Bellevue

The first homesteaders in the Bellevue area were William Meydenbauer (1832-1906) and Aaron Mercer (1824-1902), who both arrived in 1869. Meydenbauer, a Seattle baker, settled alongside the sheltered bay which now bears his name. South of Meydenbauer Bay, Mercer farmed along what is now known as the Mercer Slough. Once their land became profitable, they sold their claims and moved on, leaving only their names.

Bellevue is the heart of Seattle's eastside. It is the fifth largest city in the state of Washington and just a quick 10-15 minute commute (non rush hour)into downtown Seattle. Bellevue is located on 31 square miles between Lake Washington to the west, and Lake Sammamish to the east. If shopping is your thing, Bellevue Square is sure to please. Bellevue is home to a number of corporate headquarters and continues to grow as evidenced by the large number of sky cranes seen in the Bellevue landscape. The urban scene is alive and well in downtown Bellevue with the rise of many new luxury condo towers including Bellevue Towers, Washington Square Towers, The Bravern and Vue Tower just to name a few. Bellevue is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the country in near by communities Medina, Hunts Point and Evergreen Point. For a price, enjoy beautiful waterfront estates with views of the city skyline.

Over sixty parks offer close to 2,000 acres of parklands and trails. Enjoy walks along recreational trails that connect Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington.

Bellevue schools are some of the best in the state and it's students SAT scores are consistently above the state average.

Bellevue's population, right around 117,000, is projected to continue its upward trend. This population is becoming increasingly diverse, reflecting the city's status as a growing metropolis and international economic center. Income levels here are well above the King County average, and more than 30 percent higher than the Puget Sound regional average. With an estimated 125,000 jobs within the city, Bellevue has more jobs than residents. This number is expected to grow by 25-30 percent over the next 20 years.

Bellevue offers a diverse choice in lifestyles, but as a whole, it leans toward the expensive side for housing.

Median Prices: Homes $610,000  Condos $305,000

Kirkland

To the north of Bellevue lies the city of Kirkland. Kirkland has become a new hot spot with it's boulevards lined with small boutique shops and and many fun and trendy restaurants that offer a variety of culinary experiences. Walk along the waterfront and take in spectacular views across Lake Washington at the Seattle skyline and the beautiful Olympic Mountains. Walk to the seasonal Farmers Market which features fresh produce, flowers, arts and handcrafted goods. Fan of the arts? Enjoy the many art gallieries along the main streets of Kirtkland. Cultural enthusiasts can take in performances at the Kirkland Performance Center, the Kirkland ballet or live theatre. Home buyers will find a variety of home styles and prices ranging from multi-million dollar luxury condos near the heart of Kirkland, to more affordable homes to the east of downtown. To the Northwest you will find Juanita, a combination of beach communities and spectacular Lake Washington/ downtown Seattle view properties.

Downtown Kirkland has grown from its past where it's primary industries were ship building and textile(wool) mills. Today, the economy is comprised of mixed business from corporate headquarters to high tech and light industrial.

Median Prices: Homes $545,000  Condos $254,900

Redmond

Named a Great American Town in 2005, 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 Cingular Wireless, Redmond enjoys a healthy economic base and 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. Hosing options are diverse and new construction is common. Schools fall within the Lake Washington School District, featuring strong academics and athletics.

Redmond Town Center Mall offers a variety of shopping, dining, entertainment, and lodging opportunities. The neighborhood southwest of downtown, including Overlake where Microsoft is located, and the Willows Road high-tech corridor, hosts increasing commercial development.

Redmond supports 23 developed parks, covering 1,050 acres and containing over 15 miles of recreational trails. These trails, the Velodrome at Marymoor Park, and the annual Derby Days draw bicyclists from all over, earning Redmond the title, "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest." Cultural attractions include the Redwood Theatre, Eastside Symphony and SecondStory Repertory Theatre, as well as a summer concert and winter performing arts series.

Median Prices: Homes $572,450   Condos $279,500

Mercer Island

Unique among Seattle's neighboring cities; Mercer Island is located in the middle of Lake Washington. This island locale provides a quiet, secluded feel with a quick express-lane commute to downtown Seattle or the Eastside via Interstate 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.

This community boasts more than 400 acres of parks and open space, and an extensive system of multi-use trails. Other recreational facilities include tennis courts, swimming and picnicking areas, boat launch, a skateboard park, and more. Mercer Island is proud of its public art and maintains the I-90 Outdoor Sculpture Gallery. Residents also enjoy Mostly Music in the Park, an annual summer concert series.

