Was recently promoted at work and am moving to the Seattle area next month. I have been to both Bellevue and Seattle several times but can't decide where to move. Given the terrain I feel Bellevue is more flat and will be less of a pain in the *** to drive the viper than the steep hills in Seattle. I am in my mid 20's, night life is important and want to be where there is a younger crowd however most of the time I am in a suit so prefer somewhere upscale. Granted I realize that nothing will compare to living in NYC but stick me next to the area where most of the hot women are and I will be just fine. Would like to keep the budget under $3000/mo for a one bedroom. Any thoughts from those that live in the area?

Also, what is the car scene like here? If you see a 99 black viper gts, feel free to say hello. Looking forward to meeting some of you.

 

Well there are many different scenes in the Seattle area. I primarily lean towards dubstep and house crowds, and never once was over in Belleview area for an event. Scratch that - one house party.

If / when I move back to Seattle it's going to be, in order of priority:

Fremont
Greenlake
Wallingford
Maple Leaf (just north of U-district)

If you really want to be in the middle you're looking at Capital Hill. If ur a guy you'll get hit on a lot by the gay guys. Up to you if thats a thing or not.

Eastlake might not be a bad choice either, not much going on but its close to lots of stuff and i personally like the i5 entrance / exits around there.

Keep in mind traffic in Seattle has become HORRIBLE over the last year or so. They're shredding a lot of the downtown roads right now, and i99 has been closed causing rush hour traffic at all hours of the day, even weekends.

If you're in Bellevue you're either looking at the 520 bridge which is now a toll bridge or the 405-to-i90, which is a PITA and too long.

Welcome to the NW!!

 

For what it seems like you're looking for I definitely recommend Bellevue coming from someone who has lived in both cities.

I'm currently 24 and single, as far as having a good scene you can't really go wrong with either since the commute between is 15 (at least) to 45 (at most during traffic).

Reasons I recommend Bellevue:

1. TRAFFIC IN SEATTLE! It's HORRIBLE, especially with the bad weather we get.

2. It's a nice suburb of Seattle, low crime rates. Less chance your car is going to get stolen. Great scene for anyone between 20-30 since there are a number of large businesses in the area who hire only college grads (Microsoft, Expedia, T-Mobile all have HQ's in Bellevue/surrounding). Bellevue has definitely boomed in the last 5 years.

3. Many parts of Seattle have EXTREMELY steep hills, roads for the most part are VERY old and in most parts of Seattle need to be repaved. The sounds my FD have made driving on some of those roads would send chills down your spine.

4. Very close to Seattle if you ever need to be in the city, especially if you live in Downtown Bellevue. Wouldn't be more than a 15-20 minute drive.

There are definitely benefits for being in the city but with the kind of cars I'm guessing you'll be driving I'm sure Bellevue would be a better fit. Bellevue will more likely be a little more expensive but with the budget you have you could even get a 3-4 bedroom house in either Seattle/Bellevue.

Happy Hunting and welcome to the NW!

 

If you spend more time driving your car and going to upscale events then Bellevue is better. If you like to go out to bars and clubs on weeknights, Seattle is a better pick. Housing should be much more affordable here than NYC. You can get a nice place in Bellevue for $1,500-$2,000. Downtown Bellevue will be a bit more.

 

Bellevue. It is all around just a great place. If you ask me... I feel that you have access to a lot more. I consider Bellevue to be the center of the eastside, but that's just my opinion.

 

Women, night scene, cars, etc.
Go a lil further north of bellevue, Kirkland.
Gives more options to get to seattle with 522, 520, And I-90.
Seattle - 75% hippy.
Bellevue - 75% phony.
Kirkland - 75% regular.
I prefer the extreme north - 99.9% white trash baby!

 

Move to Kirkland, get a place on Lake Washington blvd. You will thank me this summer

Kirkland is a beach town & is the spot for cruising nice cars on sunny days. I have lived here my entire life, I would be happy to show you around.

It takes 20 mins to drive Kirkland to Seattle at night (after 9pm)

The car scene is rogue but there are quite a few nice vehicles around.

Bellevue is expensive & has way too many Asians and stuck up rich people for me.

 

On that note... any apartment complexes you would recommend on that street? I've always thought about living there.

 

I live in Bellevue Early 20's (haha feels like an online dating site) anyway Bellevue is by far a better place to live Seattle is great to visit. its safer here less homeless pan handlers, better roads, way nicer and classier night club unfortunately the best one around was recently close due to some underage moron from Tacoma shooting up the place. also there's alot of cool car shops in Bellevue like park place ltd go there if you haven't been yet its awesome or illtech auto they park vipers and Ferrari's out side like there civics. also you may want to take into account what bridge is better for you to commute to work 520 is tolled i-90 is not (yet well see tho)

 

Thanks everyone for their help, think I found a spot in Belltown. Looking forward to meeting all of you.

 

Just an FYI - Belltown is not the safest area around town. The past 5 years it has become and open air drug market. Fights and shootings after hours when the bars let out is the norm now.

Fremont, Ballard, Bellevue are safe places to live that you are in walking distance to night life.

On another note if you are interested in the exotic car community shoot me a PM.

 

if your in belltown come to Foundation on Saturday nights, thats my spot

 

I am in, drinks are on me. I hear they spin good House music there? It is pretty close to me, I am off bay st and denny way.

Its right on the border of lower queen anne and belltown, has some very nice apartments next to it and the garage has security cameras for the Viper. Definitely interested in the exotic car community.