coldwell Banker Residential (206-283-5200) serves the entire Seattle region, aiding in finding a home or planning a relocation. Windermere Real Estate is another well-trusted local name (206-367-4720), traditionally dealing in higher end properties. Get information on neighborhoods, schools, property taxes, etc. Check out the tools below:
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