Bellevue

A walk down the streets of Bellevue is a lesson in contradictions, a mecca of things that normally donʼt go together: the best in urban sophistication with enough green space to satisfy country folk, high-rise buildings bordered by lake-side villas, and the best of American business ingenuity paired with international talent.

It is these contradictions that continue to make Bellevue a community like no other, where a variety of appealing lifestyles choices are all within reach and less half an hour away. Where else can you go for a morning hike and then enjoy a gourmet steak lunch prepared at a world-class restaurant? Or take your business meeting outside into one of over 74 local parks?

Issaquah

Issaquah is a vibrant community known for its collection of artists, intellectuals, technologists and outdoorsmen alike. Not only does Issaquah offer an easy commute to I-90 destinations such as Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle, it is home to Costco’s headquarters and is consistently recognized by CNN among the best places to live in the U.S. The Issaquah School District is ranked first in the state, offering premier public education to local families. The quaint downtown area has a historical flair and draws residents and visitors to annual car shows and wine walks, Boehm’s Candies, and the Issaquah Brewhouse.

Kirkland

Over the years, Kirkland has been in high demand as a home for organizations, businesses, and residents alike. It was the headquarters of the Seahawks for the team’s first 32 seasons and was so beloved by Costco during the company’s tenure in town that its store brand, “Kirkland Signature,” bears its name. There are many reason why Kirkland inspires hometown pride, but none more than this: it is simply an incredible place to live.

Because of its easy local accessibility and proximity to Interstate 405, Kirkland is also a wonderful jumping-off point for adventures around the Greater Seattle Area. Seattle is only 12 miles away, or 20 minutes by car. While many Kirkland residents work in Seattle, it is also popular for its many attractions, including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market. Woodinville is only 8 miles north of Kirkland, or 13 minutes by car. Its 70 local wineries provide some of the region’s best wine and entertainment. And for the ultimate in urban sophistication, Bellevue is a short 7 miles south of Kirkland, or 12 minutes by car. With premier shopping, an incredible art museum, and a world-famous Botanical Garden, it is the perfect complement to smaller Kirkland.

Medina

A meandering drive through Medina showcases the best of what the community has to offer. Although mainly residential, nearly a quarter of the community is green space, in the form of parks and a golf course. Driving along, vast estates are visible from the road, some tucked quietly down winding driveways and others proudly displayed by the lapping shores of the lake. Indeed, many of the best waterfront homes in the Eastside are located in Medina. The views from these homes are incredible. In the morning, early-risers are treated to splashes of pink and orange as the rising sun reflects off the water. Mountains shine white with snow in the distance and there is a peace to all that the eye can see.

But some people are not content with simply seeing, and for that reason many of the lakeside homes in Media offer docks for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. In the summer, these docks become the perfect place to entertain friends or clients. And on starry nights, they provide the ideal spot for enjoying a glass of wine or watching a meteor shower. The peacefulness and calmness of Medina are almost tactile they are so real. But don’t let the peacefulness fool you into thinking it is only a place for relaxing. Because within the 1.4 square miles of Medina are some of the most brilliant and creative minds in the world, including Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

Four Points

The Four Points area encompasses Medina, Hunts Point, Yarrow Point, and Clyde Hill—a picturesque pocket of land just northwest of Bellevue that juts out into Lake Washington. With easy access to 520—which makes commuting anywhere in Seattle a breeze—and I-405, which snakes up north to Kirkland and south through Bellevue, this neighborhood is an incredibly convenient place to live and work in.

With its proximity to several major employees and business districts, it’s not a surprise that so many people are drawn to this idyllic suburban community. Even better, these neighborhoods all boast excellent public schools, have a warm and welcoming feel, and afford residents some of the best views of the lakefront and sparkling Seattle skyline you’ll find in the entire region.

Mercer Island

While it is surrounded by Lake Washington, Mercer Island is far from insular. Located between Bellevue and Seattle affords an easy commute to either the east or west side. Waterfront homes are marked by their own private docks for aquatic adventurers to voyage out on a boat or paddleboard. Because of its island character, there is a strong sense of community as “Islanders” take pride in the small-town atmosphere, tranquil and woodsy ambiance.

Education is paramount to the community at large, as Mercer Island’s top-rated public school system is ranked second in the state. Its most famous resident was Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. Though it is home to the wealthiest zip code in Washington state, residents and visitors enjoy friendly, community oriented events year-round.

Redmond

Redmond residents enjoy the best of the Northwest right in their own backyard, but the central location of the city also makes it an idea stepping-off point for adventures all around the Greater Seattle area. A short drive in any direction yields fantastic places to explore, from Seattle to the west, the Cascade Mountains to the east, and over 90 wineries to the north. Even the international airport is less than an hour away.

