Seattle has buses. Use them In which case you might as well find a place to live along a line. One line at a time. Here's the next one, selected at random for the fun of it.
We have a lake called Star Lake? If only it was shaped like one. Metro has a route (#192) that runs from the park and ride to downtown, with stop along Kent-Des Moines road along the way. Want to in an area with a wide variety of houses, and still be less than an hour's bus ride from downtown? Here you go.
↑ Proof that it is possible to buy waterfront for less than a million. This Star Lake home only costs $399,950. There are 3 bedrooms and 1.75 baths in 2,180 square feet; so, it isn't a tiny house, nor is it a mansion. The view is the same regardless when you're looking out the window. This house was built in 1938, and it would be interesting to see what the lake was like then. Now, you and your neighbors get to enjoy honking that has nothing to do with cars.
↑ What else was in the neighborhood in 1913? This house, at least. It was probably smaller back then. Now, it is 2,930 square feet with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths; though some of that may be in the guest quarters. At $275,000 you get a house that celebrated its centennial last year. In over 100 years a variety of rooflines have angled off each other as the house grew. If you want to grow it some more, there's room. The lot is 0.39 acres, just a bit over a third and a bit less than a half. Buy in and continue the history.
↑ It is possible to find houses for less than $200,000 that aren't on wheels. Here's one that's priced at $195,000. The style is classic 1970s where cars and their garages were prominent. There's a two car garage, but there's also room for four more in the driveway and two more on the side. Eight car capacity. You'd have room for a fleet for less than the price of the fleet. Of course that's just the bonus to the 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,970 square foot house. Then again, maybe you do care that much about cars. The owners cared enough about Corona to include it in their photos. Everyone has a passion.
↑ If sub-acre lots are too small to notice, there's a 2.32 acre property priced at $755,000. The sellers are emphasizing the potential to put 37 units on the land. That's a lot of potential. There's already a house on the land, though about the only things said about it are studio and 1,860 square feet. That's a lot of studio. You may have different plans. Renovating (or replacing) the existing 1943 structures could be a first step. Or, do a bit of both; renovate this and develop that. Your choice.
↑ A bit more of a walk, and part of a different world is a 10.44 acre property with a 3,040 square foot house for $7,861,000. The 4 bedrooms and 3 baths are more than nice enough; but, the premium price has something to do with the premium view. Star Lake's views are nice, but a few blocks west the land slopes away and the Sound and the Olympics command your attention. The land is tended and tamed, but original trees remain. You get to live in a park where you set the rules - within reason. And you even get a gate to control who gets in.
· Route 192 [Metro]
· All Bus Tours coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath