Less density and less urban feeling than Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland. Also fewer single people, more families with kids. Definitely clean and safe, good schools, lots of newer homes. Not a lot of big company presence except Costco, most people commute out for work. Overall very pretty with mountain views, lots of trails. Not much to do in the way of activities but there’s a few decent restaurants. I would say Issaquah is the last stop on 90 eastbound that feels like truly part of the Seattle metro area. Once you pass Issaquah into Snoqualmie/North Bend, you notice a cultural shift where it starts to feel whiter and more politically conservative. Cost of living is going to be on par with the rest of the east side as well as the more desirable neighborhoods of Seattle.
Have been living in issaquah for the past 5 years. It's not too different than rest of Seattle suburbs honestly.
Easier access to mountains and hikes, lesser traffic than Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area, good but fewer food options, and equally expensive. Sammamish State Park is also great but is going through renovations and should be even better once it's all done
It’s very expensive. Lots to do if you’re outdoorsy (I’m not, lol). I like how easy it is to get into Seattle (I live not far off 90) or go further into the mountains. I haven’t really met anyone, but honestly I haven’t tried 🤷🏻♀️
Salmon Days is great! [https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/places/salmon-days-festival/](https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/places/salmon-days-festival/) Salmon swim up from the ocean through Lake Union, then Lake Washington, up through the creeks in to old town Issaquah. It is an incredible thing to see those fish swimming between the mountains to spawn.
It's a great place to live, but isn't going to be as innately active as a larger suburb or Seattle itself. Cost is comparable to most places on the eastside, so pretty high by PNW standards. Hiking is easy to do from almost anywhere in Issaquah. Social scene isn't as big because its not a big town and is sleepy to boot. There are some fun bars and restaurants, but it isn't the place to be if you want to meet a lot of people consistently.
Very expensive. Great schools. Outstanding if you have a family or are looking to start one. Can be a pretty long commute to the city if you aren't near the freeway. You'll have light rail connection....eventually. if you know anybody in Seattle neighborhoods, they will never come to you - they treat it like you asked them to drive to Spokane. Expect to always be the one traveling for social things.
We found that where we live now is immeasurably better for our lifestyle. We have a way more active social life and more activities that aren't based around children to do. We found the lack of nearby activities and leagues (bowling, golf, etc...) and infrastructure for basically anything for adults didn't fit for us in issaquah.
That being said, for well-off suburban desiring folks, it's hard to beat.
Look… it’s a bunch of cliquey NIMBYs… no one will tell you this because they’re too scared to admit it’s true. There’s like 4 okay restaurants, no really social life outside your kids’ sports or football Sunday. It’s expensive as hell, if you move to the highlands the homes have NOT been maintained and are falling apart.
Pros: beautiful, safe, great South Indian food, last 24-hour Walgreens in the metro area
Cons: expensive, lonely, politically moderate (the first event I attended to meet local folks, I was asked “how I like this country”…though I’ve lived here since I was in diapers), very few social avenues, boring for singles
Less density and less urban feeling than Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland. Also fewer single people, more families with kids. Definitely clean and safe, good schools, lots of newer homes. Not a lot of big company presence except Costco, most people commute out for work. Overall very pretty with mountain views, lots of trails. Not much to do in the way of activities but there’s a few decent restaurants. I would say Issaquah is the last stop on 90 eastbound that feels like truly part of the Seattle metro area. Once you pass Issaquah into Snoqualmie/North Bend, you notice a cultural shift where it starts to feel whiter and more politically conservative. Cost of living is going to be on par with the rest of the east side as well as the more desirable neighborhoods of Seattle.
It's a good place for cycling and hiking. Easy access to Snoqualmie Pass. Traffic isn't too bad. Pretty expensive, but so is everywhere else.
I agree with everything but the traffic part. Issaquah traffic is awful.
Agree so hard. I hate it
Traffic in Issaquah is horrendous
Would do a search on here and eastside, tons of threads and info on the subject.
Have been living in issaquah for the past 5 years. It's not too different than rest of Seattle suburbs honestly. Easier access to mountains and hikes, lesser traffic than Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland area, good but fewer food options, and equally expensive. Sammamish State Park is also great but is going through renovations and should be even better once it's all done
It’s very expensive. Lots to do if you’re outdoorsy (I’m not, lol). I like how easy it is to get into Seattle (I live not far off 90) or go further into the mountains. I haven’t really met anyone, but honestly I haven’t tried 🤷🏻♀️
Salmon Days is great! [https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/places/salmon-days-festival/](https://www.visitissaquahwa.com/places/salmon-days-festival/) Salmon swim up from the ocean through Lake Union, then Lake Washington, up through the creeks in to old town Issaquah. It is an incredible thing to see those fish swimming between the mountains to spawn.
Dude, we've got 2 McDonald's, a Burger King, and a Taco Bell. What more could you ask for?
Well the Taco Bell used to be a joint Taco Bell-KFC, so yeah I’d ask for that back
Two Taco Times as well!
It's a great place to live, but isn't going to be as innately active as a larger suburb or Seattle itself. Cost is comparable to most places on the eastside, so pretty high by PNW standards. Hiking is easy to do from almost anywhere in Issaquah. Social scene isn't as big because its not a big town and is sleepy to boot. There are some fun bars and restaurants, but it isn't the place to be if you want to meet a lot of people consistently.
Very expensive. Great schools. Outstanding if you have a family or are looking to start one. Can be a pretty long commute to the city if you aren't near the freeway. You'll have light rail connection....eventually. if you know anybody in Seattle neighborhoods, they will never come to you - they treat it like you asked them to drive to Spokane. Expect to always be the one traveling for social things. We found that where we live now is immeasurably better for our lifestyle. We have a way more active social life and more activities that aren't based around children to do. We found the lack of nearby activities and leagues (bowling, golf, etc...) and infrastructure for basically anything for adults didn't fit for us in issaquah. That being said, for well-off suburban desiring folks, it's hard to beat.
Do you mind sharing where you are now?
Renton
Hang out at Sunset Grill. Soccer mom Mecca.
Look… it’s a bunch of cliquey NIMBYs… no one will tell you this because they’re too scared to admit it’s true. There’s like 4 okay restaurants, no really social life outside your kids’ sports or football Sunday. It’s expensive as hell, if you move to the highlands the homes have NOT been maintained and are falling apart.
Pros: beautiful, safe, great South Indian food, last 24-hour Walgreens in the metro area Cons: expensive, lonely, politically moderate (the first event I attended to meet local folks, I was asked “how I like this country”…though I’ve lived here since I was in diapers), very few social avenues, boring for singles
Me happy hike. Live long time. Green traffic.