Welcome to Issaquah
Issaquah gets its name from the Native American word for “the sound of birds”, which perfectly captures its idyllic setting in King County. Surrounded by the scenic Issaquah Alps, the city borders Lake Sammamish and provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. And yet the city is far from pastoral – as a suburb of Seattle, it also offers big-city conveniences and easy access to the metropolitan area.
General Overview
Issaquah encompasses roughly 11.4 square miles in East King County. The city is home to an estimated population of 39,879 as of July 2020. Located within the Seattle Metropolitan Area, residents have access to downtown Seattle and the neighboring Eastside suburbs for work and entertainment.
Living in Issaquah
Those who move to the city will find a warm and welcoming community. There is strong community engagement, with block parties, neighborhood visits, and volunteer opportunities bringing everyone together.
The City Is Made Up of the Following Neighborhoods
- Issaquah Valley
- Issaquah Highlands
- North Issaquah
- Central Issaquah
- Olde Town
- Squak Mountain
- South Lake Sammamish
- Montreux
- Newport
- Providence Point
- Talus
- Sycamore
The housing market offers an array of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Prevalent architectural styles include Ranch and Contemporary. Buyers will also find lodge-style homes near the base of Squak Mountain.
Lifestyle
Issaquah started out as a small mining town and was initially developed to capitalize on the burgeoning mining industry on Tiger Mountain in the Issaquah Alps. Formerly known as the town of Gilman, the near-depletion of the mining deposits in the late 1890s forced companies to shift their focus on the lumber industry. The arrival of Boeing, Microsoft, and other tech companies in the Seattle Metropolitan Area would change the course of the unassuming town, creating lucrative jobs close to home and attracting an influx of new residents in search of fresh opportunities. Today, it’s a thriving community with access to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment. Its proximity to nearby lakes and mountains encourages outdoor recreation and physical activity, balancing out the modern lifestyle.
Education
Residents are served by the Issaquah School District, which enrolls approximately 21,000 across 24 schools within seven municipalities in East King County. The district is planning to add more schools to better serve the needs of students and teaching staff. Click here to see the full list of schools under Issaquah School District.
Transportation
Residents are served by King County Metro and Sound Transit with various service schedules and bus routes. Commuters in and around the city benefit from north-south regional access via State Route (SR) 900 and east-west regional access via Interstate 90. They also have access to a dial-a-ride shuttle and on-demand transportation service within a certain service area via Sammamish Community Ride.
Activities and Attractions
- Downtown Issaquah – Here you’ll find restaurants, café, and bakeries serving Thai, Italian, Mexican, and New American fare in addition to wineries and dive bars offering craft beer, fine wine, and artisanal cocktails.
- Issaquah Farmers Market – The market features vendors selling fresh produce and other food products.
- Village Theatre – Known as the leading musical theatre in the region, Village Theatre develops and launches new musicals. They also nurture new talent via youth education programs.
- Issaquah Trails – The city provides access to a dozen trailheads, over 200 miles of trails, and approximately 1,300 acres of open spaces.