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Cougar Mountain

Cougar Mountain

$2,225,613 Average Value
$282 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Outdoor perks, possibly cougars and bears

Not far from downtown Bellevue, but fully immersed in the area's natural beauty, Cougar Mountain is a favorite for those seeking a slower pace and outdoor amenities steps from home. It's very close to Lake Sammamish, which is popular for water sports and waterside parks.

The question "Are there actually mountain cougars?" is not out of line. According to Marc Erickson, founder/broker with Allied Property Experts, the answer is yes: "There is real wildlife, and there are cougars and bears." But it's not a reason to overlook this scenic setting. "Cougars are elusive, and it's rare that you'll see one," Erickson says. "They are pretty mellow; there haven't been any attacks in the area in recent years."

On the other hand, bears will come closer to homes to raid the garbage. Wildlife sightings are more common at large home sites. "There's one-, five-, ten-acre parcels. That's where it's more likely to get that activity." Though the threat is low, residents should remain aware of their surroundings and watch for signage warning of possible cougars or bears in the vicinity.

Forests, parks, Cougar Mountain Zoo

Evergreen forests, parks, creeks and scenic outlooks are woven into the landscape. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildlife Park, which encompasses hundreds of acres of trails, waterfalls and sweeping vistas, is one of the most notable outdoor sites in the area. Visitors can hike, camp and explore while remaining close to home. Connected to Cougar Mountain Wildlife Park by the Lewis Creek Trail, Lewis Creek Park offers ball fields, a play area and a basketball court. Lakemont Community Park has a skate park and paved paths for jogging.

Hang gliding is also an area pastime, according to Erickson, a Seattle-area resident with over 20 years of active real estate experience including lending, investing and new construction and development. "Poo Poo Point is one of the most popular for hang gliding," he says. To get there, hikers start at one of the trailheads near Issaquah High School or take the Chirico Trail's rockier route. Dogs are allowed on leashes, and their owners are expected to pick up after them. The point's name mimics the sound of steam whistles used in logging, once a major industry in the area.

Families spend an afternoon at Cougar Mountain Zoo, learning about endangered local species and exploring the sculpture forest. The zoo also hosts the Issaquah Reindeer Festival during most of December. Set atop a bluff with gorgeous views, The Golf Club at Newcastle has a 36-hole championship course, with daily tee times as well as membership plans.
Scenic trails just steps from your front door in Cougar Mountain.
Scenic trails just steps from your front door in Cougar Mountain.
Take the family for a day of adventure at Cougar Mountain Zoo.
Take the family for a day of adventure at Cougar Mountain Zoo.
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Large lots, views of cities and the Cascades

Homes are tucked away amid woods, making a secluded escape from the city. Erickson says Cougar Mountain feels very rural. "People going out there are looking for a bigger property," he says. "Some things are being knocked down to create a ten-acre estate." As to what a property owner would do with that space, Erickson says it's more about privacy than anything else. "Maybe there's an acre or two cleared for the yard and house site." He says owners could add parking features, sports courts, or gardens. "It's on a mountain, so everything depends on the slope of the lot and how heavily treed it is."

With the area's rolling hills, lots on the highest peaks have views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountain Range. "There are view properties. In different directions, you can see over to cities — Bellevue and Seattle and down to Mount Rainer.
Cougar Mountain - a place to call home.
Cougar Mountain - a place to call home.
Elevate your lifestyle with a home in Cougar Mountain.
Elevate your lifestyle with a home in Cougar Mountain.
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Midcentury modern to new construction

Though a large part of Cougar Mountain's allure is its spacious lot sizes, the variety of homes is also a draw. "Most houses were built in the mid-to-late 20th century. There's everything from midcentury moderns to new construction," Erickson says. "There are some standard developments; it's a good blend." He says that home remodeling is a common practice. "It brings contemporary updates for homeowners looking for newer features and future equity."

