Why is Issaquah so expensive to live? (Renton, Redmond: crimes, houses)

[Wellness]

I could not find a home under 400k.
If you work in Issaquah where is the
cheapest place to live without far commute.
I probably could do 425k for a home, but rather
still between 350k and 400k for a 3 bed, 2 bath,
2000 sq ft home, with decent yard.
I am assuming the school district is top notch.
Is it a desirable place to live?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Inkpoe]

It is a desirable area to live, considering it has low number of crimes, good shopping areas, great access to recreation areas and an excellent school district. It's also pretty close to Microsoft (and has some Microsoft buildings in the area) and Boeing isn't too far off.

You could look into Redmond, Fall City, Snoqualmie, Maple Valley (which is further but has affordable housing), maybe even North Bend. Right now, there is a house in Redmond that's about 299K that has almost an acre and a half-- but I'm willing to bet its not going to be on the market for too long. mod cut: link removed

But the Eastside generally tend to be more pricier than most other areas because the demand for houses will always be higher (because of MS and Boeing employees).

[Wellness]

Thanks for the information and link Inkpoe...
That is a great deal and nice home!

[Wellness]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

It is a desirable area to live, considering it has low number of crimes, good shopping areas, great access to recreation areas and an excellent school district. It's also pretty close to Microsoft (and has some Microsoft buildings in the area) and Boeing isn't too far off.

You could look into Redmond, Fall City, Snoqualmie, Maple Valley (which is further but has affordable housing), maybe even North Bend. Right now, there is a house in Redmond that's about 299K that has almost an acre and a half-- but I'm willing to bet its not going to be on the market for too long. mod cut:

But the Eastside generally tend to be more pricier than most other areas because the demand for houses will always be higher (because of MS and Boeing employees).

Inkpoe, is Carnation and Duvall too far out from Issaquah?
Saw some good home prices.

[Inkpoe]

From Carnation, it would be better to use the back roads. I'd say less than 30 minutes. Duvall is about 15 minutes north of Carnation. I would urge caution about Duvall though because that is definitely in the flood plain (was submerged 1-2 years ago). Carnation is too, but there's enough high lands. I love Carnation (Lake Joy).

[Ira500]

You could be in the Isssaquah school district by living in the eastern Renton Highlands, not more than a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Issaquah, but lower house costs.

[Wellness]

Originally Posted by Ira500

You could be in the Isssaquah school district by living in the eastern Renton Highlands, not more than a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Issaquah, but lower house costs.

Is that considered Newcastle?

[Inkpoe]

No... Eastern Renton Highlands is just SE of Newcastle.

Here is link to Issaquah SD map: Map

[Wellness]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

From Carnation, it would be better to use the back roads. I'd say less than 30 minutes. Duvall is about 15 minutes north of Carnation. I would urge caution about Duvall though because that is definitely in the flood plain (was submerged 1-2 years ago). Carnation is too, but there's enough high lands. I love Carnation (Lake Joy).

Thank you Inkpoe! I had no idea about the flood area's in east King County.

[Wellness]

Originally Posted by Inkpoe

No... Eastern Renton Highlands is just SE of Newcastle.

Here is link to Issaquah SD map: Map

This is perfect!
Thank you so much for your help and quick responses.