Rental Prices

Did some more serious search for apartment (1-bed) prices in the Seattle area. It seems like a decent one in a good neighbourhood will cost about $600-700 dollars at least. The cost within 20-30 minutes normal traffic drive is quite consistent in this range. I guess it is realistic to try find one at about $650, preferrably one with a nice bathroom and decent facilities.

It was of a friend to drive me around the lake washington area this afternoon to check out the area. It seems that the Fremont, U-district, and lower Capital Hill area are a good choice. I personally like Fremont more as it has several good properties. One is that it seems like a relaxed but not "empty" neighbourhood. Second is that it is next to Greenlakes and also near the canal, two nice places to hang out in the weekends. Third is that it is there is a Burke Gilman bicycle trial that provides a dedicated road-space for cyclers from east to west - seems like a great exercise option, even would be good for jogging. Fourth is that there is quite a good number of buses to the downtown area. And finally, it is easy driving distance to the U-district or broadway which seems to be good places to hang-out at night.
U-district is also a good choice but it is just crowded with students, not something that you want unless you are still into the college life-style. Capital Hill seems to be the happening place for the young and the single. I prefer hanging out in the area rather than living there, similar to working in downtown but not living there. To an extent, Fremont seem to resemble more of my lifestyle in Sydney so I guess that is another reason I like it so much. Lets see if I could find a good deal in that neighbourhood.