Rent budget, go cheap or high-end? Seattle
Moving to seattle soon and I’m looking for a place to live at. The prices range from 1600-2500. I’m not sure if I want to get a nice place to live at. Or save more money and live at an avg place with just 1600-1700 rent. My monthly salary will be 7600 so 1600 is less than 30% which is ideal and 2500 is a but higher. Does it matter that much to have a really nice apartment in Seattle (gray weather, spent more time home) ? I want to hear your thoughts.
What’s your goal?
What city?
It depends on a couple factors - do you prefer suburbs or downtown? Is it just you or do you have a family? What do you like to do outside of work? How much time do you think you’ll spend in your apt?
Just me. Currently I spend most of the time at my apt. But I’m assuming moving to a new location I’ll be going out a lot more
I would base it off of just finding the cheapest apt that meets all of your necessities - for me it was location first and foremost, and then I also wanted AC, parking, and a decent view. I paid 2000 for a decent 1 bd including parking.
Get a nice apartment. You'll be less miserable, I swear. I live in SLU, in a studio, $2100 a month.
Is that a nice studio?
I do love my apartment. The location is perfect, everywhere is walkable, you don't need a car, apartment management is great, residents are nicer, all the appliances are new and shiny, rooftop is amazing, package room is convenient, the list goes on and on
20-30% a year
I lied, 10-20%. Calculation error sorrie
Then I think 2k is max for now.
Get a cheap place, use the extra $$$ to enjoy life outside your apt or save/invest.
That’s what’s I’m leaning towards especially that I don’t have much in saving but I wanted to hear more opinions ..
If you new to any city and plan on long term, I would recommend at least for Seattle to live in a nice modern apartment with 2months rent free special. When that is over, move to a neighborhood that you liked/spent most of your time in. I personally feel every neighborhood has a different vibe and super important. You could get a very modern 1bedroom for 2000(after including discounts), which is also half way your budget.
I never heard of discounts on apt? How and where do I find these? I saw some that offer a month free but not a discount
I meant months free rent as discount. Not all advertise online but most of the new ones will give you two months rent free. Thats the standard i deduced gathering data points from all people I know and just moved or even been here a while. My apartment gave me two months rent free plus $500 visa gift card and my rent came down from 2400 to 1950 or something
Only you can answer what lifestyle you value. Why is this on blind?
Whatever you choose, make sure to assume that the rent will go up significantly after your lease expires. Either budget for that if you like the place and want to stay out, or plan on moving.
Is always increasing? If so by how much?
15-30% in my experience. I finally bought after the last renewal. The housing market here is rough because of the upwards volatility.