GET TO KNOW THE FIRST HILL COMMUNITY ON MERCER ISLAND

By Ken Urman, Realtor®

This post is the second in a series offering insights into the unique characteristics of specific neighborhoods on Mercer Island and communities surrounding Lake Washington, including Parkwood, Tarywood, Woodridge, Judkins Park and Newcastle.

Mercer Island

Mercer Island, WA is located on the South end of Lake Washington, just East of Seattle. The I-90 floating bridge and freeway connects the island's North end to Seattle and the Eastside.

Mercer Island is home to a large number of waterfront homes on Lake Washington, with a speedy commute to the major hubs of Greater Seattle, but a secluded, small-town feel at home. The island is approximately six miles long and 2 miles wide, with 22,699 residents and some of the states' best schools. On a list of the most exclusive areas of the U.S, Mercer Island recently ranked number 18.

First Hill

A ridge known as First Hill separates East Seattle from “the North End,” as the northwest part of Mercer Island. First Hill’s eastern boundary is the opposite East Ridge, or 84^th Street. The two ridges enclose an area Serena Cove’s northern waterfront to the Lucas Hill to the south, at 40^th Street. The First Hill neighborhood is located south of I-90, separating East Seattle from the north end of the island. The area covers 0.168 square miles.

The early history of First Hill land development is documented in the first Mercer Island plats of McGilvra and Mercer Park. Today, First Hill is home to 483 people. The population density of this area is lower than that of Mercer Island, as a whole. The population density of First hill is 2,879 people per square mile (Mercer Island density is 3,452 people per square mile). Median household income for this community was $96,983 in 2009 (Mercer Island was $117,231).

First Hill is one of the neighborhoods containing the “lid” (the covered area of I-90, which is part of Mercer Island). A park built atop the “Lid” covering the freeway includes large vent stacks that help move air out of the I-90 tunnel. The stacks look awkward and out of place, and most people are unaware of their real purpose. The Park on the Lid, a Park & Ride, and the I-90 bike path all are accessible on the north side of First Hill.

First Hill Park, at SE 32^nd Street and 72^nd Avenue SE, is a small neighborhood park that includes an elaborate play structure, including a tree house with a slide, t-ball, basketball, and a picnic table.

First Hill is a popular walking and biking neighborhood. It offers some of the most scenic views on Mercer Island. Throughout First Hill are pathways, stairs, and trails that lead to the lakefront, parks, and the downtown business district.

The homes of First Hill were built between the 1940's and the 1960's. Over time, developers have purchased some of the older homes and replaced them with new upper-end homes. Homes recently sold in First Hill were priced  between $480,000 and $1,525,000.

First Hill has become a very desirable residential neighborhood, primarily due to its easy access to I-90 and a quick commute to Seattle.  

If you are looking for a home in First Hill, or you would simply like to learn more about the community, please give me a call at 206-230-0833 or 206-499-4948.