We also were denied about 8-10 rental houses because we've owned a house before and could buy again -- landlords would rather rent to those they know will continue to rent.
Weird. I've owned before but never had a problem getting someone to rent to me here.
rental house we didn't get because the owner was a lawyer and worked in the same legal circles as my husband
Are you sure your husband didn't start asking a bunch of legal questions about the application and rental contract? I would be very hesitant to rent to someone who I thought might cause me legal problems in the future.
...but if you really want suburban living and a big house on a view lot I'd suggest going all the way south to the Vancouver Washington area, which is really a suburb of Portland.
I second this. If I wanted to live in Washington and could live anywhere with job not an issue, I'd probably choose Vancouver. No state income tax, no sales tax on purchases made in Portland, no sales tax on food bought locally. Cheap house prices compared to the Seattle area. Better access to the ocean. I'd check out the area within walking distance of the Amtrak station, so you could take a train into downtown Portland and then use the light rail there.
For two apparently rich professionals, one of whom is an attorney, you sure are suckers. Why haven't you sued your landlord yet and demanded your rent payments back, if the condition of the house is what you are describing? I've never had a problem renting, despite also being married professionals with pets and money. The only thing I can think of, if your situation as described is accurate, is that you are either lying, stupid or both. Also, I apologize for misspelling "tenant", since that seems to be a very serious issue for you. Maybe the problem you have finding suitable landlords and rentals is your own attitude, and not the Seattle market.
First, who said we were rich? We *saved* for a downpayment, exactly what is preached on this forum. Second, we had a terrible time finding a rental house close to downtown/UW, we hope to buy again very soon, and the landlord has knocked off some of our rent this month for the loss of the room -- why would we start creating problems by threatening to sue? This doesn't make this house any more pleasant for three people to live in. You must be one of those people who scream and yell (and threaten to sue) everytime. Fourth, move into a newer SFH for rent in 98105 or 98103? Where do you suppose we find one of them thar' beasts?
Exactly what do you think I am lying about? No, never mind, I don't really care what you think -- you're obviously an idiot oblivious to anything that falls outside the scope of your narrow little view, Mr. C. Fiction.
According to Wikipedia, "As of 2006, 38% of the methamphetamine labs (138 sites) cleaned up by the Washington Department of Ecology were in Pierce County." That's where Bonney Lake is. Not Vancouver.
Just make sure you don't get too close to Orting, about 5 miles south of Bonney Lake, where a lahar from Mt. Rainier could wipe out the place (the schools do lahar drills there).
My suggestion is that you spend some serious time here before you commit to anything. Pierce County is like a dangerous Ozarks from a King County (Seattle) perspective. I've often read that Pierce County has the highest crime rate in WA. Surely there are some nice areas (it's a big county), but do the homework. Here's a search where I found this tidbit: "Pierce County has more potential death penalty cases pending than the rest of the state combined, and more could be on the way."
To buy a home in any neighborhood you do not know is not wise.
Were I to screen communities I would first look at SAT or school test results. It is very unusual for problem communities to have great schools.
Once I put together a short list I would look at crime statistics, and the nature of the crimes.
All the rest is BS!!
Better to buy a modest home in a strong community that a fancy home that doesn't mesh with your values. I appreciate great libraries, others may not care a fig. Each to their own.
"Eighty percent of contacts made by police officers in Vancouver are related to methamphetamine, according to Police Chief Brian Martinek (The Columbian 2/28/2006)."
There you go.
Btw, your lazy google search turned out nothing concrete about Pierce County. Not that I support 253, but for this matter I'll stand by 253 while I continue to trample Vancouver.
"Eighty percent of contacts made by police officers in Vancouver are related to methamphetamine, according to Police Chief Brian Martinek (The Columbian 2/28/2006)."
Which could mean it's a relatively low crime area, given that meth is prevalent everywhere. If 80% of contacts were for parking violations, does that mean that parking violations are out of control? Or does it mean the police have little else to bust?
What if they gave you a McMansion? They're not as pretentious.
Speaking of libraries, Bellevue kicks butt on Seattle. After building that "architectural masterpiece" in downtown Seattle, they apparently had no money left over for decent books.
What if they gave you a McMansion? They're not as pretentious.
Speaking of libraries, Bellevue kicks butt on Seattle. After building that "architectural masterpiece" in downtown Seattle, they apparently had no money left over for decent books.
Markor - I don't know what bellevue library you are talking about. Does bellevue have anything but a branch of the KCLS? KCLS doesn''t come close to the breadth or depth of selection at the central library. I spent 2 there this weekend researching the Ch'ing dynasty with my daughter. I don't think there is anything in the area close if you don't have access to the UW.
Yeah, the first time I went to check out the physics/astronomy section. Most of the books were 40+ years old, and while a lot of their info is still relevant, they were so dirty you didn't want to touch them. The nearby Borders was far better.
The Seattle library's great for finding obscure books, like one dedicated to a certain type of soil in Willapa Bay (I took a picture of my friend reading that one). But if you want effectively a large Barnes & Noble where you can borrow instead of buy, where the selection's great (but not as huge as Seattle) and the books won't give you cooties, Bellevue's my choice. I'm comfortable leaving my grade-school-age child alone for a time in the children's section in the Bellevue library, but not in Seattle's. Bellevue library's bathrooms are clean, Seattle's are apparently regularly used by transients. And of course the parking is free and hassle-free at Bellevue.
I think the KCLS in general is superb. I especially like that you can return materials at any of the branches.
To buy a home in any neighborhood you do not know is not wise.
Were I to screen communities I would first look at SAT or school test results. It is very unusual for problem communities to have great schools.
Once I put together a short list I would look at crime statistics, and the nature of the crimes.
If you're not referencing Bellevue or Eastside, then where?
