Newcastle

Living in Newcastle is perfect for me. We're just minutes from I-405, and when traffic is bad on the freeway there are enough alternate routes to get North and East that I don't find it to be too much of a problem. It's quiet and safe and because of that there are more and more developments popping up. From my understanding the city is shifting to more professionals with families who are priced out of the core of the cities but are looking for newer builds.

I love that there are still convenient shopping centers, banks, and places where we can get take out. That said, there isn't a ton of variety for sit-down restaurants but it's just a hop skip and a jump away from Bellevue or Renton.

It's great that there are small parks throughout the city, as well as an increasing number of sidewalks (with construction) which make running and walking safe. Additionally, Newcastle Golf Course, one of the nicer public courses in the Seattle area, is just up the road and also has a great restaurant.

Overall Newcastle is a great place to live for people who are starting to transition out of city life but still want to be close enough that it's only a few minutes away.

Sandwiched between mountains and a lake to the southeast of Seattle, Newcastle is one of the oldest communities in its area. Due to the presence of coal, Newcastle developed quickly in the 1800s but has undergone a significant transformation from those rough beginnings.

What was once the Newcastle dump is now the site of the popular and pristine Golf Club at Newcastle. The Golf Club features two 18-hole public courses (Coal Creek and China Creek), extensive practice facilities, and a 44,000 square foot clubhouse (the most important thing about golf). The Calcutta Grill is located here and offers one of the Pacific Northwest's favorite eateries. Scottish bagpipe entertainment is also common.

Like many suburbs in the area, Newcastle is largely a prosperous, residential community providing access to downtown Seattle, but maintaining its own pace as well. The area is quiet and peaceful despite being close to the city. It is truly a suburb all its own.