Rainier Crest

Less than 8 miles from Bellevue, Rainier Crest provides a relaxing environment only a matter of minutes from major employers like Google, Amazon, Chewy and Expedia.

Because the neighborhood is part of Newcastle, much of its growth began in the 1990s when it became an incorporated part of King County. With the boom in population came the construction of several subdivisions, each with slightly different amenities and price points. The neighborhood's most well-known and densely populated subdivision is China Creek, a highly sought-after association with well-manicured lawns, ornate shrubbery and a vibrant array of trees. Behind walls of junipers, find contemporary, traditional and tri-level homes over 2,500 square feet. Meadowview Park is another subdivision of single-family homes with comparable housing styles. Its community regularly connects with residents of China Creek through groups like Women in the Neighborhood and annual events like the Spring Egg Hunt. For those looking for attached living or lower-cost options in the neighborhood, Tamarind offers a community with streets lined by two- and three-bedroom town houses, all around 1,200 to 1,300 square feet. Homes in China Creek and Meadowview Park typically cost between $1,400,000 and $1,700,000, though the occasional expansive home in the community can reach up to $2,775,000. On the other hand, town houses in Tamarind range from $600,000 to $665,000.

For those living in the China Creek Homeowners Association, a play area and surrounding field await you at the park directly between the golf course and local trails. If living outside the China Creek HOA, accessible green spaces surround the neighborhood in three directions. Tee up at the Golf Club at Newcastle just north of home, its courses featuring views of the mountains and Seattle skyline. To the south and east of the neighborhood, find CrossTown, Terrace and Ballybunion Trails, each offering paths of varying lengths and terrains. For a relaxed afternoon by the waterside, venture a mile away and cast a line on the pier at Lake Boren to catch some Rainbow Trout, its waters stocked regularly to promote fruitful fishing trips. When the snow begins to fall, enjoy indoor recreational opportunities less than 2 miles away at Coal Creek YMCA, home to multiple swimming pools, gymnasiums and fitness classes, or check out a book at the 11,000-square-foot library a mile away.

When it comes to academics, students in the neighborhood attend Issaquah School District, the 5th-best district in Washington, according to Niche. Students benefit from all A-rated schools, beginning with Newcastle Elementary. From here, students transition to Maywood Middle and graduate from Liberty Senior High, which ranks as the 20th-best public high school in Washington and features more than 30 extracurricular activities, including Students for Change, First Nations Culture Club and Chess Club. Liberty also boasts a 97% graduation rate per their state scorecard.

On the weekend, take your pick of shopping and dining options to stock your closet with fresh fits and fill your stomach with delicious meals. With Coal Creek Village and Marketplace about a mile away, gain access to multiple grocery stores and retailers like Safeway, QFC, the UPS Store, Pet Pros and GNC. For larger shopping trips, the Marketplace at Factoria is less than 4 miles north, making it easy to find new shoes for back-to-school at Nike or fresh blazers for job interviews at Nordstrom Rack. When hunger strikes, access all of Newcastle’s eateries within 2 miles as well. Enjoy Mexican cuisine at Tapatio for dinner, sandwiches at the Coalman Café for lunch or ice cream at Frosty Barrel for dessert. If you want to get dressed up and dine along the bay, reach downtown Seattle in less than 15 miles.

While Interstate 90 covers your commute to the Emerald City, Interstate 405 connects you to the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport in less than 13 miles. Should the unexpected happen while you’re home, you can check into the emergency room at Overlake Medical Center in less than 8 miles and Banfield Pet Hospital in less than 2 miles. No matter where you’re headed, Rainier Crest keeps you close to your next destination.

Written By

Alicia Swain

Photography Contributed By

Landon Gauthier

Video By

Remi Cox