Markor, it's been said many times that Vancouver is the marquee place for meth labs. I never looked into such stat, but for a city to have 80% crime committed regarding meth, that's pretty damn significant no matter how you look at it. Parking tickets...?
I have never been inside of a Seattle public library...but regardless, Seattle public district? That's my top concern for not wanting to purchase a home in Seattle.
I'd say it's a lot more significant that Pierce County has more death penalty cases pending than the rest of the state's counties combined. The 80% is a misleading stat; you need more info to complete the picture. Police could have had only 5 calls in a month, 4 for meth and 1 for jaywalking. Meanwhile 38% of meth labs cleaned up in the state were in Pierce County; that's a lot more telling.
I agree on Seattle schools. It's too bad they can't fix that. I used to live on Queen Anne and still would like to, if I didn't have kids.
I'd say it's a lot more significant that Pierce County has more death penalty cases pending than the rest of the state's counties combined. The 80% is a misleading stat; you need more info to complete the picture. Police could have had only 5 calls in a month, 4 for meth and 1 for jaywalking. Meanwhile 38% of meth labs cleaned up in the state were in Pierce County; that's a lot more telling.
You also have to consider population difference between the two counties. Though Pierce county may have more meth activities overall, 80% rate even at 5 calls a month is astounding. Also we're comparing city to county.
Comments
Weird. I've owned before but never had a problem getting someone to rent to me here.
Are you sure your husband didn't start asking a bunch of legal questions about the application and rental contract? I would be very hesitant to rent to someone who I thought might cause me legal problems in the future.
First, who said we were rich? We *saved* for a downpayment, exactly what is preached on this forum. Second, we had a terrible time finding a rental house close to downtown/UW, we hope to buy again very soon, and the landlord has knocked off some of our rent this month for the loss of the room -- why would we start creating problems by threatening to sue? This doesn't make this house any more pleasant for three people to live in. You must be one of those people who scream and yell (and threaten to sue) everytime. Fourth, move into a newer SFH for rent in 98105 or 98103? Where do you suppose we find one of them thar' beasts?
Exactly what do you think I am lying about? No, never mind, I don't really care what you think -- you're obviously an idiot oblivious to anything that falls outside the scope of your narrow little view, Mr. C. Fiction.
Good call!
I thought I had heard the Portland area had some Meth issues.
So far, I am still inclined to lean toward Bonney Lake, but the board has mentioned a few other areas I will consider.
Its really tough to get a grasp of neighborhoods from afar. Finding issues like Meth production facilities next door are hard to do from the Internet.
Thanks all for the advice. Hopefully no one got feathers ruffled from peer comments.
Just make sure you don't get too close to Orting, about 5 miles south of Bonney Lake, where a lahar from Mt. Rainier could wipe out the place (the schools do lahar drills there).
My suggestion is that you spend some serious time here before you commit to anything. Pierce County is like a dangerous Ozarks from a King County (Seattle) perspective. I've often read that Pierce County has the highest crime rate in WA. Surely there are some nice areas (it's a big county), but do the homework. Here's a search where I found this tidbit: "Pierce County has more potential death penalty cases pending than the rest of the state combined, and more could be on the way."
Were I to screen communities I would first look at SAT or school test results. It is very unusual for problem communities to have great schools.
Once I put together a short list I would look at crime statistics, and the nature of the crimes.
All the rest is BS!!
Better to buy a modest home in a strong community that a fancy home that doesn't mesh with your values. I appreciate great libraries, others may not care a fig. Each to their own.
http://www.atg.wa.gov/page.aspx?id=11704
"Eighty percent of contacts made by police officers in Vancouver are related to methamphetamine, according to Police Chief Brian Martinek (The Columbian 2/28/2006)."
There you go.
Btw, your lazy google search turned out nothing concrete about Pierce County. Not that I support 253, but for this matter I'll stand by 253 while I continue to trample Vancouver.
Ubersalad, you are presumptuous. I have no hidden agenda.
Speaking of libraries, Bellevue kicks butt on Seattle. After building that "architectural masterpiece" in downtown Seattle, they apparently had no money left over for decent books.
Markor - I don't know what bellevue library you are talking about. Does bellevue have anything but a branch of the KCLS? KCLS doesn''t come close to the breadth or depth of selection at the central library. I spent 2 there this weekend researching the Ch'ing dynasty with my daughter. I don't think there is anything in the area close if you don't have access to the UW.
Have you been there? Am I missing something?
The Seattle library's great for finding obscure books, like one dedicated to a certain type of soil in Willapa Bay (I took a picture of my friend reading that one). But if you want effectively a large Barnes & Noble where you can borrow instead of buy, where the selection's great (but not as huge as Seattle) and the books won't give you cooties, Bellevue's my choice. I'm comfortable leaving my grade-school-age child alone for a time in the children's section in the Bellevue library, but not in Seattle's. Bellevue library's bathrooms are clean, Seattle's are apparently regularly used by transients. And of course the parking is free and hassle-free at Bellevue.
I think the KCLS in general is superb. I especially like that you can return materials at any of the branches.
If you're not referencing Bellevue or Eastside, then where?
Markor, it's been said many times that Vancouver is the marquee place for meth labs. I never looked into such stat, but for a city to have 80% crime committed regarding meth, that's pretty damn significant no matter how you look at it. Parking tickets...?
I have never been inside of a Seattle public library...but regardless, Seattle public district? That's my top concern for not wanting to purchase a home in Seattle.
I agree on Seattle schools. It's too bad they can't fix that. I used to live on Queen Anne and still would like to, if I didn't have kids.
You also have to consider population difference between the two counties. Though Pierce county may have more meth activities overall, 80% rate even at 5 calls a month is astounding. Also we're comparing city to county.