Seattle has buses. (Really, they're throughout King County, and reach into the neighboring counties, too.) 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.
From downtown to downtown, possibly as a way to get downtown: from Enumclaw to Auburn to Seattle, that is. Route 186 travels South King County for those folks who have jobs down there, or for folks who know spending a bit more in transportation can save a lot on real estate.
↑ Big families happen, and they could use a lot of room, or at least lots of rooms. This 1993 two story has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths in 2,100 square feet. They're asking $357,450, a rather specific number, for the house and the 8,502 square foot lot. It is the quintessential suburban for parents who tell the kids to go outside and play because it is on a cul-de-sac and has a fenced yard. You may have to drive to go shopping or to catch the bus, with a Walk Score of 17 out of 100, but at least you don't have to worry about being on a busy, noisy street.
↑ If you want big views of Mt. Rainier, move thirty miles southeast of Seattle. This house in Enumclaw, Elk Meadows, has views that would cost a lot more in downtown Seattle. For $325,000 you can get a view of the mountain, and a house that has 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, and 2,800 square feet. It is a 2008 two story, so it isn't a surprise that it is set onto a 4,442 square foot lot; but, if you're spending most of your time indoors the yard doesn't matter. Maybe you'll be more impressed with surround sound and such.
↑ There's a one story that's within an easy walk of, well, a lot considering a Walk Score of 86. Most houses in that close are small, but this one is a 5 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 3,220 square foot rambler that's been there since 1948. The list price is $299,000 which includes a detached garage that provides the opportunity to either store a car or move noisy projects out of the house. There's also a basement (check to see if the pool table stays), that can be a cool refuge when the summer heat hits.
↑ Instead, maybe you want a tiny house on a big lot that also has a good score. A 1914 Craftsman comes complete with white picket fence, a front porch, and a Walk Score of 83. The 2 bedroom, 1 bath, tiny (760 square feet) house sits on 0.27 acres, which makes a rare combination of in-close, minimalist, and room for a garden. At $219,000 you have a good chance of having saved some money considering median house prices throughout the rest of the county. After 100 years there's probably something to fix, but it looks in good shape. Maybe all you have to dig up is some history.
↑ When the listing includes, "TLC needed", it may not be a surprise to find that the price is $145,000. But, the house was built in 1922. Who wouldn't need a little TLC after all that time? In this case, it is a 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 950 square foot rambler. The 8,900 square foot lot borders State Route 169, which is convenient access, but also a busy street. Take your pick as to whether that is good, bad, or both. The house is unique. How many other homes have folding room dividers? Take a tour to find out if that tender loving care is just a bit of spackle, or if it involves power saws.
· Route 186 [Metro]
· All Bus Tours coverage [CS]
Written by Tom Trimbath