Keeping the optimistic perspective that once I graduate I will eventually find a job and be able to move out of my parents' house within a year--I would love to be able to rent a small studio in downtown Seattle! I have therefore been trying to do some research about possible living situations that would meet most of my predetermined criteria. Knowledge is power; I think that being informed will give me a decent edge when I go on the hunt for my first place!
I have therefore compiled a list of various apartment communities and have arranged them in descending order based on both my personal preferences and ratings on Apartmentfinder.com and various other review sites.
MY PREFERENCES:
-Safety (Belltown is the center of Seattle's nightlife...and has a bit of a crime problem; for living in this neighborhood--security is definitely my main concern. A lot of apartments that I vetoed did not offer enough secured access and online reviews commented on drug dealings/homeless loitering/prostitution propositions occurring in their lobbies. For living in Belltown, I would say you cannot judge a book by its cover. Apartment communities (like Moda) may look swanky and promise to cater to the Bohemian/hipster lifestyle, but really their debts and lack of resources cannot compensate for their unsubstantiated promises of security and dependability.
-Price
-Size
-Amenities (Although, considering my price range, having a washer/dryer in unit would be exceedingly hopeful-- it would be awesome...)
-Policies (I want a puppy!)
THE WINNERS:
Address: 2800 Western Ave.
Studio: 463 sq. feet, Price: $900?
1-bedroom: 742 to 862 sq. feet, Price: $1,200 to $1,500
Pros: Full kitchen--include microwave and dishwasher; Walk in closets; Pet friendly; Fitness center; Gated entrance; Controlled access to parking garage; washer and dryer in apartment!
Cons: Some tenants' reviews stated that the apartments lacked appropriate ventilation; were overpriced (Let's face it--everything in Belltown is going to be overpriced!); slow elevators, etc.
Address: 500 Wall St.
Studio: 423 to 507 sq. feet, Price: $800 to $1,000
1-bedroom: 659 sq. feet to 851 sq. feet, Price: $1,000 to $1,300
Pros: Hardwood floors; walk-in closets; sweet views (Sound, Lake Union, Space Needle, downtown); Pet-friendly; large rooftop garden; walking distance to downtown, market, etc; pretty secure.
Cons: Laundry on-site; older building; spotty internet access.
Address: 1942 Westlake Ave.
Studio: 511 to 639 sq. feet, Price: $$$
1-bedroom: 751 to 1114 sq. feet, Price: $$$$
Pros: Super secure; excellent location (hooray for shopping!); live in downtown without the risk of being shot; a/c in every unit; pet friendly.
Cons: You would have to sell your soul to afford to live here.
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