Bike lanes and trails connect many parts of the city and weave in and out of neighborhood parks. There’s a reason why bikes are abundant in Redmond. The city is the bicycle capital of the Northwest. Even before the city was home to major corporations, its streets belonged to bicycles. This was true as far back as 1939, when residents created a bike race around Lake Sammamish that was dubbed the Redmond Bicycle Derby. Over time, the event has morphed into Redmond Derby Days and an annual bike race on city streets. Local residents also enjoy access to the state’s only velodrome and in the summer can watch bike racers zoom by during Friday night competitions.

Renton

Situated just 11 miles south of Downtown Seattle, Renton is one of the region’s fastest growing communities. Bordering the southeast shores of Lake Washington, it is home to Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC) where the Seahawks practice. In recent years, the technology, industrial and healthcare industries have presented favorable jobs, while The Landing affords a central location for every amenity one could need.

Sammamish

In Sammamish, homeowners find a stellar sense of community not found anywhere else. Waterfront opportunities abound, as Lake Sammamish provides an aquatic lifestyle with a fusion of water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking, with avid swimmers. It’s an ideal base for Eastsiders, who can easily access employment hubs in Redmond and Bellevue while enjoying lush, top-rated golf courses such as the Sahalee Golf Course, which hosts PGA events. When not on the water, residents are found on the trails at Lake Sammamish State Park, grabbing dinner at Ristorante Simone or perusing the Saffron Shopping Center.

Woodinville

In Woodinville, the heart of Washington’s wine country, lush poplar trees herald toward distinctively Northwest homes situated within well-designed communities. Sprawling estates offer space for those who need it, with equestrian lifestyle options complemented by growing city centers where entertainment abounds. In Woodinville, residents and visitors embark on wine tours by bicycle or limousine to popular destinations within the area’s four wine districts. Top attractions include the Carriage House at DeLille Cellars and Chateau Ste. Michelle, where varietals are paired with outdoor summer concerts. Woodinville is more relaxed in nature than Napa, yet offers just as high quality wines in addition to breweries and distilleries.

Ballard & Greenlake

Once its own city, Ballard is now a neighborhood within Seattle. Residents and visitors spend much of their time on the Burke-Gilman trail that outlines the lake along the cut, at the shores for the fisherman’s freshest catch, or taking in views that stun from Shilshole Bay or the Hiram M. Chittenden (“Ballard”) Locks. A marine town primarily comprised of those of Scandinavian descent in its early years, the town pays tribute to its history through a widely attended annual Seafood Festival and celebrates its Nordic heritage in a parade. Whether spending the day in the historic district, at Golden Gardens Park or at the Nordic Heritage Museum, residents and visitors enjoy the unique neighborhood they find in Ballard.

Downtown Seattle

Known as the Emerald City, Seattle is enveloped by natural beauty from sea to sky, with panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier, a lush green skyline, and waterfront recreation on the shores of Lake Washington and Puget Sound. Seattle is among the top international centers for commerce, development and culture. And anchored by global health, philanthropy, tech and international business with headquarter offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and more.

Lake Forest Park & Kenmore

With its enviable perch at the north end of Lake Washington and equidistant commutes to employment centers in either Everett, Bellevue or Seattle, the city of Kenmore is perfectly centered. So it’s no surprise both are experiencing significant expansion and prosperity as evolving cities with great potentials for families. Hop aboard a sea plane in Kenmore to explore the Pacific Northwest or stay on ground for the farmer’s market and summer outdoor movies.

North Seattle

Generally defined as anything north of the Ship Canal, North Seattle encompasses some of the city’s best neighborhoods, from Ballard and the University (of Washington) District, further north to Shoreline. A focal point for urban development in recent years, there are eclectic eateries and fabulous local businesses peppered throughout these neighborhoods.

Queen Anne & Magnolia

Marked by mostly traditional and Craftsman homes, Queen Anne is named for its “Queen Anne” style houses and is noted for its family friendly setting, outdoor pool for summer use, hills for sledding in winter and walkability to stellar schools and parks. Though situated in close proximity to downtown Seattle, some would say Queen Anne function as its own “island” where residents find all they need close to home at one-of-a-kind restaurants and shopping experiences along Queen Anne Avenue.

