North Mercer
Neighborhood in Mercer Island, Washington
King County 98040
From inland cottages to lakefront views
Tall evergreens and lush greenery line the narrow, sloping streets of North Mercer. Private driveways branch off to either side, leading to modest cottages and ranch-style homes, as well as expansive mansions overlooking Lake Washington. Inland homes tend to run between $1.5 million and $3.5 million, and lakefront homes may sell between $7 million and $16 million. There are also a few condos along North Mercer Way. In 2024, a unit sold for just over $1 million. Some waterfront properties are prone to flooding, and lenders may require flood insurance.Luther Burbank Park and nearby street-end parks
Many homes are a short distance from Luther Burbank Park, which is one of the island’s most well-known green spaces. “A lot of people come to that park from off the island, especially on weekends,” Chapin says. “It’s a huge space with a dog park, pickleball courts and docks for hanging out in the lake." Along the western edge of the park, the Mercer Island Community and Event Center hosts summer camps and jazzercise classes. Mercer Island also has a number of “street ends,” which are small parcels of lakefront land that are open to the public. They typically have a small beach, a few benches and a grassy area for lounging. There’s a street-end park in North Mercer, along 22nd Street, and several on the western side of the island.High ratings for Mercer Island schools
The Mercer Island School District earns an A on Niche, and Niche ranks it the No. 5 best district in the state. Both Northwood Elementary and Islander Middle School receive A ratings, and Mercer Island High School gets an A-plus. The high school’s drama program produces several plays each year, and in 2023, the marching band was chosen to play in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.Summer events in Mercerdale Park and on the lake
The city hosts several annual events in Mercerdale Park, just a few miles south of most North Mercer homes. In July, there’s a summer celebration with a parade down 78th Avenue Southeast and evening fireworks. Mostly Music in the Park, the summer concert series, also takes place there.Some of Seattle’s Seafair spectacles are visible from the western street-end parks, including Calkins Landing and Slater Park. On the first weekend of August, hydroplanes race along the lake, and various aircraft perform fly-over stunts.Commuting into Bellevue or Seattle
With I-90 running along the southern edge of the neighborhood, drivers have a direct route into Seattle or Bellevue, which are each about 5 miles away. Without traffic, the trip to either city takes less than 10 minutes, Chapin says. Sound Transit buses also run to and from both cities. Although many residents contend with city traffic during their daily commutes, travel on the island itself is typically less challenging. “We’re sort of immune to traffic," Chapin says. "If your kid has practice at 6 p.m., you can leave at 5:50 and get there on time. In Seattle, you have to leave about 40 minutes early.”Emergency care is available through the Harborview Medical Center, a Level I pediatric and adult trauma center in Seattle. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is less than 20 miles away.
Grocery stores and restaurants on Mercer Island
Mercer Island’s main business district is located just south of I-90. Its midrise buildings and shopping centers house medical offices, coffee shops and restaurants. Nearby options include Allister and The Crawlspace Gastropub, both in the business district. The Roanoke is a long-standing tavern and restaurant just west of the neighborhood. “You can’t bring kids, though, because it’s a tavern,” Chapin says. Residents can shop for groceries at Metropolitan Market or QFC. For more retail options, people head into Seattle or Bellevue.Rain most of the year
The Greater Seattle area is known for relatively mild temperatures and a long rainy season. “In the summer, there’s nowhere better,” Chapin says. “During the other nine months, it’s kind of a challenge.” Heavy rains may contribute to landslides, especially in areas with steep slopes. In order to reduce the risks of landslides, the city prohibits land grading in designated hazard areas during the wet season.
Written By
Ginny West
Photography Contributed By
Noah Lubin
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Agents Specializing in this Area
-
Sarah Ford
Sarah Ford
Coldwell Banker Bain
(206) 202-6041
80 Total Sales
2 in North Mercer
$2.6M - $2.7M Price Range
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Michele Schuler
Michele Schuler
Realogics Sotheby's Int'l Rlty
(206) 210-1706
187 Total Sales
1 in North Mercer
$9,000,000 Price
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Greg Rosenwald
Greg Rosenwald
Responds QuicklyCOMPASS
(425) 587-8623
131 Total Sales
2 in North Mercer
$4.1M - $8.3M Price Range
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Paul Lau
Paul Lau
Responds QuicklyJohn L. Scott Des Moines
(206) 309-4688
172 Total Sales
1 in North Mercer
$950,000 Price
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Jane Powers
Jane Powers
Responds QuicklyEwing & Clark, Inc.
