Is Issaquah a Good
Place to Live?
Where Costco headquarters meets Tiger Mountain trails. A comprehensive guide to living in this outdoor paradise at Seattle's doorstep.
The Short Answer
Yes, Issaquah is an exceptional place to live, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Home to Costco's global headquarters, Issaquah offers immediate access to Tiger Mountain and Squak Mountain trails, a nationally-ranked school district, charming Olde Town character, and the beloved Salmon Days festival. The main considerations are high housing costs (median ~$1.2M) and I-90 commute traffic. Issaquah is ideal for those seeking mountain-town living with suburban conveniences.
Experience Issaquah
Mountain views, hiking trails, and small-town charm
Tiger Mountain and the Cascades form Issaquah's stunning backdrop
80+ miles of trails on Tiger Mountain alone
Issaquah Highlands and Talus offer modern homes with views
Squak Mountain offers peaceful forest hiking minutes from downtown
Historic downtown with local shops, restaurants, and community events
Water recreation at Lake Sammamish State Park
Costco's Global Headquarters
Issaquah is proud to be home to Costco Wholesale's global headquarters. The retail giant employs thousands of local residents and contributes significantly to the local economy. This corporate presence attracts tech-savvy professionals and supports excellent local amenities.
- Major Employer: Thousands of corporate jobs in retail, tech, and logistics
- Economic Stability: Fortune 500 anchor provides recession resistance
- Tech Workforce: Attracts professionals who value work-life balance
Costco by the Numbers
#3
Largest US Retailer
$250B+
Annual Revenue
300K+
Global Employees
1983
Founded in Issaquah
Issaquah Pros & Cons
An honest look at what makes this mountain town great and where it falls short.
Pros
- Unmatched Outdoor Access - Tiger Mountain (80+ miles of trails), Squak Mountain, and Poo Poo Point paragliding within minutes
- Top-Rated Schools - Issaquah School District ranks top 5 in Washington; Skyline, Issaquah, and Liberty High excel
- Small-Town Character - Olde Town Issaquah offers walkable charm, local shops, and community events
- Strong Local Economy - Costco HQ + tech satellite offices provide job stability
- Salmon Days Festival - Annual celebration of salmon returning; community pride and tradition
- Safe Community - Low crime rates; family-friendly atmosphere
- Mountain Views - Daily views of Tiger, Squak, and the Cascades
Cons
- High Housing Costs - Median home price ~$1.2M; even higher in Highlands and Talus
- I-90 Traffic - Seattle commute can be brutal; 25-min drive becomes 60+ in rush hour
- Limited Nightlife - Quiet after dark; Seattle trip required for entertainment
- Dining Options - Good but limited variety compared to Seattle or Bellevue
- Rainy Climate - 150+ days of rain; gray winters can affect mood
- Tourist Traffic - Trail parking fills up on weekends; crowds at popular hikes
- Limited Public Transit - Car-dependent; Metro service limited compared to Seattle
Issaquah by the Numbers
Data-driven ratings across key quality of life categories.
Quality of Life Radar
Category Breakdown
Cost of Living Comparison
Best Neighborhoods in Issaquah
From planned communities to historic downtown, find your perfect Issaquah neighborhood.
Issaquah Highlands
Planned Community
Master-planned community with parks, trails, pools, and community centers. Newer homes with modern amenities and mountain views.
Issaquah Plateau
Family Haven
Established neighborhood with excellent schools, larger lots, and family-focused community. Great access to Issaquah School District.
Olde Town Issaquah
Historic Downtown
Walkable historic district with local shops, restaurants, and salmon creek. Charming older homes and the heart of community events.
Talus
Luxury Modern
Upscale community with stunning architecture, mountain views, and premium amenities. Modern luxury living at the base of Cougar Mountain.
Squak Mountain Area
Nature Retreat
Properties nestled near Squak Mountain State Park. Larger lots with privacy, mature trees, and immediate trail access.
Gilman Village Area
Shopping & Dining Hub
Near the charming Gilman Village shopping center. Mix of homes with easy access to boutiques, restaurants, and I-90.
Top-Rated Issaquah School District
Issaquah School District consistently ranks among Washington's best, with schools earning 8-10 ratings on GreatSchools. The district serves over 21,000 students and is known for academic excellence, strong STEM programs, and robust extracurricular activities.
