Seattle and Eastside Area Info

Area Info

The following areas are commonly referred to as "Eastside" communities. To obtain information for a specific area, click on that area.

Bellevue

Mercer Island

For information about schools click on

The heart of the Eastside lies in Bellevue, Washington's fifth largest city. Flanked by two floating bridges to the north and south, Bellevue is just minutes from Seattle. Yet the influx of high tech companies, professional services firms, retail and manufacturing is fueling a renaissance that has changed Bellevue from a Seattle bedroom community to an economic hub in its own right.

A new glistening skyline stands as a testament to the success of various commercial and civic revitalization projects undertaken in recent years. The newly remodeled Bellevue Square, for example, is home to Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Williams Sonoma, Crate and Barrel and other popular retail stores. Meydenbauer Center also is fast becoming a favorite site for meetings and conventions. These and other projects have created new economic and cultural opportunities for Bellevue and Eastside residents.

Home shoppers will find Bellevue's downtown condominiums a great option for those looking for an urban lifestyle without Seattle's density. Other single-family neighborhoods provide a hometown atmosphere, as well as some breathtaking views of Seattle and Lake Washington to the west, the Cascade Mountains to the east, and magnificent Mt. Rainier to the north.

Perhaps Bellevue's greatest strength has been its ability to effectively blend the excitement of a vital city with the serenity of a suburban community. In addition to its new economic and retail centers, Bellevue has preserved more than 1,700 acres of parks and open spaces, including 56 developed parks- 10 of which are located on the water - and nearly 40 miles of trails. This city also has been recognized for its diversity, recently receiving a National League of Cities award for a wide range of cultural diversity programs. These milestones plus a new library, upscale and ethnic restaurants, movie theaters and a variety of special and cultural events make Bellevue an ideal destination for work or play.

Bellevue Fast Facts

Incorporated: 1953

Square miles: 30.7

Parks: 56

Average commute time: To Seattle: 15 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, 1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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When visiting Issaquah for the first time, one is struck by the awesome natural beauty encircling this quaint, yet bustling town. Located just east of Bellevue, 16 miles from Seattle, Issaquah is surrounded by three towering mountains - known as "the Issaquah Alps" - and the clear blue waters of Lake Sammamish.

Founded more than 100 years ago, Issaquah maintains a charming village atmosphere with its art galleries, specialty boutiques, antique shops, live theatre, and popular restaurants. There's even a chocolate factory for residents and visitors looking to satisfy their sweet tooth. Yet it's also known as a thriving business center for the region's growing high tech, retail, manufacturing and professional services firms.

In addition to a myriad of hiking, biking, boating and other outdoor activities, Issaquah also offers some rather unique attractions. The downtown Washington State Salmon Hatchery provides a truly Northwest experience, complete with jumping salmon as they head upstream during their fall spawning migration. Each October, more than 200,000 residents and visitors - as well as 30,000 salmon -celebrate Issaquah's annual Salmon Days Festival, featuring a parade, some 400 food, arts and crafts booths, live entertainment and a host of family-oriented activities. There's also a zoological park featuring animals from the Northwest and other locales. If you're looking for small-town atmosphere with the conveniences of a flourishing suburban community, charming, historic Issaquah is a destination worth a look.

Issaquah Fast Facts

Founded: 1862

Square miles: 5.6

Parks: 24

Average commute time: To Seattle: 20 minutes; To Bellevue: 10 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, 1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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Located just north of Bellevue on the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland features a resort-like atmosphere thanks to the preservation of more than 25 percent of its waterfront for public use, including seven parks. Shoppers can choose from a variety of quaint downtown waterfront boutiques or major shopping in the city's north area. The restaurants also are world-class. And the scenery is breathtaking.

Many businesses, ranging from light industrial to high tech, are calling Kirkland home, with a number enjoying offices overlooking the water and shoreline. Kirkland also is the headquarters and training camp for the Seattle Seahawks, the NFL football team. Homebuyers have a number of attractive neighborhoods to choose from, whether it's a waterfront condo or traditional single-family home. As you can see, there are a number of advantages to living in this upscale, lakeside community.

