Conveniently located 17 miles east of Seattle, just off the Interstate 90 corridor, lies the beautiful town of Issaquah, Washington.

Issaquah was featured this summer on King 5 News “Beyond The Studio Series.” Watch these great videos shot around Issaquah to learn more:

Issaquah was first known by the name Squak, which is a Native American name referencing the calls of water birds that inhabit the creeks, swamps, and boggy land of the valley.

Named best suburb by Sunset Magazine, one of the best towns by Outside and Family Circle, it’s no surprise that Issaquah has grown into a bustling town that currently has over 37,000 residents.

Issaquah has no shortage of things to do, all within walking distance of the Solway Townhomes. Some of the favorite spots to visit include Historic Depot Park, Boehm’s Candies, Gilman Village, and the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. If outdoor activities are more your speed you can hike at Poo Poo Point, try out para/hang gliding, or relax on the shores of Lake Sammamish, and then cap off your day with dinner and a drink at one of the many restaurants in historic downtown Issaquah.

Issaquah is the perfect town for people looking to stay close to Seattle and still have all the amenities a large city can offer while having access to all things outdoors.

A Bustling Downtown Hub

Anyone looking for an urban feel without the density of Seattle, downtown Issaquah has become a hot destination only 16 miles to the east of the city. Due to its unique and quirky feel, the downtown offers plenty of opportunities to socialize and take in everything Issaquah has to offer.

Issaquah has a great mix of businesses from quaint boutiques to retail giants like Costco and REI.

Whether you’re looking for dining, shopping, or to experience the arts and culture of the area, there’s something for everyone. The downtown core is pedestrian friendly, so you can spend hours walking through local shops and galleries.

If you’re interested in enjoying the nightlife, downtown Issaquah has a vibrant nightlife that features local musicians and some of the best wine and spirits the region has to offer.

For anyone who considers themselves a foodie, Issaquah does not disappoint. From fresh sushi and handcrafted BBQ right through to a decadent dessert of designer cupcakes, there are endless options to suit any palate.

If art and theatres are more your speed, downtown is home to several galleries showcasing local artists; schools for visual art, theater, and music; and a few local theatres who are always working on their latest production.

The Village Theatre, founded in 1979, offers a vast array of programming including a five-show Mainstage season, KIDSTAGE, Village Originals and more. The theatre is also host to the local acting community where residents with a passion for the arts can get involved in local productions.

Cultural Events and Activities Year Round

One of the biggest draws to Issaquah is the annual Salmon Days festival, which draws over 150,000 every October. The festival was born in 1970 as a way to celebrate one of the most valued events in Issaquah — the annual return of the salmon. With a parade boasting over 100 entries every year, free games and activities, and an art show that showcases hundreds of artists, it’s no surprise that Salmon Days are a huge event in the Issaquah community.

In the summertime, Issaquah offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including music at the weekly farmer’s market, Shakespeare performances, Artwalks, and Concerts on the Green. All of these activities showcase the diverse talent of the Issaquah community and offer residents an opportunity to enjoy their their neighbors in an amazing outdoor setting.

Endless Options for the Nature Lover

With its endless trails, it’s no surprise that Issaquah has earned the nickname Trailhead City. From hikers to paragliders, the area, centered within the Issaquah Alps, has no shortage of things to do outside. Issaquah’s Parks and Recreation is an incredible resource for all the activities and experiences the area has to offer.

The city of Issaquah is biker friendly, with many bike lanes throughout the city and plenty of trails in the surrounding areas. Enjoy Duthie Hill Park, located on the Sammamish Plateau, and its 120 acres of evergreen forest.Any mountain biking enthusiast will be thrilled with the more than 2000 acres that boast endless trails and covers Grand Ridge Park, Mitchell Hill Forest, and Preston Ridge Park.

If spending the day having an outdoor adventure is up your alley, look no further than Lake Sammamish State Park. The park boasts 512 acres which include 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. Add in a salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue-heron rookery to explore, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day in the Pacific Northwest.

With so much terrain to choose from, it’s no surprise that hiking is a favorite activity of residents in the area. The Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) is filled with hiking enthusiasts, but that isn’t their only purpose. Since its inception, the club has acted on their mission of ensuring that not only are the trails protected but also ensure the endless natural habitats of the area remain undisturbed.

For the ski enthusiast, both downhill and cross country skiing is a short 35 minute drive away at The Summit at Snoqualmie.

A Community for Everyone

With sports leagues for both kids and adults, along with several recreation facilities, there’s never a shortage of activities for anyone in the family.

The Issaquah school district has a reputation for offering students a high quality education, with the schools in the Issaquah area being some of the top rated in Washington state. Due to the growth the area has seen over the past 15 years, the number of schools in the district has nearly doubled, with modern schools being built to meet the demand.

Drawn by the allure of a beautiful region in which to live and a school district with a reputation for quality education, hundreds of new families have made this region their home.

Because community and business have supported construction bonds, students today have modern and well-equipped schools and high quality teachers (more than half of Issaquah School District teachers have advanced degrees).

The diverse range of recreation, arts, and culture combined with a thriving community means Issaquah is a great place for anyone to call home. No matter what age or stage of life you may be in, the city of Issaquah can deliver everything you expect from a big city coupled with the tranquility of a small town feel.

Visit our newest community, Solway Townhomes, located in amazing Issaquah, WA. We invite you to take a tour of our model homes and enjoy the day in Issaquah.