Issaquah High School
9/10 GreatSchools - Strong academics & athletics
Skyline High School
9/10 GreatSchools - STEM excellence
Liberty High School
8/10 GreatSchools - Arts & innovation
District Performance
Salmon Days Festival
Issaquah's Signature Event
Every October, Issaquah celebrates the return of salmon to Issaquah Creek with one of Washington's largest festivals. Salmon Days draws 150,000+ visitors for parades, live music, artisan vendors, and the incredible sight of salmon swimming upstream through downtown.
150K+
Annual Visitors
50+
Years Running
400+
Vendor Booths
Who Is Issaquah Best For?
Issaquah is an excellent fit for specific lifestyles and priorities.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Tiger Mountain, Squak Mountain, Poo Poo Point paragliding, Lake Sammamish - outdoor paradise in your backyard. Weekend warriors and daily hikers thrive here.
Families with Children
Top-rated Issaquah School District, safe neighborhoods, family events like Salmon Days, and outdoor activities make this a family paradise.
Tech Workers
Remote workers love the lifestyle. Commuters face I-90 traffic but gain mountain-town living. Costco HQ and satellite tech offices provide local options.
Community Seekers
Strong sense of community, Salmon Days tradition, local shops in Olde Town, neighborhood events. You'll know your neighbors here.
Nightlife Seekers
Very limited nightlife options. Most residents drive to Seattle or Bellevue for entertainment. Issaquah is quiet after 9pm.
Budget-Conscious
High housing costs require $150K+ household income. Consider North Bend or Maple Valley for more affordable mountain-adjacent options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about living in Issaquah.
Is Issaquah a good place to live in 2026?
Yes, Issaquah is an excellent place to live, especially for outdoor enthusiasts and families. It offers immediate access to Tiger and Squak Mountains, top-rated schools (Issaquah School District), charming downtown character, and strong community events like Salmon Days. The main considerations are high housing costs (~$1.2M median) and I-90 commute traffic.
What is Issaquah known for?
Issaquah is known for being Costco's global headquarters, the annual Salmon Days festival celebrating salmon returning to Issaquah Creek, world-class hiking on Tiger Mountain and Squak Mountain, paragliding at Poo Poo Point, the charming Olde Town historic district, and its position as a gateway to the Cascade Mountains.
Is Issaquah expensive to live in?
Yes, Issaquah is expensive. The median home price is approximately $1.2M, with luxury neighborhoods like Highlands and Talus reaching $1.4-1.6M. Rent for a 2-bedroom averages $2,400-$2,800. A household income of $150,000+ is recommended for comfortable living. This is slightly lower than Bellevue but higher than the national average.
What outdoor activities are available in Issaquah?
Issaquah is an outdoor paradise: Tiger Mountain State Forest offers 80+ miles of trails, Squak Mountain provides forest hiking, Poo Poo Point is world-famous for paragliding, Lake Sammamish State Park offers swimming and kayaking, and Snoqualmie Pass is 30 minutes away for skiing. The city also has extensive local trail networks and parks.
How is the commute from Issaquah to Seattle?
The commute via I-90 is approximately 20-25 minutes without traffic, but rush hour can extend this to 45-60+ minutes. Many residents use the park-and-ride for bus service to Seattle. Remote work has reduced congestion somewhat, but I-90 traffic remains a consideration for daily commuters.
What are the best neighborhoods in Issaquah?
Top neighborhoods include: Issaquah Highlands (planned community, modern homes, amenities), Issaquah Plateau (family-friendly, great schools), Olde Town Issaquah (walkable downtown, historic charm), and Talus (luxury modern homes with mountain views). Each offers different vibes and price points.
The Final Verdict
Issaquah earns a 4.6/5 rating as one of the Pacific Northwest's most desirable mountain-adjacent communities. If you prioritize outdoor recreation, top-rated schools, and small-town community character, Issaquah delivers exceptionally. The immediate access to Tiger Mountain and Squak Mountain alone makes it a dream for hikers, trail runners, and nature lovers.
The trade-offs are real: high housing costs (~$1.2M median), I-90 commute challenges, and limited nightlife. But for families and outdoor enthusiasts willing to invest in this lifestyle, Issaquah offers a quality of life that's hard to match - where you can summit a mountain before breakfast and still make your kid's soccer game.
Moving to Issaquah?
We Know the Mountain Roads
Next Phase Moving specializes in Issaquah relocations. From Highlands condos to Plateau family homes, our local crews navigate the terrain with care.
Serving Issaquah, Sammamish, North Bend, and all Eastside communities