Issaquah Highlands

Thinking about moving to Issaquah Highlands?

Issaquah Highlands is a planned neighborhood on the hill just north of I-90 in Issaquah. The first homes were finished in 1998, and today it has more than 4,000 homes, from townhomes and condos to single-family houses. Trails wind through the neighborhoods, Central Park sits right in the middle, and Grand Ridge Plaza is a short walk from many homes. Many streets also have big territorial and mountain views.

In this guide, I'll walk you through homes, parks, shopping, commute options and what to know before you buy.

Quick facts about Issaquah Highlands
- City: Issaquah, King County (ZIP 98029)
- Location: North of I-90 at Exit 18 (Highlands Drive), above downtown Issaquah
- Median sale price (ZIP code 98029, which includes Issaquah Highlands): about $1,250,000 for single-family homes and about $500,000 for condos (source: NWMLS, October 2026)
- Main roads: Highlands Drive NE, NE Park Drive, with direct access to I-90
- Transit: Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride, with King County Metro and Sound Transit buses (check current routes)
- Homeowners association: Issaquah Highlands Community Association, or IHCA (check current dues)

What kinds of homes are in Issaquah Highlands?
- Townhomes and condos, many within walking distance of Grand Ridge Plaza
- Single-family homes, mostly built from the late 1990s through the 2010s
- Homes on smaller lots close to parks, trails and sidewalks
- View homes on the upper streets, with territorial and mountain views
- A small number of newer homes as the last pieces of land are built out

Parks and trails
- Central Park: playgrounds, sports fields, tennis and pickleball courts, picnic shelters and walking paths
- Trails and sidewalks that wind through the neighborhoods, with smaller neighborhood parks along the way
- Grand Ridge Park, a large King County forest park right next door, with miles of hiking and biking trails
- Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park, a short drive away
- Lake Sammamish State Park and the Issaquah Alps trails, a short drive away

Shopping, dining and things to do
- Grand Ridge Plaza: Safeway, Regal Cinemas, Marshalls, HomeGoods and more than 50 shops, restaurants and services, walkable from many nearby homes
- Blakely Hall community center, with community events (check current schedule)
- Downtown Issaquah, Gilman Village and Costco, about 5 to 7 minutes away
- Swedish Issaquah hospital in the neighborhood

What is the commute like from Issaquah Highlands?
Typical drive times, depending on traffic:
- Downtown Issaquah: 5 to 7 minutes
- Bellevue: 15 to 20 minutes
- Kirkland: 15 to 20 minutes
- Seattle: 20 to 30 minutes

I-90 is right at the bottom of the hill at Exit 18, so getting on the freeway is quick in either direction. The Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride has about 1,000 parking spaces and EV charging, with King County Metro and Sound Transit buses toward Bellevue, Seattle and Redmond (check current routes).

Schools
Issaquah Highlands is in the Issaquah School District. If schools matter to your search, check assigned schools by address with the district and see the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for school information.

Is Issaquah Highlands a good fit for you?
Issaquah Highlands may be worth a look if you want:
- Quick access to I-90 and a park & ride
- Shopping, dining and a movie theater within walking distance
- Trails, Central Park and Grand Ridge Park close to home
- A mix of townhomes, condos and single-family homes, many with views

It may be less of a fit if:
- You want a large lot
- You'd rather not have an HOA

Frequently asked questions

Where is Issaquah Highlands?
On the hill just north of I-90 at Exit 18, above downtown Issaquah and next to Grand Ridge Park.

What is the median home price in Issaquah Highlands?
Issaquah Highlands numbers aren't reported separately. In ZIP code 98029, which includes Issaquah Highlands, the median sale price was about $1,250,000 for single-family homes and about $500,000 for condos in October 2026 (source: NWMLS).

Does Issaquah Highlands have an HOA?
Yes. The Issaquah Highlands Community Association maintains most of the neighborhood parks and shared areas. Check current dues before you buy, along with any separate dues for a specific townhome or condo community.

How far is Issaquah Highlands from Bellevue and Seattle?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes to Bellevue and 20 to 30 minutes to Seattle on I-90, depending on traffic. Buses also run from the Issaquah Highlands Park & Ride.

What is there to do in Issaquah Highlands?
Play or picnic at Central Park, walk the neighborhood trails, hike or bike Grand Ridge Park, and catch a movie or dinner at Grand Ridge Plaza.

How does Issaquah Highlands compare with Talus and Mirrormont?
I compare homes, prices and amenities in my guide to Issaquah Highlands vs Talus vs Mirrormont.

Thinking about moving to Issaquah Highlands?
Whether you're relocating, buying your first home, moving up or downsizing, I'd be glad to help you compare Issaquah Highlands with other Issaquah neighborhoods and see what homes are selling for right now. Reach out anytime with questions or to set up a tour.

Jon Hodgson | Hodgson Homes - John L. Scott