South Cove

What's it like living in South Cove, Issaquah?

South Cove sits on the south shore of Lake Sammamish, just north of I-90 at the west end of Issaquah. It was unincorporated King County until the City of Issaquah annexed the South Lake Sammamish area in 2006. Today it's a quiet, mostly single-family neighborhood with easy I-90 access, a walking path along the lake, and Lake Sammamish State Park just minutes away.

Quick facts about South Cove
- City: Issaquah, King County (ZIP 98027)
- Location: South shore of Lake Sammamish, along West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE
- Median sale price: about $1.2 million in the 98027 ZIP code (source: NWMLS, September, 2026)
- Main roads: I-90, West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE

What kinds of homes are in South Cove?
- Mostly two-story single-family homes built in the 1970s and 1980s
- Many homes are built without basements because of the area's high water table
- Lots often run about 8,000 to 12,000 square feet
- A smaller number of Lake Sammamish waterfront homes along the shoreline

Parks and lake access
- Timberlake Park: about 24 acres stretching from I-90 down to the lake, with a half-mile trail to a small beach
- A walking path along Lake Sammamish
- Meerwood Park: a small neighborhood park with tennis and basketball courts and a playground
- Blackberry Park
- Lake Sammamish State Park, just minutes away, for swimming, boating and trails

What is the commute like from South Cove?
Typical drive times, depending on traffic:
- Bellevue: 10 to 20 minutes
- Seattle: 15 to 20 minutes
- Downtown Issaquah: 5 to 10 minutes
- Sea-Tac Airport: 20 to 30 minutes

With I-90 right next to the neighborhood, getting on the freeway is quick in either direction. King County Metro buses also stop along West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE.

Shopping and dining nearby
South Cove itself is residential, so most errands happen nearby: the Newport Way and Factoria area and Bellevue to the west, and Gilman Village, Costco and downtown Issaquah to the east.

Schools
South Cove 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.

Frequently asked questions

Where is South Cove in Issaquah?
On the south shore of Lake Sammamish, just north of I-90 along West Lake Sammamish Parkway SE, at the west end of Issaquah.

How far is South Cove from Bellevue and Seattle?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes to Bellevue and 15 to 20 minutes to Seattle, depending on traffic, with I-90 right next to the neighborhood.

Is South Cove on the water?
Some homes are Lake Sammamish waterfront, and the rest are a short walk to the lake through Timberlake Park or the lakeside walking path.

What is the median home price in South Cove?
The median sale price in the 98027 ZIP code, which includes South Cove, was about $1.2 million (source: NWMLS, September 2026).

When did South Cove become part of Issaquah?
The City of Issaquah annexed the South Lake Sammamish area, including South Cove, in 2006.

Thinking about moving to South Cove?
If you're comparing South Cove with other Issaquah or Eastside neighborhoods, I'd be glad to help you look at homes, recent sales and commute options. Reach out anytime with questions or to set up a tour.

Jon Hodgson | Hodgson Homes - John L. Scott