Issaquah 88 Exceptional
Issaquah Livability #8 ranked city in Washington#150 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Issaquah

PROS
  • Amenities

    Within the vicinity, you'll find a wealth of amenities, from restaurants and coffee shops to grocery stores and local shops, all easily accessible on foot.

  • Commute

    High scores in the commute category could indicate that this area offers short commute times to work and readily available public transportation options.

  • Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

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What's it like Living in Issaquah?

Located in the state of Washington, Issaquah is a moderately-sized city with a population of 38,707 inhabitants. In Issaquah, there are 3,191 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Something to be aware of when living in Issaquah are the above average commute times. If you're looking for a short commute to work, this might not be the right area for you. With one way commute time of 31 minutes, this comes in much higher than the national average of 26 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Issaquah, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, cost of living, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Issaquah and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Issaquah to Washington and the national average.

With a livability score of 88/100, Issaquah is ranked #109 in the United States and #8 in Washington. This is a fantastic score, as Issaquah ranks well in multiple categories! Issaquah has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Issaquah ranks well for crime (B), education (A+) and housing (A-) There are some categories that Issaquah scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Issaquah has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Issaquah has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 49 crimes per 100,000 residents, Issaquah has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Issaquah, the unemployment rate stands at 2.49%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Parents and families often rely on school test scores when making decisions about local public schools. Test score data serves as a crucial metric for comparing and assessing various educational institutions. In Issaquah, the average school test scores reached an impressive 74%, significantly higher than the national average. This remarkable performance underscores the commitment of the educational system to equip students with the knowledge and resources necessary for success. It allows your children to receive the support and skills that are essential for thriving academically, making Issaquah an excellent choice for families seeking a high-quality education.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Issaquah market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

Issaquah real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Issaquah. The median home price for Issaquah homes is $677,500, which is 151.6% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Issaquah, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.6, which is 30.2% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Issaquah

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Issaquah?

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Compare Issaquah, WA Livability

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      Issaquah transportation information

      Statistic Issaquah Washington National
      Average one way commute31min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work56.6%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.5%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit9.9%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.5%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk3.1%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home16.3%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Issaquah, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).