Jason & Kelli Krafsky

BELLEVUE DATA POPULATION: 152,000 | DENSITY: 3,800 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $129,000

ABOUT BELLEVUE: Bellevue means “beautiful view” in French which is an understatement as it sits in between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. Originally a suburb of Seattle, Bellevue now has many skyscraper buildings and a bustling downtown due to a concentration of high-tech companies making Bellevue home, including Amazon. Many Eastsiders flock to Bellevue to shop, dine, and enjoy various activities at the downtown park. Bellevue’s main neighborhoods include West Bellevue, Newport Hills, Overlake, Crossroads, Lake Hills, Eastgate, Lakemont, Factoria, Somerset, Wilburton, Woodridge to name a few. An area with many hills, flat areas, lake views, and parks, each neighborhood has its own feel, unique character, retail experience, and recreational outlets.

OUR TAKE: Jason was born in Bellevue, and during the course of our marriage, we have lived in three different homes throughout the city. Some of our favorite things to do include shopping at Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square, dining at the restaurants in downtown or in Old Bellevue on Main, and hiking the trails in Lakemont. Seasonally, we enjoy Snowflake Lane on Bellevue Way during Christmas, the Bellevue Arts Fair at Bellevue Square, and the Christmas lights at the Botanical Gardens.

BELLEVUE LINKS: City of Bellevue | Bellevue Schools District | Issaquah Schools District | Renton Schools District | Bellevue Parks & Rec | Bellevue Community |

REDMOND DATA: POPULATION: 73,000 | DENSITY: 3,300 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $133,000

ABOUT REDMOND: Redmond’s claim to fame used to be, the “Bicycle Capital of the Northwest.” Now, Redmond is known around the world due to being where Microsoft’s headquarters and Nintendo of America’s campus are located. While many are initially attracted to the area for job opportunities, the abundance of outdoor activities makes Redmond a great place to live: swimming in Lake Sammamish at Idylwood Park, walking along the slough on the Burke-Gilman trail, biking in the Velodrome, enjoying every activity under the sun at Marymoor Park…even shopping at the outdoor mall, Redmond Town Center. Redmond is a city made up of valleys and hills that serve as natural boundaries for its many diverse neighborhood areas including Education Hill, Novelty Hill, Union Hill, Downtown, Bear Creek, Grass Lawn, Overlake, Idylwood, Willows, and more.

OUR TAKE: Jason was raised on Avondale Road in the pre-Microsoft era and graduated from Redmond High School. When a small hometown grows up and out so fast, it is a little bittersweet. But Redmond has a lot going for it. The downtown area has many great restaurants, coffee joints, and specialty shops. Redmond Town Center is a go-to for us. But with all the growth that has and is occurring, seeing Anderson Park, walking the old downtown on Cleveland and Leary, and driving on the old brick road, Redmond has reminders of yesteryear that will stand the test of time.

REDMOND LINKS: City of Redmond | Lake Washington School District | Bellevue School District | Northshore School District | Snoqualmie School District | Riverview School District | Redmond Parks & Rec | Redmond Community |

KIRKLAND DATA: POPULATION: 92,000 | DENSITY: 4,500 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $117,000

ABOUT KIRKLAND: Kirkland takes full advantage of its access to Lake Washington with marinas, multiple beach parks, and several restaurants on the lake with magnificent views. There is so much to do in Kirkland, especially during the summer. For those that love the water, there are plenty of areas for paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, and swimming. The downtown area offers numerous boutique shops, tasting rooms, and an abundance of community events. Other parts of Kirkland offer hiking trails, parks, farmers markets, and other activities. Kirkland’s main neighborhood areas include Houghton, Market, Bridle Trails, Rose Hill, Finn Hill, Totem Lake, Juanita, and more.

OUR TAKE: Kirkland is a very special place to us. We got married in Kirkland. All four of our kids were born at Kirkland’s Evergreen Hospital. Their Mimi (grandma) lived there for two decades and we have many fond family memories in and around Kirkland. The downtown Kirkland area is one of our favorite Eastside destinations because there is always something going on. Kirkland kind of reminds us of a California beach community with lots of people walking around, concerts at Marina Park, the mix of people sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, and recreating in the lake amidst the many boats. Summer doesn’t quite feel like summer until we have spent some time in Kirkland.

KIRKLAND LINKS: City of Kirkland | Lake Washington School District | Northshore School District | Kirkland Parks & Rec | Kirkland Community |

SAMMAMISH DATA: POPULATION: 67,000 | DENSITY: 2,500 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $182,000

ABOUT SAMMAMISH: Sammamish has two distinct parts to the city, the hilly terrain referred to as “the Plateau” and the eastern shores of Lake Sammamish. Due to its close proximity to Redmond (to the north) and Issaquah (to the south), many residents work in the tech industry. A mix of established subdivisions, lakefront properties, private golf communities, and homes on acreage, the rural area of yesteryear has mostly turned into full-fledge suburbia. The primary neighborhood areas of Sammamish include Sahallee, Inglewood, Beaver Lake, Pine Lake, East Lake Sammamish, Klahanie, and more.

OUR TAKE: For a short stint, we lived in Sammamish with a lake view and loved every minute of it! We met some incredible people, enjoyed the walking trail along the lake, and experienced the 4th of July fireworks display over the lake. You couldn’t beat the easy access to Issaquah and Redmond. Sammamish has a lot going for it, and will always hold a spot in our hearts from the time we lived there.

