If you don't live on Mercer Island, it may be hard to understand what it IS about this place that people love so much. What could possibly be so attractive that home buyers are willing to pay a premium to live here?
The first and most obvious answer is convenience. Especially if you have multiple commuters heading to opposite sides of Lake Washington. Many a Mercer Island family has one parent commuting to Seattle and the other to Redmond, Bellevue, or Kirkland.
Another good answer is the houses. Especially for people looking for a waterfront home. Being an island, the Rock has a lot of waterfront property to offer!
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But the secret, what keeps people here and brings young families like mine back, is the COMMUNITY. From personal experience and what I keep hearing from my Seattle friends who have moved here, it's tough to replicate the sense of community and civic pride here on Mercer Island.
Since my family moved here, where my husband Scott Shay grew up, I've been nothing but impressed with how friendly and welcoming the people have been. And how involved in the community they are! From the Mercer Island Farmers Market to the Mercer Island Preschool Association (two organizations I'm involved with), people here want to make their community better for now and future generations.
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Many who don't really know the Island believe the rumors. They'll say things like, "Mercer Island...isn't everyone there rich and stuck-up?" Or "Why would you want to live there? It's so expensive!" I suppose you find stuck-up people everywhere and I'm sure there are some here on Mercer Island, but I haven't met them yet.
I'd like to hear why YOU love living on Mercer Island. Shoot me a line or comment below!