Living in Mercer Island Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Mercer Island Washington Like?
Mercer Island, Washington, is located in the Seattle metropolitan area. With a population of around 25,000, it's a peaceful community that offers a high quality of life, beautiful scenery, and plenty of amenities. Located just east of Seattle, Mercer Island is convenient for those who work in the city but prefer to live in a quieter, more suburban environment. Major employers in the area include Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing, among others.
One of the main attractions in Mercer Island is Luther Burbank Park, a 77-acre park with stunning views of Lake Washington, a swimming beach, picnic areas, a playground, and plenty of walking trails. Mercer Island is home to many other parks and open spaces, including Pioneer Park, which features hiking trails and an off-leash dog area, and Groveland Beach Park, which has a sandy beach, a swimming area, and a playground. Another popular attraction is the Mercer Island Farmers Market, which takes place every Sunday during the summer months and offers a wide variety of fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal products.
The cost of living in Mercer Island is higher than other cities in the region. Housing costs are the most significant expense, with the average home value in Mercer Island being over $2.0 million. However, the high cost of living is offset by the high quality of life that the city offers, including excellent schools, low crime rates, and easy access to outdoor recreation opportunities.
If you're looking for fantastic schools, plenty of outdoor recreation, easy access to other Seattle metropolitan area cities, and beautiful scenery, Mercer Island, Washington, could be a great place for you! Read on to learn more about living in Mercer Island, and learn more about the city's neighborhoods, schools, the cost of living in Mercer Island, and the pros and cons of living in Mercer Island, Washington, so you can determine whether moving to and living in Mercer Island, Washington, is the right decision for you.
The Moving to Mercer Island Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Mercer Island, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Mercer Island, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Mercer Island Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Mercer Island, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Mercer Island, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Mercer Island, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $58,000 a year. To live in Mercer Island, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $126,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Mercer Island Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
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Top Neighborhoods in Mercer Island Washington
Mercer Island is an affluent city located in King County, Washington. Here are some of the top neighborhoods in the area:
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Mercerwood: This neighborhood is located in the southwestern part of Mercer Island and is known for its beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. It features a mix of single-family homes and townhouses and access to nearby parks and beaches.
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First Hill: This neighborhood is located in the northeastern part of Mercer Island and is known for its large homes and sweeping views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. It features a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments, with easy access to nearby amenities.
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East Seattle: This neighborhood is located on the eastern side of Mercer Island and is known for its waterfront properties and upscale homes. It features a mix of single-family homes and condos and access to nearby parks and beaches.
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West Mercer: This neighborhood is located in the western part of Mercer Island and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and access to nearby schools and parks. It features a mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments, with various housing options available.
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Mid-Island: This neighborhood is located in the central part of Mercer Island and is known for its quiet streets and easy access to nearby amenities. It features a mix of single-family homes and townhouses and access to nearby parks and shopping centers.
If moving to Mercer Island, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Mercer Island, Washington.
20 Pros and Cons of Living in Mercer Island Washington
Living in Mercer Island Washington Pros
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Great location: Mercer Island is located in the heart of the Puget Sound region, with easy access to both Seattle and Bellevue.
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Excellent schools: Mercer Island is home to one of the best school districts in the state, with highly rated schools at all levels.
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Beautiful parks: The city has several parks and open spaces, including Luther Burbank Park, Pioneer Park, and Mercer Island Lid Park, all offering great opportunities for outdoor recreation.
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Strong community: Mercer Island has a strong sense of community, with many local events and activities that bring residents together.
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Low crime rates: Mercer Island has very low crime rates, making it a safe place to live.
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High quality of life: With its great location, excellent schools, and abundance of recreational opportunities, Mercer Island offers a high quality of life.
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Good job market: Mercer Island is located near several major job centers, including Seattle and Bellevue, making it a good place to live for those seeking employment opportunities.
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Affluent community: Mercer Island is one of the wealthiest communities in the state, with a high standard of living and many upscale amenities.
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Diverse housing options: Mercer Island offers a variety of housing options, from waterfront homes to condos and apartments, making it easy to find a home that fits your needs and budget.
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Vibrant downtown: Mercer Island's downtown area is full of shops, restaurants, and other amenities, making it a great place to spend time and socialize.
