Move from Bay Area to Bellevue?
Currently in the Bay Area and I have the option to do an internal transfer and move to Bellevue. We're a family of 4 with 2 small children. Is the quality of life and higher TC due to no income taxes worth the fuss of moving? (There's a 5% pay cut) Looking around at housing for rent, seems like supply is super low and prices are not that much lower than bay area. Is this just a temporary covid thing or is this normal for the area? We definitely need a safe, family friendly area to live. Looks like Issaquah and Sammamish would fit this. But I'm worried about commute to DT Bellevue. How bad is the commute from Sammamish to Bellevue? Anyone else done the move and can speak to if it's worth it? Advice appreciated! Weather is not a problem for us. TC: $240k #tech #housing #living
In order of desirability: 1. Medina 2. Clyde Hill 3. Houghton 4. Bridle Trails 5. Rose Hill Your TC probably just leaves you with 5, and North Rose Hill instead of South.
Bellevue is definitely safe and (relatively) cheaper, but not by much (pre-covid). I moved from Bay Area to Seattle. If you don't mind rain 6 months of the year, move to Bellevue/Kirkland. Personally, I'm moving back to the bay because after living here for 2 years, despite all the surrounding nature, the rain is too depressing.
Sammamish to Bellevue is gonna be >35 mins travel. That would be a stretch I presume. Issaquah seems to be a better choice but if you are ready to spend, it’s better to rent out near Redmond, rose hill or Clyde hill
Are you prepared to get seasonal affective disorder?
Just bought a house in Bridle Trails on Houghton side of the park. My TC is 300 and partner’s is 240. It’s really great here, way better community than Bay Area.
What makes it better than Bay?
Stick with Bellevue. Mercer Island is fun too.
I’d recommend against sammamish to Bellevue unless your offices are going to be very close to 520 or I-90. If you can afford Kirkland or Redmond the commute will be better. Schools are comparable.