A typical standalone house here is 1,600 to 2,500 square feet, and price points start at $1.2 million. Homes over 5,300 square feet routinely go for $3 million and up. There are also townhouses and condominiums in the area. Starting at $470,000, these are a more budget-friendly option. Erickson says the prices in Cougar Mountain trend lower than in some other Bellevue neighborhoods.
A perfect blend of luxury and nature with this Cougar Mountain residence.
A perfect blend of luxury and nature with this Cougar Mountain residence.
Cougar Mountain offers plenty of newly built, modern homes.
Cougar Mountain offers plenty of newly built, modern homes.
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Highly rated Issaquah School District 411

Kids may attend public schools in the Issaquah School District 411, rated A-plus by Niche. Youngsters at Cougar Ridge Elementary School, graded A, can take part in clubs including chess, Green Team and CR Singing. Cougar Mountain Middle School has a 6 out of 10 from GreatSchools. Athletics include volleyball, softball, cross country, basketball and soccer, and students pick from clubs for robotics, rock band, knitting, board games and more. Issaquah High School, A-plus, has a rigorous curriculum focused on college readiness.
Cougar Ridge Elementary School builds a strong educational foundation for students.
Cougar Ridge Elementary School builds a strong educational foundation for students.
Cougar Mountain Middle School provides excellent education for a brighter future.
Cougar Mountain Middle School provides excellent education for a brighter future.
Issaquah High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
Issaquah High School prepares students for graduation and beyond.
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Shopping and Dining

For daily necessities, there's a small commercial area along Lakemont Boulevard. Town & Country Market Lakemont provides grocery staples, and there's Sushi Avenue eatery inside the market. Nearby, Japanese cuisine is also on the menu at Teriyaki House.

For more variety, residents may take a short drive. "You can drop down into Issaquah, which is getting more cool new restaurants," Erickson says. He says residents of Cougar Mountain would probably go there for most of their basic needs. "But you can still be in downtown Bellevue in 15 to 20 minutes for big shopping and a more urban setting." Another close destination, Factoria, is a neighborhood with more retail, including The Marketplace at Factoria, which has about 50 shops, restaurants and other services.
Chicken Teriyaki at Teriyaki House in Cougar Mountain is a neighborhood favorite.
Chicken Teriyaki at Teriyaki House in Cougar Mountain is a neighborhood favorite.
Town Country is a great option for your grocery needs.
Town Country is a great option for your grocery needs.
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Special events, Seattle sports stadiums

Many locals head to Issaquah for Salmon Days, a multiday fall celebration of salmon spawning that's been held for over 50 years. Downtown Issaquah is about 5 miles from Cougar Mountain. Seafair, a summer festival held on Lake Washington, at Genesee Park and other locations, is an even longer-standing event. Going on since 1949, Seafair is well-known for the Torchlight Parade, hydroplane races, a half marathon, a triathlon and airshows with stars such as the Blue Angels. "It's a pretty big deal," Erickson says.

Residents of the region might spend their free time cheering on a local team. Football favorites, the Seattle Seahawks, are based at Lumen Field, as are Major League Soccer's Seattle Sounders FC and the National Women's Soccer League's Seattle Reign FC. Lumen Field is also a concert venue, hosting big acts like the Rolling Stones, Metallica and Kenny Chesney.

Baseball fans enjoy Seattle Mariners games at T-Mobile Park, which has a retractable roof and serves as a site for conventions, galas, graduations and other events. On the University of Washington campus, Husky Stadium has room for over 70,000 spectators, making it the largest in the Pacific Northwest. These sports facilities are all located in Seattle, less than 15 miles from Cougar Mountain.

I-90 gets folks to Seattle quickly

The proximity to major roadways is a plus for residents. "Most people are going to be driving. They can zip right across I-90 to Seattle," Erickson says. Although there's some public transportation in Issaquah, a car is necessary to get to it. In addition to Seattle, commuters may be heading to Bellevue or Redmond. For those planning a long-distance trip, it's about 20 miles southwest to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, nicknamed "Sea-Tac."
Robin Silberman
Written By
Robin Silberman
Luke Mancari
Video By
Luke Mancari

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kevin Lam, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

33 min drive

Bus

Lakemont Blvd SE & SE Newport Way

Bus

SE Newport Way & Lakemont Blvd SE

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Cougar Mountain US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Cougar Mountain Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$389,900
Median Sale Price
$370,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$370,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$279,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$282

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,374
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,475
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,584
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,125
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
740
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
11,325

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Kevin Lam, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,316
Median Age
42
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$213,905
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$217,124

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.6%
College Graduates
77.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
8''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

30 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

41 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Cougar Mountain