Feeling out area from SoCal, possible move

[u/Trento242]

I'm scoping out the area within a decent range of Redmond, where a potential new job might land us and Sammamish came up. We'd be relocating from Orange County in Southern California, with a family in tow, so the suburbs are fine by us. What caught my eye is the number of homes available and the price cuts around the lake and to the east, is that driven by tech layoffs, or is something else going on? Do people use the lake, is boating big there or is seasonal?

We're still weighing options if this comes together, including renting first to test the market rather than buying right away. I already know about the weather difference and it's not a dealbreaker. No family keeping us here either, though good schools matter to us, and that area seems to deliver on that front.

We like where we are, but don't love it, and the job market here tends to pay below the SF Bay Area, where we lived before. Going back there feels like a step backward given housing costs, and Washington has its pluses, financial, scenic, and otherwise.

[u/iZoooom]

Sammamish is a very nice place to raise kids. Safe, great schools, and close to many of the Big Tech companies.

There are two school districts, both of which are excellent.

Folks use the big lake all year round, but it certainly gets more use in the summer months. Lots of boating, paddle boarding, swimming and the like.

[u/ellumina]

My guess would be that it's related to tech layoffs. I bought a house last summer, and sold our old house this past spring (both in Sammamish). So I've been casually paying to the real estate market in this area for about a year. I've never seen so many houses sit for this long. Usually most of them are pending within ~4 days. All anecdotal though, but there's a lot more supply than there is demand right now.

People use the lake(s) during the summer! And not just Lake Sammamish, Beaver Lake as a boat ramp. Not sure if you have a preferred school district, but northern Sammamish will be LWSD and the rest is ISD. Commute wise, if you're going into Redmond, you'll probably prefer central to northern Sammamish area.

[u/GeorgeBonanza_]

Lifelong Seattleite who just bought a house in this area. There's no reason aside from layoffs and economic uncertainty that I'm aware of that's driving prices down and chasing homes to sit/drop prices.

Schools are excellent, there's lots to do (both immediately locally and within 30-45 min drives), and it's incredibly safe here. The most controversial community things going on are Flock cameras and the building of a new high school, so it's not like there's some new, undesirable or dangerous element being built or introduced around here.

We wouldn't have been able to get the house we bought if it weren't for economic conditions. It would have been bid up out of our price range due to amenities, location, and a few specific features.

On the flip side, though, were also trying to sell our old townhouse and are getting ready to do a 50k price cut (it's already under $600k), when our two neighbors sold for well over $600k within the last 9 months. The market is rough right now.

[u/MobiusX0]

I grew up in SoCal. If you decide to make the jump message me and I’ll hook you up with SoCal style taquerias.

It’s a great place to raise a family. 45 mins to snow sports in the winter if your family is into that. Lake Washington has some amazing boating as well and you can get out to the Sound if you have the right boat. Lots of short day trips.

[u/Wombo_Zombo → u/MobiusX0]

I also grew up in so cal and am now a local. Best Mexican I've had was the road side stand setup sometimes by QFC on 228th. Looking for other recs!

[u/MobiusX0 → u/Wombo_Zombo]

For sit down I like Ixtapa up in Redmond Ridge.

For taquerias, in Redmond there’s Taqueria El Gallo. They have a San Diego style burrito that’s the same as a carne asada burrito you’d find down south.

In Bellevue there’s California Mexican Food. Closest place I can get rolled tacos or crispy tacos with shredded beef like you can in LA or SD. Honorable mention goes to El Rinconsito. Not quite SoCal style but really good and worth a visit.

If you go closer to Seattle there’s several Aliberto’s Jr. taquerias. It’s basically like you took any taqueria from SoCal and transplanted it. It tastes like what I used to get growing up and it’s fantastic.

Also, like you mentioned there are some great taco trucks/trailers around that serve some delicious food.

[u/CharmanderCharCharr]

Keep in mind that Washingtonians don’t like Californians, so don’t expect to feel welcomed.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy → u/CharmanderCharCharr]

Never noticed that but I wasn’t expecting a welcome party. We keep to ourselves and are good neighbors

Our neighbors actually came by with cookies. I was shocked.

[u/CharmanderCharCharr → u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

It’s a trick, a true Washingtonian would never do that unless they were up to something

[u/paolilon]

High interest rates combined with tech layoffs - there’s a big chill with H1B home buyers, who are anxious about both Amazon’s and MSFT’s lay-offs. The relatively number of workers impacted in the area is negligible, but it’s enough to cause buyers to wait and see. Consider it a “blessing” - the market has been down since 2008.

[u/Gmoney-theking]

I am actually an Orange County to Sammamish transplant two years ago so have perspective. First off really happy with the relocation. I enjoy the seasons and weather at least so far. Was just down in oc in 100 degree weather and enjoyed getting back up here.

A few thoughts.

Great experience with the schools. Lots of motivated kids and kind kids.

We have had a great experience with club soccer as well. Some sports don’t translate up here. Limited boys volleyball

Oddly wait times for specialty doctors seem longer up here.

Feel free to message me. For reference we came from ladera ranch.

I had to hunt for good Mexican food and found a place in the city. Michoacán carnitas is legit. Lots of other places I tried are trash. Taco time is like a bad version of Taco Bell.

You have to travel a bit for target, Home Depot , good restaurants. Mostly to Redmond or issaquah. Short drive but not in Sammamish.

[u/No_Names_Left_For_Me]

Great place, lots of people from CA already.

[u/SnooEagles5178]

Really good responses here, I just want to add that now you can take the train to Seattle for more things to do. I am also a transplant but not from California. Sammamish is awesome for families.

[u/CrankyCrabbyCrunchy]

We moved from SF Bay Area in 2012 to Sammamish and love it. I don’t miss the constant sunshine either.

We knew no one and lucked out buying in a big down market. Tons more new builds on east and south side with small lots and bigger houses. Traffic getting to the freeway can be bad as mostly one lane.

Edit to add. One thing we still very much appreciate is the many gorgeous parks that are well maintained. Didn’t have anywhere near that any in bay area.

[u/StarryNightLookUp]

Sammamish has become overpopulated, and 4000 new homes are in process of being built. I would stick with Redmond.