Though Duwamish Indian legends purport that an evil spirit lurks here, Mercer Island, Washington is one of the most beautiful, and most coveted, pieces of real estate in the Pacific Northwest. The island city sits in the middle of Lake Washington directly between Seattle and Bellevue along Interstate 90. Despite its proximity to both urban areas, Mercer Island remains a close-knit residential neighborhood.

Originally dubbed “East Seattle” by C.C. Calkins in the 1880s, Mercer Island was home to a resort hotel that once hosted President Benjamin Harrison. The Island was later named for Thomas Mercer, a Northwest pioneer. This small farming community was linked to the metropolis of Seattle in 1940 when the floating bridge that now links I-90 across the water was built to span the island.

Home to one of the best school systems in the country, education is one of the reasons Mercer Island residents seek out homes for sale here. Mercer Island is a district that boasts the highest test scores in the region and 90 percent rate of college-bound high school seniors.

The 22,000 residents of Mercer Island are fiercely protective of its natural beauty and balanced ecosystems. Wetland sanctuaries, mountain views, and waterfront access combine with grand homes to make this lush island the epitome of Northwest luxury living.