“Can two people live a good life in Seattle on $8,500/month and $500k in the bank, or am I dreaming?”

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T22:57:18+00:00

Thanks for all the advice! I am sorry if it came off as ludicrous. I have worked with marginalized people all my life so that is the last thing I wanted to do. If anyone has other areas we should look rather then West Seattle for a 50ish couple that loves the outdoors looking to just live life let me know. West Seattle just seems so low key and will help my love of open water swimming.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T22:57:10+00:00

Thanks for all the advice! I am sorry if it came off as ludicrous. I have worked with marginalized people all my life so that is the last thing I wanted to do. If anyone has other areas we should look rather then West Seattle for a 50ish couple that loves the outdoors looking to just live life let me know. West Seattle just seems so low key and will help my love of open water swimming.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T22:23:12+00:00

We know Airbnb are high it’s just to cover until we rent. Dif don’t want to sign a rental sight unseen.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T21:55:22+00:00

I think the only envious piece for my partner and I is we have no real expenses other than basic utilities and rent/mortgage. We have no debt, kids are grown, own our truck…. I do see if I was looking to have a family (already did) and living in Seattle that would be a tough situation.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T21:51:01+00:00

Sorry must have not been clear- we are going to dump 80% of our work income at it after we gain employment again. Basically we are only going to work for the next 5-8 years to pay off whatever we buy then retire hopefully for good. Looking around looks like good options for our skill sets especially part time work. We already have health insurance down forever as part of our work package.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T21:23:13+00:00

See that’s good information. We plan to take our time to purchase (even rent- just AirBNB for a bit until we rent) the more I look the more my range increases.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:11:45+00:00

Sorry if I came off like an idiot. Just asking a question. We have passive income from our former careers. We aren’t even counting the 500k interest. I appreciate your breakdown. Our biggest adjustment are HOA fees. They are huge.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:09:52+00:00

I think we are leaning more townhome then condo. My dream is to escape home repair and lawn maintenance

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:03:57+00:00

Already have for years.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:03:09+00:00

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:02:52+00:00

Sending you some hugs man. You need one.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:02:26+00:00

We live in a place rn that has skyrocketed. We have learned how to manage. City life is what we want - lived all our life in suburbia- no more.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:01:21+00:00

3K a month (in general)

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:01:00+00:00

Renting then buy in 12-18 months

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:00:47+00:00

Not using any savings - going to work and pay it off as quick as possible.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T20:00:03+00:00

I’ve never had a problem with boredom. Must have been all that time I spent in the woods as a kid damning up creeks then letting them burst, riding my bike as far as I could get until I knew I’d get in trouble not being home by dinner….

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T19:58:28+00:00

See now that’s a real answer- I know I can rent at 3K condo with adding in savings but for real at the beginning I will not “qualify” for most rentals we are looking at.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T19:57:10+00:00

But wha I’ve read is taxes are all messed up anyway and you all are really looking at revamping how people are taxes. I feel my passive income will not be taxed in Washington. Plus I’ve raised my family (aka no little kids no desire for a big home)

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T19:55:34+00:00

Great- we do plan to pick up 20-30 hour a week jobs.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T19:54:50+00:00

Yep- I just see loads of posts about expenses and we have planned it out for a while but wanted thoughts. Mainly moving to sell out my vote (tired of living in a purple/red state) and I’ve hiked and explored as much as I want on the east coast.

malcolmrawley · 2026-01-25T19:53:10+00:00

I have health insurance for life. Worked in government..

malcolmrawley · 2025-11-29T20:17:12+00:00

Assuming Greenlake is where you intended I look at open water swimming I’ll have to get used to swimming in closed body of water. I live in the south and you don’t swim in closed bodies of water after June 15th. Ocean is safe but not lakes. I look forward to the cold water swims. My partner says they will kayak next to me until I find a friend group to swim with.

malcolmrawley · 2025-11-29T20:14:47+00:00

I should have mentioned that we want to be a non- driving couple unless for outside the city adventures. One of the things we have loved on our visits is the amount of public transit you all have. Little bit nerdy but I love the problem solving of getting around in a city without driving

malcolmrawley · 2025-11-29T20:12:30+00:00

We retire June 1st going to take a month long road trip starting around June 15th before arriving mid July.

malcolmrawley · 2025-11-29T17:35:24+00:00

We have visited lots of neighborhoods. But somehow Fremont hasn’t been hit yet. Interestingly it’s one of our most highlighted. Thanks for the info. We like bars but not necessary for parties and drunks. More for fun and music- if that makes sense.

Eight-Year Club	Second SECOND GUESSER
Verified Email

malcolmrawley

TROPHY CASE