Eastside
The "Eastside" is the collective term for the communities that lie east of Seattle. The exact cities and towns that comprise the Eastside are a matter of dispute. The following cities are included in most definitions: Beaux Arts Village, Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point, Issaquah, Kirkland, Newcastle, Medina, Mercer Island, Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville, and Yarrow Point. The cities of Kenmore, Bothell, and Renton can be considered part of the Eastside, as each city has portions that lie east of the lake.
Beaux Arts Village |
||
Beaux Arts Village was originally established by the Society of Beaux Arts as a colony where artists could live and work in common, but this vision of a communal art center was never fully realized. Today, Beaux Arts Village (known as "The Village" to residents) is one of the smallest municipalities in King County. Located two miles south of Bellevue, along the shores of Lake Washington, this community retains a relaxed, "small town" feel, yet values privacy. Evergreen trees towering over narrow streets enhance the secluded beauty of the area. All villagers and their guests enjoy the use of a private beach. There is no commercial base, rentals are scarce, and an eclectic mix of new and vintage homes adds to the charm. The city is considered completely developed, and existing homes come on the market infrequently. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Bellevue |
||
The largest city on the Eastside and the fifth largest in the state, Bellevue incorporates 31 square miles between the pristine waters of Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. Quiet wooded neighborhoods and parks flourish along with a bustling downtown that is truly the urban heart of the Eastside. The city has acres of trails, open spaces and wetlands, and nearly 100 parks that offer variety of activities. Downtown is a collage of high-rises, parks, museums, restaurants, and excellent shopping (arguably the best in the Northwest). At the center of Downtown, condominium and office tower developments attract new residents and businesses. Downtown Bellevue is also the focal point of a thriving arts community. Bellevue schools rank among Washington's best, a large percentage of graduates attend college, and SAT scores are above state and national averages. Bellevue offers diverse housing choices to suit any lifestyle – from stunning waterfront estates to suburban ramblers to downtown condominiums. New home construction leans toward larger, more expensive homes. |
Average Commute Time to Seattle: 21 min | |
Clyde Hill • Hunts Point • Medina • Yarrow Point |
||
Clyde Hill, Medina, Yarrow Point and Hunts Point are four affluent communities where many of the most prosperous and prominent business, sports, and entertainment figures in Washington have settled. Located along the edge of Downtown Bellevue, Lake Washington, and The Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, these communities are virtually all residential with very few retail businesses between them. The crime rate is very low. Houses are expensive and situated on generously sized lots. Streets in these tranquil, private neighborhoods are neatly landscaped. With easy access to SR-520 and within minutes of three interstate highways, these communities are well connected to the rest of the Puget Sound, yet removed from the urban bustle. Recreational opportunities include the 16-acre Wetherill Nature Preserve, Medina Park, Clyde Park Beach. The 5.4-mile Points Loop Trail links the communities providing a great place to walk. Overlake Golf & Country Club, a private club, is located in Medina. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Issaquah |
||
Issaquah, a city with turn-of-the-century origins, is characterized by small town ambiance. At the south end of Lake Sammamish, 17 miles east of Seattle, Issaquah celebrates its Northwest heritage and beautiful natural setting. Visitors and residents alike enjoy the city's great restaurants, wineries, variety of shopping experiences, Saturday farmer's market, chocolate factory, zoological park, salmon hatchery, operating trolleys, and Gilman Town Hall Museum. Cultural offerings include live theatre and chorale performances, as well as Artwalk Issaquah on the first Friday of the month from May to September. Known as the "Issaquah Alps," Cougar, Tiger and Squak Mountains attract hikers, paragliders, and mountain bikers. Lake Sammamish State Park is a major recreational area. Lovely new neighborhoods in the surrounding hills continue to develop while other housing options range from historic homes to homes on acreage. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Kirkland |
||
