Welcome to Mercer Island
An elevated standard of living just minutes away from it all
Located off of the Lacey V Murrow bridge between Seattle and Bellevue, Mercer Island is a peaceful, serene community of beautiful homes, top-rated schools, and tight-knit neighbors. Despite this quiet, suburban feeling, Mercer Island residents take comfort in knowing the big city is a short drive across the bridge. Locals enjoy an overall elevated standard of living, thanks in part to the island’s very high income per capita. In recent years, it has been ranked as one of the most prosperous zip codes in Washington, and the United States.
Prior to the European settlement of Puget Sound, Mercer Island was home to two Native American tribes. The island was named after Seattle’s Mercer family, and the two brothers who would row across the lake to the island to gather berries, go fishing, and hunt for wild game. In 1923 and 1940, bridges were built to connect the island to the neighboring community of Bellevue and Seattle’s mainland. In present times, Mercer Island remains lush, green, scenic, and secluded, making this community one of Seattle’s most picturesque retreats.
What to Love
- Mercer Island is one of the most prestigious, luxurious locations in the greater Seattle area
- Despite the quiet seclusion of the island, downtown Seattle and neighboring Bellevue are just minutes away
- Mercer Island schools are some of the best in the city
Local Lifestyle
Mercer Island citizens enjoy a quiet and secure environment, luxurious home options, and some of the best schools in the greater Seattle area. Getting off the island and into the city is simple, but not always necessary, or desired. Most locals find they have everything they need right at their fingertips. Fine dining, salons, shopping, parks, and golf can all be found without ever leaving the island. Other enjoyable island activities include attending art shows, and seeking out unique treasures at the Mercer Island Farmers’ Market.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
Seattle is arguably best known for its seafood and coffee. Of course, the birthplace of Starbucks is in no shortage of locations around the neighborhood but Mercer Island residents have much more than lattes and macchiatos to choose from, without ever even having to leave the island.
Pogacha specializes in Croatian cuisine with a Pacific Northwest twist. Pogacha, named for a type of Croatian flatbread, has been open on Mercer Island since 1997 and doesn’t pride itself on being trendy or fancy. They firmly believe in selling fresh, high-quality meals at reasonable prices. Locals love their weekend brunch, fish and chips special, lamb shanks, dobar chicken, and lengthy wine list.
The best place on the island to celebrate the end of a long work week is undoubtedly The Roanoke Inn. This lively tavern and grill is the oldest business on Mercer Island, open and operational since 1941. Since then, locals know this is the spot for classic, American-style pub fare, homemade desserts, and getting together with old friends to catch up.
Located nearby, Clarke & Clarke Art & Artifacts is a popular gallery showcasing the best in Pacific Northwest talent, as well as a unique variety of historic artifacts from ancient civilizations across the globe. A variety of collections include several different mediums, often displayed at the gallery’s many regularly-recurring events.
Things To Do
The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the United States and Mercer Island residents get to enjoy this beauty without ever having to leave home. The island is chock-full of parks and green spaces, such as Luther Burbank Park. This untouched, waterfront beauty spans 77 acres with ¾ of a mile of lakefront access. Visitors can swim and fish in Lake Washington, or let pups run off energy in the dog run. A regular event on the calendars of locals is the beloved Mercer Island Farmers’ Market. Held every Sunday from June-September, the market features live music and over 50 different vendors selling produce, prepared food items, baked goods, flowers, and more.
Schools
One of the best educational opportunities on the island can be found at:
-
Mercer Island High School, grades 9-12; MIHS is a winner of the Blue Ribbon School Award, the highest honor available to an American school. Their brand is also very prominent, having performed many times at large parades and Seattle Seahawks games
