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First Hill

First Hill

Neighborhood in Mercer Island, Washington

King County 98040

$2,374,100 Average Value
$792 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

First Hill - walkable and convenient to Downtown

First Hill, about 5 miles east of Seattle, is a plateau that ascends through a quiet community centered around Downtown Mercer Island - a modern mecca of community life. With renovated homes and boat landings on Lake Washington, First Hill is a landmark in the island's convenient north end, where nature trails lead from historic houses to a vibrant retail center. "The circular layout is First Hill's charm," says Sarah Ford, an island local and Sales Associate at Coldwell Banker Realty. "It's a five-minute walk from the trails to the town center. You can push a stroller, go for a run or walk the loop. If you're raising kids, they can be off on their own in First Hill. It's a nice little neighborhood."

Homes rise on a plateau in the First Hill neighborhood.
Homes rise on a plateau in the First Hill neighborhood.
First Hill has plenty of space to walk your pets.
First Hill has plenty of space to walk your pets.
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Eclectic housing with a long history

This open neighborhood has narrow streets bordered by tall hedges, colorful foliage and lake views. It became a landmark in the 1940s when Interstate 90 opened a pathway to residential development. “First Hill became interesting again because it was on the interstate,” Ford says. “The homes were torn down and rebuilt with a super eclectic nature. There are brand new homes, custom homes, and older 1950s houses that have been refreshed.” These housing options include New Traditional, midcentury modern and contemporary homes with oversized windows and inviting backyard patios. Prices range from $1.2 million to $4 million.

These homes share a backyard plot of land in the First Hill neighborhood.
These homes share a backyard plot of land in the First Hill neighborhood.
Amazing homes sit on the shores of First Hill.
Amazing homes sit on the shores of First Hill.
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Coffeeshops, restaurants and markets in Downtown Mercer

First Hill is on the edge of Downtown Mercer Island, with tree-lined streets and modern architecture. Fashionable boutiques and distinct restaurants are an essential part of the downtown experience, and there is no shortage of coffee shops for barista-crafted coffee drinks. Shawn's Cafe & Bakery serves bagels and pastries in a vintage coffee shop with a blackboard menu. Pogacha Restaurant serves brunch with Croatian flatbread dishes in a casual environment that transitions to tablecloth seating as the sun sets. Metropolitan Market is an upscale supermarket in the city center, and QFC is another grocery store option. "We don't have big box stores. We have a local business scene with cafes, restaurants, wine bars and all your main stuff," Ford says.

Savor a delicious maple ball at Sano Cafe.
Savor a delicious maple ball at Sano Cafe.
Homegrown Sandwiches has some great snacks for the hungry.
Homegrown Sandwiches has some great snacks for the hungry.
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Aubrey Davis "Lid" Park and kayaking

Aubrey Davis Park, also known as "Lid Park," is a 90-acre green space next to the interstate, connecting to the I-90 trail, a paved path spanning 10 miles across Lake Washington. Aubrey Davis also features playgrounds, athletic facilities and an outdoor sculpture gallery. Secret Park is a shady playground space in a wooded area, and Calkins Landing is a convenient boat launch with spacious parking. "We use a pay-by-phone system for people to park at boat landings for the day, and we're working to make the area more kayak friendly," says Olivia Ryan, Recreation Assistant at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

Aubrey Davis Park is a 90-acre green space next to the interstate.
Aubrey Davis Park is a 90-acre green space next to the interstate.
Secret Park is a shady playground space in a wooded area.
Secret Park is a shady playground space in a wooded area.
Calkins Landing is a convenient boat launch with spacious parking.
Calkins Landing is a convenient boat launch with spacious parking.
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Schools are Top 5 in the state

According to Niche, the Mercer Island School District is Washington's fifth-best public school district. West Mercer Elementary School earns an A from Niche and has a phone-free curriculum encouraging social and emotional development. Islander Middle School also receives an A and is part of the Green Schools initiative. Mercer Island High School has an A-plus and an average SAT score of 1390.

Mercer Island Highschool on Mercer Island
Mercer Island Highschool on Mercer Island
West Mercer Elementary School on Mercer Island.
West Mercer Elementary School on Mercer Island.
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Walkable and on I-90

First Hill is walkable, with neighborhood trails connecting to the city center and bike lanes providing alternate transportation. Public transportation is available through the King County Metro, which provides bus stops throughout downtown near the Mercer Island Park and Ride, a popular place for residents to take Route 604, a weekday shuttle to Downtown Seattle. Interstate 90 is a floating expressway over Lake Washington that is easily accessible to First Hill and surrounding cities. On I-5, Downtown Seattle is about 5 miles west, while Bellevue is roughly 6 miles east. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport offers worldwide flights around 17 miles southeast.

First Hill has plenty of space to walk your pets.
First Hill has plenty of space to walk your pets.
Residents of First Hill are very active with biking and walking.
Residents of First Hill are very active with biking and walking.
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Jackson Hardy
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Perry Cucinotta
Photography Contributed By
Perry Cucinotta
Daric Clarke
Video By
Daric Clarke

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 Kris Conover, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International

26 min drive

Bus

SE 24th St & 70th Ave SE

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime First Hill US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 2 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,885,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,900,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$792
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
9
Months of Supply
2.70
Median List Price
$1,994,999
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-25%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
275
Median Year Built
1956
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,727
Significantly above the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
8,712

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    2 - 4pm

    2423 61st Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040

    $2,900,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,890 Sq Ft
    • 2423 61st Ave SE
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience tranquil luxury with breathtaking views of Lake Washington and the glittering Seattle skyline. Nestled in a prime location, this exquisite residence offers the perfect blend of serenity and easy access to Downtown Mercer Island amenities. Spacious flexible floor plan boasting 4 bedrooms and 2 bonus rooms. Perfect for entertaining includes theater room, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, hot

    Polly Wong Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty

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  • Saturday, May 3
    1:30 - 4pm

    2400 74th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040

    $2,500,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,490 Sq Ft
    • 2400 74th Ave SE
    • New 2 days ago

    Modern, light-filled, and ideally located—this Mercer Island gem seamlessly blends style, comfort, and everyday convenience. Just minutes from downtown, Aubrey Davis Park, I-90, and the future light rail, enjoy effortless access to both Seattle and the Eastside. Expansive windows, soaring ceilings, and elegant built-ins create an airy, inviting feel. The main level offers formal and informal

    Michele Schuler Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
784
Median Age
45
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$258,115
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$248,555

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
100%
College Graduates
82.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
42.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
58.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

57 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

48 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

21 / 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
First Hill