Issaquah for a new college grad? (Seattle, Bellevue: university, living in, restaurants)

[ionaray]

If things pan out, it looks like I will be getting a job in Issaquah this summer. I'm a recent college grad that will be moving to WA from the mountains of Virginia. I've never lived on the west coast but have always been interested in the PNW. Like I said - the job is in Issaquah. Would you consider it a decent area for mid-20s single people, in terms of things to do/opportunities for socialization? I spend a lot of time hiking/backpacking/climbing but also like going out to restaurants, concerts, and similar social places. If not, are there nearby areas that would be better for 20-somethings that are reasonably close to Issaquah? Thanks.

[TheTimidBlueBars]

Honestly, Issaquah wouldn't be great for that. If having a social life outside of work is important to you, your best bet is to live somewhere in the city close to I-90 --- Mt. Baker, Beacon Hill, Central District, maybe Columbia City. All those areas would be about a half-hour to Issaquah with rush-hour traffic. Activities on the Eastside are mostly geared toward (1) families and (2) young, boring rich people with flashy cars. You can easily get to outdoor activities from anywhere in the metro area, but for having a social life, you want to be physically close to where your friends live, since it makes it much easier to spontaneously hang out.

When I moved here in mid-2019 for a contract position in Redmond, I just had a sense it would be a dull place to live, so I got a studio in the University District and accepted the commute (it was a very small unit, but then I had almost no time to look for one, and I was making less than I am now). One of the best decisions I've ever made. It's allowed me to build up a large and closely knit circle of friends, with interesting lifestyles, fashion styles, and worldviews, and I don't think that would've happened if I'd chosen to live close to work on the Eastside.

[CrazyDonkey]

Issaquah does get you closer to hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and skiing/crosscountry opportunities. There are hiking and climbing clubs you can join for socializing (The Mountaineers, Washington Alpine Club, American Alpine Club/NW, Sierra Club, Issaquah Alps Trails Club, etc.). Lake Sammamish State Park is also a very popular swimming beach in the summer.

[Ruth4Truth]

OP, I think you can socialize through those activity groups. And the Mountaineers has social gatherings in winter, when hiking isn't possible. They also have singles hikes, and singles social events. That seems like the best way to find a kindred spirit and make friends.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by ionaray

If things pan out, it looks like I will be getting a job in Issaquah this summer. I'm a recent college grad that will be moving to WA from the mountains of Virginia. I've never lived on the west coast but have always been interested in the PNW. Like I said - the job is in Issaquah. Would you consider it a decent area for mid-20s single people, in terms of things to do/opportunities for socialization? I spend a lot of time hiking/backpacking/climbing but also like going out to restaurants, concerts, and similar social places. If not, are there nearby areas that would be better for 20-somethings that are reasonably close to Issaquah? Thanks.

Actually, if you could live close to the Front Street downtown area of Issaquah, it has character, great food nearby and may have just the right amount of things to do. You sound like a mountain/hiker/climber, which means to me you find happiness in nature and don't need the buzz of the city all the time. Issaquah is well positioned to get you out to trailheads and climbing easily, yet close enough to buzz into town when you want. Try to livened that area I mentioned, there are some cool little brewpubs, coffee shops, cafe closeby.

[the_crossen]

Issaquah is actually a really good choice. You have great hiking options but also only 20-30 minutes away from Bellevue/Seattle. You get a smaller town vibe but it's great. Also, traffic is a lot better on I-90 compare to I-5, 405 or other options. As a local, this is the area I would want to live in

[Seattleareanative]

I'm with TimidBlueBars and think you should consider somewhere in Seattle. Easy access from Seattle to all the nature you want but easier access to the social aspect you're looking for by living in Seattle. If living in Seattle doesn't seem like a good fit for you, then check out downtown Bellevue - about 10 minutes from Issaquah and on the other side of the bridge from Seattle so you miss some of the nasty traffic commuting to Issaquah.