Although primarily a single-family residential community, apartments and condominiums are available and concentrated on the north end of the island, close to a small business district. Residential services are provided at the Mercer Island Town Center, which is currently being redeveloped to include new apartments, condos, and senior housing, as well as business and retail space.

Median Prices: Homes $897,500  Condos $360,000

Issaquah

Small town ambiance seems to make a permanent home in Issaquah, a city with turn-of-the-century origins. 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, live theater and choral performances, wineries, Saturday public market, chocolate factory, historic depot, and Gilman Town Hall Museum. East Lake Sammamish Center, Gilman Village, and Pickering Place provide a variety of shopping and dining experiences. A zoological park and salmon hatchery entertain as well as educate. Cougar, Tiger, and Squak Mountains attract hikers, paragliders, mountain bikers, and nature observers. Lake Sammamish State Park is a major recreational area. More than 150,000 visitors attend Salmon Days, an annual Issaquah tradition.

People have discovered Issaquah's charm and livability. Since 2000, the city's population has grown by over fifty percent. Lovely neighborhoods in the surrounding hills continue to develop to accommodate new residents. Other housing options range from historic homes, to homes on acreage, to multi-unit urban apartments.

Median Prices: Homes $540,000   Condos $$306,000

Sammamish

Rising from the eastern shores of Lake Sammamish, nestled between Issaquah and Redmond, is the city of Sammamish. In the past 35 years, this suburban community has grown from a population of 6,000 to over 39,000 residents, yet it still retains its rural look and feel. Incorporated in 1999, Sammamish is taking shape as roads, parks, and other city infrastructure are designed and built.

This city is conveniently located within easy commuting and shopping distance to many larger cities, including Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle. The tree-lined streets and well-groomed neighborhoods make it an ideal community in which to raise a family. Sammamish, a "kid-safe, family-friendly community" has one of the highest percentages of children under age 18 in King County. Area children are well served by two distinguished school districts within the city limits: Lake Washington and Issaquah. The Sammamish Youth Board and others promote a variety of organized youth activities.

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 PGA Golf Championship in 1998 and the NEC World Golf Championships in 2002. In addition to golf, Sammamish is full of recreational options like fishing, swimming, boating, and more. 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.

Median Prices:  Homes $649,500   Condos $306,000

Snoqualmie

Perched on the banks of the Snoqualmie River, the town of Snoqualmie was first incorporated as a logging community in 1903. Quaint craftsman-style homes, originally built by the Weyerhaeuser Company to house its employees, line the streets in this neighborly, rural-minded town.

On the hill above the valley, the master-planned community of Snoqualmie Ridge continues to develop. A new library in 2007 will join a growing retail core, office park, school and open spaces, along with homes in the moderate-to-high price range. The Snoqualmie Ridge Tournament Players Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus signature course, hosted the 2005 PGA Masters Tournament. New housing options, accessibility to Seattle and the Eastside, as well as a spectacular natural setting have attracted many new residents, tripling the city's population between 2000 and 2005.

Snoqualmie Falls and the historic train depot are the main attractions in town. During August the community celebrates Snoqualmie Railroad Days featuring a parade, arts & crafts, live music, food, and train rides.

Median Prices: Homes $482,500   Condos $352,000

Newcastle

Settled in 1869 as a coal-mining center, Newcastle was incorporated in 1994. Located southeast of Bellevue at the interchange of I-405 and I-90, providing easy access to Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Renton, and Sea-Tac Airport. This former coal-mining area is now a suburban, residential community situated around a core retail area in the city center. Newcastle is the proud home to  The Golf Club at Newcastle, an award winning tournament-caliber complex offering panoramic views of Seattle and the pristine Olympic mountains.

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Newcastle is an inviting suburban residential community of over 9,100 residents. Long-time neighborhoods, newly established high-end housing developments and multi-family housing options exist .

Popular recreational trails cross the neighborhoods. The city maintains 12 neighborhood parks, including Lake Boren Park, where the Summer Concerts in the Park series is held. Each September residents celebrate Newcastle Days, a weekend of entertainment and activities.

Median Prices: Homes $689,000   Condos $220,500

Clyde Hill   Hunts Point    Medina   Yarrow Point

Clyde Hill,Medina,Yarrow Point and Hunts Point are four affluent communities where many of the most prominent business, sports and entertainment figures in Washington have settled. Located along the edge of Downtown Bellevue, Lake Washington and The Evergreen Point Bridge, these communities are virtually all residential with only four retail businesses between them. The crime rate is very low.

Houses in these areas are expensive and situated on generously sized lots. Over the years most small homes have been replaced by large scaled residences.

