Neighborhoods in Sammamish-lots of kids (Issaquah, Highland: apartments, rent, condos)

[mjdboulder]

Hi all, what area of Sammamish has the most elementary aged, or middie school aged kids?
Are there pockets where you’ll find a lot of kids playing outside together, etc? I’m sure there are probably some areas that there are a lot of kids but don’t know where these areas are yet. We’re looking for kids around 8-13 as our son is 9.

Any neighborhoods in and around Sammamish we should specifically target? I’m hoping there are specific neighborhood names so when I’m looking for home listings I can search in those areas.

Thanks!

[flyingsaucermom]

Join the local Facebook groups for this question. Specifically ones for moms. Not enough parents of young children from Sammamish here on C-D to help pick neighborhoods.

My first time in Issaquah Highlands we drove in and around the side drives going up the neighborhood and I saw a group of boys in a pocket park with a hand painted maypole and thought "this is a dream!". Three months later my two sons joined that group and they stayed together for years. Eventually families moved one by one, ourselves included (we bought a second property in the neighborhood and rent out the first). Now 8 years later the park is like most other neighborhood parks and it's nice, but I don't get that crazy I-hit-the-jackpot feeling. It was more the circumstances of having all those families of boys (including one with five sons!) (mostly) renting at once.

You need boots on the ground people living your phase of life at this moment.

I will say, that in my experience, the kid action happens most around pocket parks surrounded by higher density housing. Not apartments (because unfortunately those introduce other, negative elements). I'm specifically talking townhouses and condos around playgrounds.

I don't know Sammamish well enough to help you. I can only give opinions about Issaquah Highlands.

[Hemlock140]

My neighborhood is just up the hill from Mead Elementary, and yes, there are kids playing in the street on a cul de sac, riding bikes and scooters on the flatter areas. It's also walking distance to East Sammamish Park. These are older homes built 1978-85, and turning over. Typically the original owners are selling to millennials with young kids for the great schools. Mead is rated high(10) but also has a brand new building, though it looks like it won't be occupied much this year. The house across the street just sold for the mid $7ks in 4 days. Other areas with a lot of kids are Heritage Hills, and Hampton Woods, near the back entrance to Sahalee.

[mjdboulder]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

My neighborhood is just up the hill from Mead Elementary, and yes, there are kids playing in the street on a cul de sac, riding bikes and scooters on the flatter areas. It's also walking distance to East Sammamish Park. These are older homes built 1978-85, and turning over. Typically the original owners are selling to millennials with young kids for the great schools. Mead is rated high(10) but also has a brand new building, though it looks like it won't be occupied much this year. The house across the street just sold for the mid $7ks in 4 days. Other areas with a lot of kids are Heritage Hills, and Hampton Woods, near the back entrance to Sahalee.

Thank you! I will check out these areas. Is there a local mom's group on facebook that people are active on? The previous mention about that is a really good idea. I'll go look, but wondered if there is a good one to join to learn about the best area for us. Thanks!

[mjdboulder]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

Join the local Facebook groups for this question. Specifically ones for moms. Not enough parents of young children from Sammamish here on C-D to help pick neighborhoods.

My first time in Issaquah Highlands we drove in and around the side drives going up the neighborhood and I saw a group of boys in a pocket park with a hand painted maypole and thought "this is a dream!". Three months later my two sons joined that group and they stayed together for years. Eventually families moved one by one, ourselves included (we bought a second property in the neighborhood and rent out the first). Now 8 years later the park is like most other neighborhood parks and it's nice, but I don't get that crazy I-hit-the-jackpot feeling. It was more the circumstances of having all those families of boys (including one with five sons!) (mostly) renting at once.

You need boots on the ground people living your phase of life at this moment.

I will say, that in my experience, the kid action happens most around pocket parks surrounded by higher density housing. Not apartments (because unfortunately those introduce other, negative elements). I'm specifically talking townhouses and condos around playgrounds.

I don't know Sammamish well enough to help you. I can only give opinions about Issaquah Highlands.

thanks! that's a great idea. I'll check on a moms group. really good idea.

[Cheesychocolate]

Look at new construction neighborhoods. We are in the Highcroft neighborhood. Pretty much every house has school aged kids. My kids play outside with their friends daily. Houses are closer together so it makes it easy to socialize. Walkable to elementary/ middle/high school, pine lake park, grocery stores, library, ymca.

[mjdboulder]

Originally Posted by Cheesychocolate

Look at new construction neighborhoods. We are in the Highcroft neighborhood. Pretty much every house has school aged kids. My kids play outside with their friends daily. Houses are closer together so it makes it easy to socialize. Walkable to elementary/ middle/high school, pine lake park, grocery stores, library, ymca.

Thank you, good idea.

[Hemlock140]

Originally Posted by mjdboulder

Thank you! I will check out these areas. Is there a local mom's group on facebook that people are active on? The previous mention about that is a really good idea. I'll go look, but wondered if there is a good one to join to learn about the best area for us. Thanks!

Not just Moms but we participate in the Mead Nextdoor group.