Mercer Island
Mercer Island is located on an island of the same name in the southern portion of Lake Washington. Mercer Island is connected to the mainland on both sides by bridges carrying Interstate 90, with the city of Seattle to the west and the city of Bellevue to the east. Mercer Island is known for excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a great sense of community. It offers over 475 acres of parks and open space, including three public beaches, and more than 50 miles of hiking trails. Mercer Island is highly sought by those who enjoy the easy commute and quiet remove from the larger cities.
Demographics:
Population
About 25,800 people as of 2020.
Walk-ability / Bike-ability
Walk Score of 33/100. Bike Score of 33/100 (according to Walkscore.com).
Home Ownership
66.9% homes are owner-occupied (according to Census data).
School District
Mercer Island School District
Neighborhoods:
- North End
- Mid-Island
- South End
- East Mercer
- West Mercer
Interesting Places To Visit:
Luther Burbank Park is the island’s largest playground and features a public swimming beach, dog park, an amphitheater (the stage for Shakespeare in the Park performances in the summer), tennis courts, trails, and an amazing Lake Washington view. Many wildlife roams in the wetlands, including over a hundred species of birds, many types of waterfowl, beaver, muskrats, and tree frogs. Little ones will also enjoy the large play area with swings, upgraded play equipment, and the zipline.
Pioneer Park is the island’s largest park, at 113 forested acres, offering 6.6 miles of trails. For an easy flat loop, visit the northwest quadrant or hike down into the ravine and across a creek in the northeast quadrant. Hikers of the southeast quadrant (the equestrian quadrant) may find themselves sharing the trail with horseback riders and will enjoy plenty of interesting twists and turns amidst towering Douglas Firs.
The Mercer Island Farmers Market is open every Sunday June through October and features beautiful produce, sustainably caught fish, pasture-raised meats, flowers, artisan and ready-to-eat foods. The Children’s Table offers fun activities for young ones, and enjoy live music, tastings, and helpful advice from Master Gardeners too. You can catch live music, different specialty tastings, and even tips from local expert gardeners.
Deane’s Children’s Park is known as the “Dragon Park” and is undoubtedly a place where your little ones can have roaring fun. A friendly dragon sculptural creature, created by artist Kenton Pies and nearby playground are among the most beloved play spaces on Mercer Island. Kids will find a slide off the dragon’s tail and can climb across its back and into its belly through its mouth or side openings. There’s also a covered shelter area to enjoy some picnics and walking trails where you can have a pleasant relaxing stroll.
Oh Chocolate! is a long-time local shop owned by three generations of the Krautheim family and has been creating hand-crafted chocolate flavors since 1985. You can also sign up for their chocolate classes, learn more about this sweet treat, and play with your chocolate. They also have chocolate classes for kids during summer where they can learn about the origin of chocolates and how this sweet confection is produced.