SAMMAMISH LINKS: City of Sammamish | Issaquah School District | Lake Washington School District | Sammamish Parks & Rec | Sammamish Community |

ISSAQUAH DATA: POPULATION: 40,000 | DENSITY: 2,700 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $122,000

ABOUT ISSAQUAH: Issaquah is a city committed to keep its small-town charm no matter how much it grows. Visiting the Historical Downtown, taste chocolate at the infamous Boehm’s Candies shop, window-shopping at Gilman Village, or enjoying the many activities at Lake Sammamish State Park, the friendliness of Issaquah is found just about everywhere. While Issaquah places one foot in the past, as home to Costco’s headquarters, Issaquah’s other foot is in the future. As a future destination spot for the light rail, residents will have many options to choose from for their commute. Major neighborhoods include Issaquah Highlands, Montreux, Olde Town, Providence Point, Squak Mountain, Talus, South Lake Sammamish, and more.

OUR TAKE: We lived close enough to Issaquah, that it became our go-to for groceries, general shopping, dining out, and of course, Costco runs. Between the downtown area, the strip malls along Gilman Boulevard (including Gilman Village), and the Issaquah Highlands, there’s an abundance of culinary options and things to do. Want to go to the movies? Or attend the theater? How about a farmer’s market? Issaquah has them all, and so much more. And that’s why we love Issaquah so much.

ISSAQUAH LINKS: City of Issaquah | Issaquah School District | Tahoma School District | Issaquah Parks & Rec | Issaquah Community |

NEWCASTLE DATA: POPULATION: 13,000 | DENSITY: 2,334 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $156,000

ABOUT NEWCASTLE: Newcastle is just four-square miles making it one of the smallest cities in the Greater Eastside, but what it lacks in space, it offers in scenic beauty. The crown jewel of the former coal mining town is The Golf Club at Newcastle, a world-class golf course with out-of-this-world views of the Seattle and Bellevue skylines. Newcastle is also known for its parks and walking trails, including access to the popular, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Community happens in Newcastle at Lake Boren Park, Coal Creek Family YMCA, and the numerous locally owned businesses and restaurants. Primary neighborhoods in Newcastle include Olympus, Highlands at Newcastle, China Creek, Coal Creek, Lake Washington Ridge, Honey Creek, May Valley, Licorice Fern, and more.

OUR TAKE: We happened to be living in Newcastle when it became Newcastle. A lot of what was there then, is there now. But it has grown tremendously and become more modern, but has been able to keep its small-town character. Hands down, having dinner and drinks during the summer on the outdoor patio of The Golf Club at Newcastle is a must-do on our summer activity checklist. The views are so mesmerizing, it was the location of our son and daughter-in-law’s rehearsal dinner. The primary picture of us and our family on our home page is from that day.

NEWCASTLE LINKS: City of Newcastle | Renton School Disctrict | Issaquah School Disctrict | Newcastle Parks & Rec | Newcastle Community |

RENTON DATA: POPULATION: 107,000 | DENSITY: 3,900 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $80,000

ABOUT RENTON: Renton was built upon the aerospace industry, and is soaring to new heights with an ever-expanding focus on education, business, and affordability. Due to its diversity of housing options, Renton offers something for everyone: golf course communities, lake homes, homes on acreage, condos, homes for first-time home buyers, investment properties, and so much more. Renton’s primary neighborhoods include Highlands, East Renton, Cedar River, Kennydale, City Center, Benson, Talbot, Fairwood and more.

OUR TAKE: Due to its proximity to various places we have lived, we ended up shopping in Renton quite a bit. IKEA, Southcenter Mall (technically in Tukwila), and all the various strip malls along Southcenter Parkway. Every food offering under the sun exists in and around Renton. More recently, we enjoy the Renton Landing, an outdoor shopping plaza with tons of restaurants, a movie theater, and lots of small shops.

RENTON LINKS: City of Renton | Renton School District | Issaquah School District | Kent School District | Renton Parks & Rec | Renton Community |

MAPLE VALLEY DATA: POPULATION: 28,000 | DENSITY: 4,000 people per square mile | MEDIAN INCOME: $118,000

ABOUT MAPLE VALLEY: Maple Valley is a place where people live that work elsewhere. With access to major thoroughfares heading in every direction, Maple Valley is a destination spot for commuters who want a community they can enjoy when they are home. As a city with a major emphasis on kids, the local schools, numerous clubs, and various athletic outlets provide year-round activities for youth of all ages. Maple Valley has several commercial areas providing plenty of options for residents to shop, dine, and access services. Major neighborhood areas include Cedar Downs, Belmont Woods, Cedar River, Cherokee Bay, Elk Run, Lake Wilderness, Four Corners, Lake Sawyer, Pipe Lake/Lake Lucerne, Valley Green, Taylor Creek, Maple Woods, and more.

OUR TAKE: Maple Valley was where we spent fifteen years raising our kids. It is a great community made up of friendly people who are committed to creating a safe space for kids to grow up and be kids. Our (now adult) kids look back fondly on their upbringing in Maple Valley. The community had a blend of traditional events (such as Maple Valley Days with a street parade and carnival at Lake Wilderness Park), historic remembrances (such as cleaning the tombstones and planting flags at Tahoma National Cemetery), and community celebrations (such as fireworks for 4th of July over Lake Wilderness). Anyone looking for a community to raise kids in, Maple Valley would be tops on our recommendation list.

MAPLE VALLEY LINKS: City of Maple Valley | Tahoma School District | Kent School District | Issaquah School District | Maple Valley Parks & Rec | Maple Valley Community |