As an affluent Seattle neighborhood encompassing coveted addresses for generations, the Tudor homes of the Magnolia Bluff give way to pockets of mid-century moderns. Drive tree-lined streets to parks that overlook stunning city and water views whether it’s a historic Fort Lawton home at Discovery Park or the wonderful trails of Magnolia Park. It’s no wonder the area has housed some of Seattle’s greatest minds over generations. In the spring, Magnolia boasts gorgeous flowering trees and opportunities for exploration, from craft cocktails at Oliver’s Twist to treats from Petit Pierre Bakery, where the satisfaction of a sweet tooth evokes a feeling of Parisian perfection.

Shoreline

As Seattle’s closest northern neighborhood, Shoreline, commonly referred to as “North Seattle,” is desirable for its close proximity to Seattle and its more recent transition from a rural area to a highly populated sleeper community. In the 1880s, homesteaders used its shores to float goods south toward Seattle and residents and visitors were drawn to Echo Lake for recreation. Today, Shoreline offers a number of parks including Richmond Beach Saltwater Park and Boeing Creek Park, which offers a wonderful trail system. Residents and visitors are often found at the Kruckeberg Botanic Garden, ice arena and at annual events including Innis Arden Oktoberfest.

South Seattle

This uber-convenient South Seattle community is intersected by I-5 and I-90, so its inhabitants can easily commute to downtown or across Mercer Island to the Eastside in minutes. But this area is a desirable one not just because of its ease of access and transport options, but because of its diversity and abundance of activities, local businesses, and things to do.

Endless opportunities abound for eating and drinking some of the best bites and beverages anywhere in the city. With each passing year, this laid-back Seattle neighborhood becomes home to more and more culinary destinations, like the buzzed-about Mediterranean restaurant Homer, as well as a number of trendy microbreweries and distilleries. Wherever its inhabitants choose to roam within this rather large neighborhood, Beacon Hill residents will surely enjoy the relaxed yet eclectic vibe that makes this community unlike any other in Seattle.

West Seattle

Encompassing desirable neighborhoods only a five-minute commute on the bridge including Alki, Admiral, North Admiral, Belvedere, Fauntleroy and Gatewood, West Seattle has increased in popularity as a preferred target for homebuyers relocating from California’s Bay Area and the creative class.

The area’s attractions include sandy, saltwater beaches along the Elliott Bay and Puget Sound shoreline and a boardwalk where rollerbladers and bicyclists cruise by pop-up eateries and quirky, chic shops at the West Seattle Junction. Residents frequent the Water Taxi, whether they’re relaxing on their commute to the city or watching the sun slip beneath the city and the Puget Sound.

Sequim/Peninsula

A small coastal community situated at the entrance to Olympic National Park, Sequim’s name derives from a Native American expression meaning “quiet waters.” While many typically associate the Pacific Northwest climate with rain, the annual rainfall in Sequim is only 16 inches, making it one of the driest regions in the area. Top attractions include seasonal crabbing and the annual lavender festival, which are a draw for residents and visitors alike. Artisanal and local, organic foodstuffs have become the norm, thanks to a variety of farmers and entrepreneurs who have laid down roots in Sequim. There is a natural beauty in the area’s land and forests that captivates and compels those looking to get away from the bustle of the city or retire.

Camano Island

Camano Island is the second of the two main islands in Island County with an easy drive to Seattle—no ferry required. Breathtaking vistas and views are found in hidden retreats, modern getaways and bungalow homes.

The local chamber of commerce has positioned the island as a retirement haven or vacation retreat where residents find peaceful getaways at Utsalady Bay in the north, Madrona Beach on the western shore, Driftwood Shores along Triangle Cove and the island’s eastern coast, and southeasterly by South Camano Drive along the banks of the Saratoga Passage.

Cle Elum/Suncadia

Located 90 minutes east of Seattle, Cle Elum is a popular destination for camping and other outdoor recreation, whether it’s skiing the slopes by winter or hiking the trails by summer. Nestled in the eastern Cascade Mountains, Cle Elum is home to many quaint shops and delicious eateries, and hosts fun annual events for the community such as the Fourth of July Parade. Suncadia Lodge is a popular vacation destination with easy access to trails, the Washington State Horst Park, and river fun: fly fishing, kayaking, floating and more.

Walla Walla & Wine Country

Home to over 120 wineries, Walla Walla is a wine lover’s paradise but is also regarded for other agricultural crops including strawberries, sweet onions, and wheat. The Main Street area has grown significantly in recent years and is known for its eclectic shops, boutique shopping, cafes, and bookstores. A thriving local arts scene, Farmer’s Market and outdoor concert bring visitors in the warmer months. Walla Walla is just a four hour flight from Seattle with close proximity to the Tri-Cities airport.