First Hill
Neighborhood in Mercer Island, Washington
King County 98040
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.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.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.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.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.


Agents Specializing in this Area
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Andrea Pirzio-Biroli
John L. Scott, Inc.
(206) 339-7303
18 Total Sales
1 in First Hill
$1,375,000 Price
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Sarah Ford
Coldwell Banker Bain
(206) 202-6041
80 Total Sales
4 in First Hill
$1.4M - $4.2M Price Range
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Donald Kenney
Windermere Real Estate Co.
(206) 350-4079
107 Total Sales
1 in First Hill
$1,885,000 Price
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Kris Conover
Responds QuicklyWindermere Real Estate/East
(253) 642-8852
135 Total Sales
1 in First Hill
$1,200,000 Price
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Michele Schuler
Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty
(206) 210-1706
186 Total Sales
4 in First Hill
$1.9M - $3.1M Price Range
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Sharon Glatz Scott
Responds QuicklyRealogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty
(206) 203-7229
26 Total Sales
1 in First Hill
$1,675,000 Price
Schools
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
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
First Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in First Hill, Mercer Island sell after 9 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in First Hill, Mercer Island over the last 12 months is $1,900,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to
, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
Minimal Transit
Transit 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods

Walkable Island epicenter with condos next to alluring restaurants and local shops

Old-world neighborhood with boat landings and a top school district on the island

Quiet residential community on Mercer Island's south end

A quiet, well-established north end island neighborhood with some views

A wide range of home options on the island's north end, close to I-90

Waterfront homes and views of Seattle on the west coast of Mercer Island