I need to find a permanent place to live soon because Microsoft stops paying for my temporary housing on December 3. For a long time I thought I would look for a place to live in Eastside, probably Bellevue, because I don’t want to deal with the traffic crossing the Lake Washington bridges and I would be closer to work. Lately, after having worked for a couple weeks now, I realize that if I live in Eastside, it’s not as likely that I’ll have the energy or time to drive to Seattle to explore the city, which I really want to do. I figure I should just plant myself there and then I can’t help but immerse myself in it. Microsoft provides a lot of commuting alternatives — I heard they own and run the largest private bus network in the nation — so traffic might not be as bad as it could be. The Microsoft Connector buses even have internet access.

Right now I’m focusing on the Capitol Hill district. After talking to coworkers and friends who live here, this seems like an interesting place to be and a good place to get my feet wet (pun definitely intended). I hear a lot of people live there and it’s very busy and exciting and hip with lots of things to do. I hope I can find a place that I like. Microsoft has put me in touch with a rental provider, who is putting together a list of potential places to look at, and later she’ll take me on a tour of the ones I like. Wish me luck!

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