It’s not news: the Seattle area is one of the least affordable places in the country. The median single-family home in King County now goes for an eye-watering $914,000, up 14% from a year ago, and buyers now need to make an average of $214,000 a year to afford a home without being stretched too thin — more than anywhere except California.
But while some residents have found ways to stay in this expensive area, others have had enough and moved to less costly communities — or even less costly states.
Some of these real estate refugees are retirees looking for a less burdensome mortgage. Others are younger, would-be first-time buyers who simply can’t figure how to stay in Seattle and still have the dream of owing a home.
The Seattle Times is looking at how higher housing prices have changed not only how people live, but where — and what these changes mean for the Seattle area’s economy, culture and future.
If you left town in search of a more affordable home, or if you are giving it serious thought, we’d like to hear your perspective. What was the tipping point for your decision to leave? How far did you have to move to find an affordable home? What other changes, good or bad, have come with move? And would you ever come back?
Use the form below and we’ll be in touch.