(425) 620-2550
133 Total Sales
1 in North Mercer
$11,625,000 Price
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Cliff Weiss
Cliff Weiss
John L. Scott, Inc.
(425) 390-5668
52 Total Sales
2 in North Mercer
$2.1M - $2.5M Price Range
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Luther Burbank Park
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | North Mercer | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 2 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 2 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
North Mercer Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Mercer, Mercer Island sell after 57 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in North Mercer, Mercer Island over the last 12 months is $3,300,000, up 114% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$4,182,500
Median Sale Price
$3,300,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$4,130,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$1,050,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
8
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
114%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$1,153
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
395
Number of Homes for Sale
8
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
12.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,439
Significantly above the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,775
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,012
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
715
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196
Open Houses
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Sunday, Jun 151 - 4pm
$4,695,000
- 5 Beds
- 7 Baths
- 5,640 Sq Ft
- 8902 N Mercer Way
- New 30 days ago
Light Filled Modern Sanctuary w/ Deeded Dock Slip. Gallery white walls, bold décor, and warm woods enliven this 5640 sqft Frank Lloyd Wright–inspired retreat. Expansive picture windows frame lake to skyline views while the open great room flows to a wrap around deck for sunset dining. Upstairs holds the view primary suite, three additional bedrooms, and a bright study loft. The daylight level
Greg Rosenwald COMPASS
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
-
$1,630,000
- 4 Beds
- 3.5 Baths
- 2,320 Sq Ft
- 7826 SE 24th St
$120,000 price reduction in Mercer Island. Live in the heart of Mercer Island, where small-town charm meets upscale convenience. 4 bed 3 baths. Just minutes from I-90, you’re a quick drive to both Seattle and Bellevue — yet surrounded by the serenity of lake views, lush parks, and a close-knit island community. This inviting home features light-filled living spaces, hardwood floors, and a
Beverly AuffrayeXp Realty(206) 537-0262 -
$10,980,000
- 5 Beds
- 4.5 Baths
- 5,709 Sq Ft
- 8620 N Mercer Way
- New 19 days ago
A rare opportunity at this custom, newly constructed waterfront jewel on a level lot. Enjoy year-round deep-water moorage for a yacht, smaller boats & water toys along the 65 feet lakefront. A manicured lawn leads to a sandy beach in a serene bay, perfect for wading into the calm water that reaches more than 10 feet deep at the end of the dock. The residence masterfully combines timeless design
Ling Drost WeLakeside
-
$2,995,000
- 4 Beds
- 5 Baths
- 4,450 Sq Ft
- 2249 78th Ave SE
In the heart of one the most cherished north-end neighborhoods...an Iconic Mercer Island Classic awaits. Arboretum style grounds, French doors spilling out to sunset views & rich chubby moldings just oozing w/ character galore. Blending east coast charm w/ modern sophistication, this home has been refreshed to perfection! Epic epicurean's kitchen w/6-burner Viking gas range, subzero & tons of
Joan Bayley Windermere Real Estate/East
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
Total Population
1,054
Median Age
46
Population under 18
23.2%
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
$218,919
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$205,083
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
72.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.9%
% Population in Labor Force
56.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
54
/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
76
/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
41
/ 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.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Downtown Mercer Island
Walkable Island epicenter with condos next to alluring restaurants and local shops
East Seattle
Old-world neighborhood with boat landings and a top school district on the island
First Hill
Walkable and family oriented between Lake Washington and Downtown Mercer Island
Shorewood
A wide range of home options on the island's north end, close to I-90
Enatai
A lakeside suburb with upscale housing and highly rated public schools
East Mercer
Densely wooded with waterfront homes and hilly terrain on Mercer Island
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