Median Prices: 

 Clyde Hill $1,455,000 - Hunts Point $1,660,750 - Medina $1,542,500 - Yarrow Point $1,461,250

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 wineries, outdoor recreational opportunities, and plant nurseries. Visitors can enjoy Merlot, microbrews, and marigolds!

The city's tourist district is home to world-class wineries Chateau St. Michelle, Columbia, DeLille Cellars, and Silver Lake. Wine tasting and tours can be complimented by fantastic dining at the Barking Frong and the Herbfarm restaurants, on-site at the Willows Lodge.

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, Farmers Market, Molbak's nursery, and a community center.

City residents appreciate Woodinville's quality of life attributes including its park and recreation opportunities, natural environment and government services all of which residents say make Woodinville a great place to raise a family.

Median Prices: Homes $607,520  Condos $192,900

Fall City

Fall City and Preston are tucked away in the valley between the Sammamish Plateau and the town of Snoqualmie. Over the years, these two unincorporated towns have remained the very rural communities they were when first founded more than 100 years ago. Then and now, produce stands and farms are found along the wooded streets. Change is taking place on the ridge looking down on these cities, though. Large, new homes are being built and bought by residents attracted to the peaceful beauty of the area. Homes on the ridge are high end, but the prices generally decline as you move in toward Fall City and Preston proper.

Their location along the Snoqualmie and Raging Rivers provides a number of recreational activities including fishing. Some of the finest trout, whitefish and steelhead are found in the waters of the Snoqualmie River and its tributaries, making this region a steelheader's dream come true. The Snoqualmie Preston Rails to Trails offers great hiking with a view of Snoqualmie Falls at its endpoint.

Median Prices: Fall City Homes $774,975   Preston Homes  $591,000

North Bend

Nestled in the upper Snoqualmie River Valley, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush pastures is the small, rural town of North Bend. Its history is tied to this strategic location between Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains. Early foot trails, wagon roads, railroads, and finally, highways brought travelers here, shaping North Bend's character and service-oriented economy.

Each year more and more people relocate to this lovely valley. North Bend is quickly becoming a suburban bedroom community where residents easily commute down I-90 into Bellevue and Seattle. As a result, this city is focusing on the preservation of remaining pastureland and open spaces, as well as economic prosperity and growth.

North Bend looks out on Mount Si, a 4,167-foot monolith whose steep 4-mile trail to the top is one of the most used in the state. The city's location makes it the perfect jumping-off point to Washington's wilderness areas and year round recreational fun. Rock climbers and white water paddlers, in particular, have made this area a destination. The city maintains eight public parks, including the historic Meadowbrook and Tollgate Farms both of which are over 400 acres in size. A factory outlet mall conveniently located along I-90 is a shopper's paradise. Each August, Festival at Mt. Si features food, music, arts & crafts, train rides, and other family fun.

Median Prices: Homes $377,250   Condos $209,500

Renton

The lakefront community located on the south shore of Lake Washington offers an abundance of natural beauty, from spectacular views of the Olympics, the Cascades, and Mount Rainier, to the Cedar River that runs through the heard to downtown.

Renton, one of Puget Sound's fastest growing cities, attracts families with its affordability, location, and tremendous quality of life. New urban apartments and downtown condominiums, multi-family developments along Lake Washington, and quality, affordable single-family subdivisions are among the wide variety of housing options available to all income levels.

The City is home to over 30 parks and recreational facilities, and interesting Historical Museum, a municipal golf course, a new family aquatic center, and many outstanding community events including a Fourth of July fireworks display, a summertime Farmers Market and Outdoor Cinema, Renton River Days, and Clam Lights. Each year, thousands visit local attractions such as the Spirit of Washington Dinner Train and Uptown Glassworks. An exceptional library system, community and senior center, fine artwork, and several professional and community theater groups keep Renton, as its motto states, "ahead of the curve."

A regional transit center, a park-like piazza, major infrastructure improvements, and several mixed-use development projects containing housing and retail have transformed downtown Renton into a central gathering place. A performing arts center, parking garage, and several new restaurants add to the amenities in the downtown core.

Renton is home to the Boeing Company and PACCAR, both of which are respected and recognized worldwide. The Seattle Seahawks' new headquarters will open here in 2008. In addition, Renton's friendly, pro-business climate has attracted scores of businesses, including the only IKEA store in the Pacific Northwest, Wizards of the Coast, Sam's Club, Fry's Electronics, Topics Entertainment, Brotherton Cadillac, and Classmates.com.

Median Prices: Homes $364,950   Condos $198,000