Living in Mercer Island Washington Cons
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High cost of living: Mercer Island has a high cost of living, which makes it challenging for many people to afford.
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Traffic congestion: Mercer Island is located between Seattle and Bellevue, which can result in heavy traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.
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Limited housing options: Mercer Island has a limited housing supply, making it difficult to find affordable or available housing.
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Limited shopping and dining options: While Mercer Island has some stores and restaurants, the possibilities are limited compared to larger cities.
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Lack of diversity: Mercer Island's primarily white population can be a turn-off for those looking for a more diverse community.
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High property taxes: Property taxes in Mercer Island are relatively high compared to other areas in Washington state.
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Limited public transportation: Public transportation options on Mercer Island are limited, making it difficult for those without a car to get around.
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Limited job opportunities: Mercer Island has a relatively small job market, making it challenging for job seekers.
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Limited nightlife: Mercer Island has little in the way of nightlife, with few bars and entertainment venues.
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Seismic activity: Mercer Island is located in a seismically active area, which can pose a risk for earthquakes and other natural disasters.
FAQs About Living in Mercer Island Washington
What is Mercer Island known for?
Mercer Island, Washington is known for being one of the most affluent communities in the state, with high-end homes and a high cost of living.
What cities are nearby Mercer Island?
Living in Mercer Island, Washington, you're surrounded by fabulous cities. Some of the nearest cities to include: Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Issaquah, Kirkland, Burien, Tukwila, Newcastle, Redmond, Sammamish, SeaTac, Maple Valley, Des Moines, Kent, Covington, and Medina.
What is the weather like in Mercer Island?
Living in Mercer Island, Washington, you can expect mild weather throughout the year. In the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 43°F to 49°F, and the average low temperatures range from 34°F to 39°F. The city occasionally experiences light snowfall during the winter, but it is not common. Summers in Mercer Island are mild, with average high temperatures ranging from 70°F to 77°F and occasional hot spells in the high 80s. The city receives around 37 inches of rain annually, which is slightly lower than the average for the Seattle metropolitan area.
Does Mercer Island Washington have good public schools?
Students in Mercer Island, Washington, attend public school in the Mercer Island School District, which is considered one of the best school districts in the state. For school year 2022-23, Niche.com ranks Mercer Island School District #1 out of the 252 school districts they rank in the state of Washington, giving it an A+ rating. The district is known for its rigorous academic programs and excellent teachers, and it consistently achieves high test scores and graduation rates. In addition to the public school system, there are also several private schools in the area, providing families with a range of educational options for their children.
Is Mercer Island Washington safe?
Living in Mercer Island, Washington, you can feel secure knowing that it is one of the safest cities in the state. According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Mercer Island has a crime rate lower than 81% of all US cities. Violent crime rates are extremely low, and property crime rates are lower than the national average.
What is there to do living in Mercer Island, Washington?
Living in Mercer Island, Washington, there's never a shortage of things to do. The island offers many outdoor recreational activities, such as swimming and boating in Lake Washington, hiking at Pioneer Park, and playing tennis at Luther Burbank Park. The island also boasts numerous art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants to explore. Mercer Island hosts several annual events, including Summer Celebration, which features a parade and fireworks display. If you're looking for more adventure, Seattle is only a short drive away, offering world-class museums, entertainment, and dining experiences. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, there's always something to do in Mercer Island, Washington.
Who are large employers in Mercer Island, Washington?
Living in Mercer Island, Washington, most residents work in the surrounding cities of Seattle, Bellevue, or Redmond. For those that work in Mercer Island, some of the top employers include the City of Mercer Island, which employs hundreds of people across various departments. The Mercer Island School District is another significant employer, with over 400 teachers, administrators, and support staff. Private companies like Swedish Medical Center, a leading healthcare provider, also offer opportunities in the region, employing over 1,500 people. T-Mobile has a corporate office in Bellevue, WA, and employs thousands of people in Seattle. Other notable employers in the area include Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, and Starbucks, all of which have a significant presence and employ tens of thousands of people across various industries. With such a diverse range of job opportunities available, Mercer Island is a great place to live and work.
I want to relocate to Mercer Island. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Mercer Island, Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Mercer Island area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Mercer Island, Washington, is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.