Living in Bellevue & Seattle’s Eastside: Complete Neighborhood Guide

If you’re considering a move to Bellevue or the Eastside suburbs, you’re looking at one of the most desirable regions in the entire Puget Sound area. With top-rated schools, tech-driven job growth, beautiful neighborhoods, and excellent access to outdoor recreation, the Eastside is a favorite for relocating families, executives, and anyone who wants a high-quality lifestyle with convenient access to Seattle.

I’m Emily Cressey, a Seattle-area Realtor and lifelong Washington local. This hub page will help you compare the Eastside’s most popular communities—including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Issaquah, Sammamish, Mercer Island, Newcastle, and more—so you can find the neighborhood that truly fits your family’s needs, budget, and lifestyle.

Why Families Love Living on the Eastside

The Eastside is known for:

• Top-rated public schools (Bellevue, Lake Washington, and Issaquah School Districts)
• Short commutes to major employers like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, T-Mobile, and Meta
• Excellent parks, trails, and lake access
• Newer housing options compared to Seattle neighborhoods
• Safe, suburban communities with great amenities

Most relocating families begin their search in Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, or Issaquah—each offering a slightly different feel.

How to Use This Eastside Neighborhood Hub

Below, you’ll find Eastside cities and neighborhoods grouped by major areas. Click on any location to see a full guide with housing prices, schools, commute details, and lifestyle info.

Core Eastside Cities & Neighborhoods

These are the largest and most in-demand cities on the Eastside—ideal for commuters, families, and tech professionals.

• Bellevue, WA
• Kirkland, WA
• Redmond, WA
• Issaquah, WA
• Issaquah Highlands, WA
• Sammamish, WA (guide coming soon)
• Mercer Island, WA (guide coming soon)

North Eastside Communities

These areas offer more space, quieter streets, great schools, and easy access to Redmond technology campuses.

• Duvall, WA (guide coming soon)
• Carnation, WA (guide coming soon)
• Hollywood Hill, WA (guide coming soon)
• Cottage Lake, WA (guide coming soon)

South Eastside Communities

These neighborhoods offer convenience, strong access to I-405 and I-90, and a mix of established and newer homes.

• Newcastle, WA (guide coming soon)
• Factoria, WA (guide coming soon)
• Kennydale, WA (guide coming soon)

Bellevue / Eastside Housing Market Snapshot

Eastside home prices tend to run higher than Seattle averages due to strong demand and limited inventory. While prices vary by neighborhood, typical ranges include:

• Bellevue: $1.3M–$2.5M+ depending on neighborhood
• Kirkland: $1.2M–$2M+ (waterfront and walkable areas command premium pricing)
• Redmond: $1.1M–$1.8M+ (popular for Microsoft employees)
• Issaquah: $900K–$1.5M+ (newer master-planned communities)

Your assistant can update pricing ranges annually in just a few minutes.

Who the Eastside Is Best For

• Tech professionals working in Bellevue, Redmond, or Kirkland
• Families looking for top school districts and suburban amenities
• Buyers who prefer newer homes, larger floorplans, and quieter neighborhoods
• Commuters who want fast access to I-90 or 520
• Outdoor lovers who want trails, parks, and lake access

Frequently Asked Questions About the Eastside

Q: Is Bellevue walkable?
A: Downtown Bellevue is highly walkable with shops, restaurants, and parks. Most surrounding neighborhoods are suburban.

Q: What’s the commute like?
A: Most Eastside commutes are 5–20 minutes to major employers. Commuting into Seattle depends on the bridge and time of day.

Q: Are the schools highly rated?
A: Yes. Bellevue, Lake Washington, and Issaquah School Districts are consistently among the top in Washington State.

Q: Is the Eastside more expensive than Seattle?
A: Typically yes—due to newer housing, strong schools, and tech-driven demand.

Need Help Choosing the Right Eastside Neighborhood?

With so many strong options, it’s normal to feel unsure where to start. I help relocating families compare neighborhoods based on their lifestyle, commute needs, and long-term plans so you can make a confident, well-informed decision.

Request Your Eastside Strategy Session