Mercer Island real estate (Seattle, Bellevue: apartments, condos, houses)

[Maleana]

we were at an open house on mercer island and the realtor asked if we would "mind being on the south side of the island".

i'm not at all familiar with mercer island but i was wondering if anyone could help me out with the significance of being on the south side vs mid island vs the north end (other than the proximity to the 90 which i'm assuming is the biggie?)

thanks!

[Hemlock140]

That's pretty much it, at commute times though a small island there can be traffic getting across. Many residents take the bus to Seattle so you may still have to drive 10-20 minutes to get to the park & ride from the south.

[BellevueNative]

I'm guessing a lot of people would object to being so far away from I-90 and much of the retail center of the island. Did you drive to the south end? It takes a lot longer than most people think, and during commuting hours it's probably quite a slog.

[Beenhere4ever]

So that makes the properties cheaper?

[eskercurve]

There's a north/south rivalry going on too on the island.

North islanders (except ones living on the coast) are seen largely as poorer / lower class than south islanders because there's a lot of condos, apartments, and older, somewhat cheaper houses on the north end.

People from the north end of the island resent this and typically they like any chance they can get to boost the north end. I'm guessing your realtor was doing this.

In reality, the north end is hot because if you're looking for smaller, more affordable properties you can still find them there, and what's more you will be close to the new light rail line when it is done. The south end is pretty much isolated.

[Sandhillian]

Originally Posted by Beenhere4ever

So that makes the properties cheaper?

No. The south end properties generally cost more.

[Maleana]

Thanks for all that info! I haven't taken a drive across the island yet... But I'm planning on it! Thanks!!

[RVD90277]

The south end isn't a big deal for me. It's nicer down there and even driving up to I-90 isn't that bad. It's still a lot closer than living in downtown Bellevue, Lakemont, Issaquah, etc.

[Maleana]

My only concern with mercer island is if I'll miss my big box stores in issaquah! I'm a target addict! Lol!

[poopskooper]

Originally Posted by Maleana

My only concern with mercer island is if I'll miss my big box stores in issaquah! I'm a target addict! Lol!

Isn't the closest Target at Factoria? ...only 6.9 miles, 13 minutes driving time from the South Mercer Island Shopping Center to Factoria Mall according to Google maps (click here)