Mercer Island
Mercer Island is a small city situated on its namesake island in the southern half of Lake Washington. Forming a part of the bustling Seattle metropolitan area, Mercer Island is in Washington’s King County, with the city of Bellevue to its east and Seattle to its west. Compared to Seattle, Mercer Island is much closer to Bellevue, and it is often thought to be a part of the Eastside region of Washington’s King County. Mercer Island is primarily a residential community that is well-known for its closeness to two large cities on either side, small-town friendly atmosphere, colorful art galleries, excellent schools, retail shops, famed restaurants that serve delicious dishes, and beautiful parks and nature reserves offering plenty of recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Geography Of Mercer Island
Mercer Island covers a total area of 13 square miles, of which about half is land and the other half is water. The city is home to many unique and colorful neighborhoods. The six principal neighborhoods of the island include North End, Town Center, East Mercer, South End, Mid-Island, and West Mercer. The primary neighborhoods, in turn, contain several smaller neighborhoods. Mercer Island is linked to the mainland on both sides by various bridges, such as the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge, Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge, and the East Channel Bridge. Of these, the Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge and Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge are floating bridges that carry the Interstate 90 highway’s eastbound and westbound lanes across Lake Washington, connecting Mercer Island to the northern part of Seattle’s South End. Spanning the East Channel of Lake Washington, the East Channel Bridge carries Interstate 90 and links Mercer Island’s northern portion to the city of Bellevue. The bridges also carry the Mountains to Sound Greenway, which comprises a multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path. A major section of the freeway is deep-set below street level and covered by the Mercer Island Lid, now known as Aubrey Davis Park.
Climate Of Mercer Island
According to the Köppen Climate Classification, Mercer Island experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with short, warm, and dry summers and extremely cold, wet winters. The warm season lasts from June 20 to September 13, where August is the year’s hottest month, having an average temperature ranging between 59°F and 78°F. The cold season lasts from November 12 to March 1, where December is the coldest month, having an average temperature ranging between 38°F and 47°F. On average, Mercer Island receives 39 inches of rainfall and 5 inches of snowfall annually.
History Of Mercer Island
Named after the Mercer family of Seattle, Mercer Island was initially settled by non-indigenous inhabitants between 1870 and 1880. Before the settlement of Whites in the Puget Sound region, two villages belonging to the native Snoqualmie people were located on the island’s western half. Two members of Virginia's Mercer family, Thomas Mercer, and Asa Mercer, frequently rowed between Seattle and the island to hunt and explore the island’s secluded forests. “East Seattle,” the first significant settlement, was located close to the McGilvara neighborhood towards the northwestern portion of the island. The early settlers traveled by rowboats to Seattle to pick up essential commodities. While returning, an additional boat would be used to bring items too big to be transported by rowboats.
Due to such inconveniences of living on the island, settlement lagged here until East Seattle was platted by Charles C. Calkins, a Seattle businessman, in 1888. He established a large gilded resort named the Calkins Hotel on the island’s western side, which became a stop for many high-class visitors. This also led to the construction of a ferry dock, and with small streamers beginning to make regular trips, the transport availability started attracting more settlers to the island. The ferry service continued till the construction of bridges that connected Mercer Island with Seattle and Bellevue.
On July 5, 1960, the City of Mercer Island, comprising the entire island except the 70-acre business district, was incorporated from East Seattle. On August 9, the Town of Mercer Island incorporated the business district. Finally, on May 19, 1970, the two municipalities officially merged as the City of Mercer Island.
Population And Economy Of Mercer Island
As per the latest US Census, Mercer Island has a population of 25,748 with a median age of 45.9 and a population density of 4,035.7 inhabitants per square mile. The top ethnic groups in the city include White (Non-Hispanic) at 63.6%, White (Hispanic) at 64.6%, Asians at 23.0%, Black or African American at 1.1%, Hispanic or Latino (of any race) at 4.6%, American Indian and Alaska native at 0.2%, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander at 0.1%, Other race at 1.3%, and Two or more races at 9.6%.
Mercer Island has a median household income of $150,506 and a median property value of $1.39M. The economy of Mercer Island employs about 12,600 people in its various big industries, including Professional, Scientific and Technical Services, Health Care and Social Assistance, and Retail Trade. Mercer Island is served by the Mercer Island School District, which encompasses seven schools on the island and is one of the best school districts in the state of Washington. Many people who live in Mercer Island commute to Seattle and Bellevue for work. This way, the island residents can enjoy the benefit of working in big cities while living in a safe and quiet suburb.
Attractions In Mercer Island
Luther Burbank Park
Luther Burbank Park is on the island’s northeastern end encompassing 77 acres of land and a stunning 0.75 miles of Lake Washington waterfront. The park contains a public boat dock and fishing pier, an outdoor amphitheater, a swimming beach, three tennis courts, a children’s play area, an off-leash dog park, an extensive network of trails and barbeques, and picnic facilities. Besides offering breathtaking views of Lake Washington, the park offers many water-based recreational activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. A significant portion of the park has been left undeveloped to nurture various wildlife species, including raccoons, muskrats, rabbits, tree frogs, and numerous avian species. Most of these faunal species live in the wetlands occupying the northern and southern ends of the park.
Pioneer Park
Situated at the island’s southern end, the 113-acre Pioneer Park offers a dense network of forest trails for hikers and bicyclists, and even equestrian use. The Island Crest Way and SE 68th Street divide the park into three distinct quadrants: Northwest Quadrant, Northeast Quadrant, and Southeast Quadrant. The park contains the island’s most extensive and least disturbed forested natural area, filled with second-growth deciduous and coniferous trees, in addition to small forested wetlands, a stream, and steep-sloped ravines. The Pioneer Park is home to at least 38 kinds of mushrooms, a dozen mammal species, and more than 70 avian species.
Mercerdale Park
Located at the heart of downtown Mercer Island, this small park has plenty of open space, picnic areas, a children’s playground, and an expanded skateboard park. Visitors must try out the Mercerdale workout, which includes walking or running the quarter-mile loop trail, climbing the 302 stairs in Bicentennial Park, and circuit training on the outdoor exercise equipment. Mercerdale Park also hosts several events and activities all year round.
Roanoke Inn
Established in 1914 by George Macguire, the Roanoke Inn is Mercer Island’s oldest business. Initially, it started as a "chicken-dinner inn," catering to visitors to the Roanoke Dock. Since then, the inn survived several ups and downs, but one thing remained constant: its popularity as an excellent place for hanging out at Mercer Island. Besides the Roanoke Inn’s famed cold beers, cocktails, and wines, one can taste delicious burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, daily specials, desserts, salads, and light meals.
In addition to the above attractions, Mercer Island hosts various vibrant festivals that draw locals and tourists alike. The Summer Celebration occurs annually on the weekend after the 4th of July and ends with a large fireworks display. The Mercer Island Farmers Market featuring local produce and handicrafts, occurs every Sunday between June and October. However, the farmer’s market is not held during the Seafair and Summer Celebration weekend. Mercer Island is the perfect destination for those seeking a memorable experience while staying close to urban amenities. So, whether you are a prospective resident searching for a quiet place to settle, or a tourist looking for the ideal weekend getaway, Mercer Island will surely not disappoint you.
