Why Live in First Hill
First Hill in Mercer Island is a neighborhood with narrow streets lined by tall hedges and colorful foliage, offering scenic lake views. The area saw significant development in the 1940s with the opening of Interstate 90, leading to a mix of housing styles including New Traditional, midcentury modern, and contemporary homes. These homes often feature oversized windows and inviting backyard patios. Aubrey Davis Park, a 90-acre green space, offers playgrounds, athletic facilities, and an outdoor sculpture gallery, while Secret Park provides a shady playground, and Calkins Landing serves as a boat launch with ample parking. The neighborhood is adjacent to Downtown Mercer Island, known for its tree-lined streets, modern architecture, and a variety of local businesses including boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops like Shawn's Cafe & Bakery and Pogacha Restaurant. The area is walkable with trails and bike lanes, and public transportation is available through King County Metro, with routes connecting to Downtown Seattle and Bellevue. Interstate 90 provides easy access to these cities, with Downtown Seattle about 5 miles west and Bellevue roughly 6 miles east. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 17 miles southeast. The Mercer Island School District is highly rated, with West Mercer Elementary, Islander Middle School, and Mercer Island High School all receiving high marks for their educational programs. The neighborhood also boasts a lower crime risk compared to the national average, making it a practical choice for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is First Hill a good place to live?
First Hill is a good place to live. First Hill is considered car-dependent and bikeable with minimal transit options. First Hill has 3 parks for recreational activities. It has a median age of 45. The average household income is $248,555 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 82.5% of residents. A majority of residents in First Hill are home owners, with 17.6% of residents renting and 82.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving First Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
First Hill neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in First Hill?
The median home price in First Hill is $2,099,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $419,800 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.17%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $10,250 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $439K a year to afford the median home price in First Hill. The average household income in First Hill is $249K.
What are the best public schools in First Hill?
The best public schools that serve First Hill are:
What are the best private schools in First Hill?
The best private schools that serve First Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in First Hill, Mercer Island, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near First Hill, Mercer Island, WA?
Home Trends in First Hill, WA
On average, homes in First Hill, Mercer Island sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in First Hill, Mercer Island over the last 12 months is $2,200,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$2,200,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$2,200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$926
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$2,099,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%
