There are a few Gold Coasts out there throughout the United States (from Ventura, California, to the North Shore of Long Island), but here in Washington and at Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, we take special pride and ownership of a special stretch of our own sparkling shoreline. We’ve given the name “Gold Coast” to the banks of Lake Washington that stretch from Faben Point at the northwestern tip of Mercer Island to Beaux Arts Village, and from there to Saint Edward State Park north of Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood. Come check it out with us!
Why Is the Gold Coast So Golden?
The across-the-water city views of Bellevue and North Seattle from these locations, together with the quality of life in these world-renowned lakefront communities, make Gold Coast homes among the most sought-after in the region. RSIR brokers provide extensive expertise across this region to sellers and buyers, marketing listings and opening the doors of its most extraordinary homes.
What Neighborhoods Are Along the Gold Coast?
While living anywhere along Lake Washington would be a prized lifestyle, the most coveted stretch of shoreline remains the waterfront communities of Juanita, Kirkland, Medina, Hunts Point, West Bellevue, Enatai, Beaux Arts, Newport Shores, and North Mercer Island. These desirable neighborhoods offer close proximity to job centers and access to preferred public and private schools. Together, they comprise the most valuable residential real estate in the Pacific Northwest.
Here’s a look inside these coveted neighborhoods.
Juanita
First established as a resort community in the 1920s, the neighborhood of Juanita has maintained its relaxed mentality, even after it was incorporated by the City of Kirkland in 2009. While conveniently located for those working in Kirkland’s tech core, the delights of living in Juanita are found outside the office. For outdoor adventurers, recreation opportunities beg to be explored: Juanita Bay Park, Juanita Beach, Jeronfield Westlands, Edith Moulton Park and Windsor Vista, Juanita Woodlands, O.O. Denny Park, and Big Finn Hill Park. Schools in Juanita are part of the top-rated Lake Washington School District.
Kirkland
There’s a leisurely, beach-town vibe to Kirkland, enviably set on the shores of Lake Washington, with gorgeous water views, beautiful mountains in the distance, and acres of well-maintained public parks to enjoy. Community plays a big role here, with regular art and wine walks, and plenty of trails to explore on foot or bicycle. Several company headquarters are located here, and the commute to downtown Seattle or Bellevue is a breeze. When work is done, there’s fun to be had, from boutique shopping to award-winning dining to kayaking and paddleboarding.
Medina
Residents of Medina could live anywhere in the world. But they have chosen to live on the shores of Lake Washington, partly because it is close to everything they could ever need. A meandering drive through the neighborhood showcases an abundance of green space (including parks and a golf course) and vast estates visible from the road or tucked quietly down winding driveways. In fact, you’ll find some of the most impressive waterfront homes on the Eastside within this highly educated, affluent community. These lakeside homes offer docks for swimming, kayaking, and canoeing, and on starry nights, they are the ideal spot for enjoying a glass of wine or watching a meteor shower.
Hunts Point
Idyllic Hunts Point is unassuming in its sophistication and abundant in its beautiful waterfront scenery. You’ll find a range of home styles, from mid-century ramblers to exclusive waterside mansions with acreage to spread out and moorage for boats. While it feels like a small, private community, Hunts Point is still just a few minutes from Downtown Bellevue and Kirkland, and just 10 miles from Seattle.
West Bellevue
Nestled on the shores of Lake Washington, West Bellevue features extraordinary homes, many on the waterfront or with lake views. Home to top-rated schools, and just minutes from Downtown Bellevue and its growing tech core, this neighborhood boasts many young professionals ready for a short and manageable commute. The streets are leafy green, and outdoor activities can be found at nearby parks, including along the waterfront at Chism Beach Park or among the river and wildlife hiking at the Mercer Slough Nature Park.
Enatai
This woodsy, residential neighborhood in Bellevue offers abundant recreational opportunities, as well as the chance to call deer, eagles, and blue herons your neighbors. From Enatai Beach Park on the shores of Lake Washington to the paddling-perfect water trails of Mercer Slough Nature Park, Enatai offers an outdoorsy vibe with urban conveniences nearby when you want them. The close-knit, walkable neighborhood is particularly family-friendly and all about community, whether it’s the annual Oktoberfest or a back-to-school ice cream social.
Beaux Arts Village
With just around 300 residents, Beaux Arts Village is one of the smallest municipalities in Western Washington. Yet, its proximity to Seattle and the Eastside means “villagers” have all the amenities and conveniences of an urban center nearby. Eclectic, new and vintage homes, both old-fashioned and modern, line up along narrow, tree-draped streets. Residents have access to a private beach.
Newport Shores
This family-oriented, upscale community within the city of Bellevue sits on more than 170 acres along the southeast shore of Lake Washington. More than 100 of the residences here are located on the lake or canal waterfront. Neighbors bike and walk along the winding streets and have convenient access to the Lake Washington bike trail for adventures farther afield. Newcastle Park, Mercer Slough, I-405, Factoria, Bellevue are all close by.
North Mercer Island
While it is surrounded by Lake Washington, Mercer Island is far from insular. Located between Bellevue and Seattle, North Mercer Island 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, the tranquility, and the woodsy ambiance. Education is paramount to the community at large; Mercer Island’s top-rated public school system is ranked second in the state.
For more information about Gold Coast homes, get in touch with your RSIR real estate advisor.