Kirkland Fast Facts

Founded: 1905

Square miles: 10.5

Median household income: $52,800

Parks: 31

Average commute time: To Seattle: 15 minutes; To Bellevue: 5 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, 1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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Some of the Northwest's most sought-after real estate lies on a six-square-mile island in the middle of Lake Washington. Mercer Island, with its beautiful wooded and waterfront settings, is an ideal location for those looking for an upscale rural environment with easy access to both Seattle and Bellevue business centers.

Featuring more than 475 acres of parkland and open spaces, Mercer Island offers a wide range of recreational activities, including a public boat launch and several beaches. Once considered a weekend retreat for Seattle's elite, Mercer Island homes are often nestled in deeply forested areas, with premium properties found on the water or with spectacular views of the lake, Mt. Rainer, or the Cascades. There are some condos, townhomes and apartments on Mercer Island, but most are single-family residences.

Although Mercer Island is home to some of the Seattle and Bellevue areas' highest-salaried professionals, residents say the Island's biggest asset is its educational opportunities. Both public and private schools on Mercer Island are highly regarded and its residents are considered among the most highly educated.

Mercer Island Fast Facts

Founded:

Square miles: 6.3

Parks: 30

Average commute time: To Seattle: 10 minutes; To Bellevue: 5 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, 1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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Redmond, one of the Eastside's oldest communities, could be considered a town of stark contrasts. On the one hand, it is home to such nationally-known corporations as Microsoft, Nintendo of America, Eddie Bauer, Physio-Control and Allied Signal Aerospace. On the other hand, residents enjoy homes surrounded by pine trees, streams, farmland and incredible mountain and lake views. No wonder Redmond is one of Washington's fastest growing cities.

Located on the north shore of Lake Sammamish at the base of the Cascade Mountains, Redmond is a charming community that has embraced the future while maintaining its rural past. Its easy access to both water and mountain activities makes it an ideal spot for recreational enthusiasts. It even bills itself as the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest," hosting major racing events and one of the nation's few velodromes. It's also home to a burgeoning arts community.

Housing opportunities are as varied as its recreational and employment options. Prospective homebuyers can choose properties featuring acreage, old farmhouses, lakefront property, condominiums, new upscale housing developments, or more traditional family-style neighborhoods. From high-tech headquarters to its natural Northwest setting, Redmond truly has found the best of both worlds.

Redmond Fast Facts

Founded: 1912

Square miles: 16.1

Parks: 33

Average commute time: To Seattle: 20 minutes; To Bellevue: 10 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, 1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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Libation lovers and gardening buffs will delight in one of the Eastside's most bucolic settings, the charming town of Woodinville. This turn-of-the-century community is home to Chateau St. Michelle, one of Washington state's most famous wineries, as well as Columbia Winery and Silverlake Sparkling Cellars. For those who enjoy the Northwest's fine microbrews, the popular Redhook Brewery and Aviator Ale are both headquartered here. Then there are the gardening aficionados from around the world who come to Molbak's, Woodinville's renowned nursery. These are just a few of the attractions that are making Woodinville an attractive destination for home buyers.

Woodinville is located north of Redmond surrounded by the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Once considered "the sticks," Woodinville is fast becoming a popular community for those working along the Eastside's high tech corridor who want to come home to a country lifestyle. Buyers can find a home in a variety of price ranges and styles, even some farmhouses with acreage available.

Like its Eastside neighbors, Woodinville offers a variety of outdoor and recreational activities. Skaters, cyclists, walkers and joggers enjoy the Sammamish River Trail. Colorful hot air balloons can be seen floating gently over the chateau-style wineries, equestrian stables and the acclaimed Washington Dinner Train. Woodinville also hosts a number of community events, including wine festivals, "Celebrate Woodinville" -- featuring the All Fools' Day Parade, and the "Basset Bash" for hounds and owners.

Woodinville Fast Facts

Founded: 1993

Square miles: 5.65

Parks: 2 (with a third in development)

Average commute time: To Seattle: 25 minutes; To Bellevue: 15 minutes

Sources: 1990 Census figures, 1997 King County Annual

Growth Report, Northwest Multiple Listing Service, Seattle

Post-Intelligencer, *1998 Greater Seattle InfoGuide.

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