Region Feature: East King County
With so many incredible areas making up the greater Seattle region, it can be overwhelming for newcomers to decide where exactly is the right place to call home. As with any new move, getting out to explore the area in-person is the ideal way to find out! However, if you’re just getting started with your research, or visiting in-person is not an option, I hope my new ongoing “region feature” series will help you learn more about some of the most popular areas in Western Washington.
What Cities Are Considered East King County?
The suburbs directly East of Seattle and Lake Washington, known to locals as “the Eastside,” include Bellevue (the largest of the Eastside suburbs and a regional hub), as well as Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, and Sammamish. Many consider the smaller suburbs of Newcastle and Mercer Island to be extensions of the Eastside as well. The Eastside has grown exponentially over the past couple of decades as employment boomed both on the Eastside and in nearby Seattle. The area has a primarily suburban feel, rich in outdoor recreation, employment opportunities and family-friendly amenities.
What is it like living on the Eastisde?
The collection of suburbs that make up the Eastside include diverse options for housing and scenery, with something for everyone depending on your preferences. For those looking for more of a city vibe, downtown Bellevue’s growing skyline offers upscale dining and shopping options, and the walkability of a downtown. Those that love lake life will appreciate Kirkland’s waterfront access to Lake Washington and it’s absolutely charming waterfront downtown. For those wanting to be closer to the mountains, Issaquah and Sammamish bring residents right into the Issaquah Alps and a short drive to Snoqualmie Pass. (For more info on what it’s like living on the Eastside, check out this blog post)
Families looking to move to the area will be impressed by the highly ranked school districts serving the Eastside including Bellevue, Lake Washington, and Issaquah School Districts.
East King County’s Largest Cities: Fast Facts
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Population: approx. 149,000
Distance from Seattle: 11 miles
Average Home Price: $1,400,000
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Population: approx. 66,600
Distance from Seattle: 20 miles
Average Home Price: $1,500,000
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Population: approx. 39,500
Distance from Seattle: 17 miles
Average Home Price: $1,005,000
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Population: approx. 76,300
Distance from Seattle: 19 miles
Average Home Price: $1,300,000
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Population: approx. 92,100
Distance from Seattle: 12 miles
Average Home Price: $1,100,000
*average population estimates from US Census Bureau 2021, average home price is median selling price from Redfin as of August 2023
Top Attractions
Fine Dining: A foodie haven, the Eastside’s dining scene has exploded over the past couple of decades. Check out this list of Downtown Bellevue favorites, or my roundup of best restaurants with a view on the Eastside.
Lake Life: Lake fronts abound across the greater Eastside. From the motorsport friendly waters of Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, to the serene shores of Pine and Beaver Lakes.
Local Trails: The trio of mountains locals call the “Issaquah Alps” - Tiger, Squak, and Cougar Mountains, offer immediate access to an abundance of trails accessible year-round.
Wine Country: Just next door to the Eastside, wine lovers flock to the world renowned Woodinville Wine Country.
Helpful Resources
Visit Bellevue: https://www.visitbellevuewa.com/
Visit Issaquah: https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/
Explore Kirkland: https://www.explorekirkland.com/
Experience Redmond: https://experienceredmond.com/