A stone's throw from Seattle, Kirkland is a big-city escape where tree-lined boulevards, lanes of boutique shops and restaurants, art galleries, and prominent outdoor sculptures invite exploration. Panoramic views of Lake Washington, Seattle's skyline, and the Olympics are commonplace in this unique locale, where 25% of the waterfront has been preserved by the city. Cultural opportunities include Kirkland's International Ballet Theatre and shows at the Kirkland Performance Center. Along with new businesses, Downtown Kirkland is attracting new residents. Condos, many with Lake Washington views are available, as are homes in a variety of architectural styles and sizes. Surrounding neighborhoods offer the convenience of access with reasonably priced older homes. Bridle Trails, a southeast Kirkland neighborhood, surrounds a 482-acre wooded preserve and features homes on large lots, many which accommodate the area's 400+ horses. At the opposite end of town, in northwest Kirkland (Juanita), established pocket and beach communities offer a range of living options from single-family homes to condos. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Mercer Island |
||
Unique among Seattle's neighboring cities, Mercer Island is located in the middle of Lake Washington. This island community provides a quiet, secluded feel with a quick express-lane commute to downtown Seattle or the Eastside via I-90. The tradition of excellence in education draws many who choose to live here. The district consistently posts the state's highest test scores, with ninety percent of its high-school graduates college bound. Mercer Island boasts more than 400 acres of parks and open space, an extensive system of multi-use trails, tennis courts, swimming and picnicking areas, boat launch, skateboard park, and a 43,000 sq. ft. Community Center. Mercer Island is proud of its public art and maintains the I-90 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery. Although primarily a single-family residential community, condominiums are available and concentrated on the Island's north end, close to a small business district. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Newcastle |
||
Located southeast of Bellevue, near the crossroads of I-405 and I-90, Newcastle's central location provides easy access to wonderful area attractions there and in the neighboring communities. Newcastle has 12 neighborhood parks and many trails. Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, it is an inviting suburban residential community. Long-time neighborhoods and newly established high-end housing developments exist among beautifully tree-lined areas throughout the city. Newcastle is the proud home to The Golf Club at Newcastle. This award winning, tournament-caliber complex boasts sweeping panoramic views of Seattle and the pristine Olympic Mountains. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Redmond |
||
From its early days as a small logging community, Redmond has evolved into a thriving center of business and community life. Home to several nationally and internationally recognized companies, including Microsoft, Nintendo, Genie Industries, and AT&T, Redmond's healthy economic base attracts workers from all around the Greater Seattle Area. Located on the north end of Lake Sammamish, about 15 miles east of Seattle, many of the area's quiet neighborhoods sit on forested hills enjoying lake and mountain views. Housing options are diverse and new construction is common. Schools are known for strong academics and athletics. Redmond supports 21 developed parks, covering 1,050 acres and containing over 17 miles of recreational trails. Redmond Town Center Mall offers shopping, dining, entertainment, and lodging. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Sammamish |
||
Sammamish is conveniently located within easy commuting and shopping distance to larger cities including Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. Tree-lined streets in well-groomed neighborhoods and excellent schools make it an ideal community for families. Upscale neighborhoods, like Sahalee with its tight covenants and private security patrols, as well as an assortment of residential neighborhoods are located in and around Sammamish. "The Plateau," as it is commonly referred to, is developing at a dizzying pace as its popularity and land value increases. Sahalee Country Club hosted the 1998 PGA Golf Championship and the 2002 NEC World Golf Championships. In addition to golf, Sammamish is full of recreational options like fishing, swimming, and boating. One of the four local parks, Pine Lake Park, is the site of the annual Summer Nights At The Park series featuring concerts and plays. |
Average Commute Times: | |
Woodinville |
||
Woodinville is one of east King County's premier tourist destinations. Located 20 miles northeast of Seattle in the Sammamish Valley, Woodinville is flush with world-class wineries, outdoor recreational opportunities, and plant nurseries. Visitors can enjoy Merlot, microbrews, and marigolds! Outdoor enthusiasts can bicycle, roller blade, stroll, or ride horses along the Sammamish River Trail; resting at either Wilmot Gateway Park or Woodin Creek Park. Woodinville's vibrant downtown offers retail, personal services, Molbak's Nursery, and a community center. Residents and visitors appreciate Woodinville's quality of life attributes including its rich history, natural environment, and economic vibrancy. |
Average Commute Times: |