Real Estate in the Highlands
Forest Ridge: Close to Everything, Yet Tucked Away
By Aimee Holy, Erik Mehr & Associates, Dahlia Park Resident
The Forest Ridge neighborhood sits in a corner south of The Highlands apartments and just above the retention pond behind Sunset Walk off of Park Drive. Built in 2012 and 2013 by Polygon Northwest Homes, these 86 homes have super floor plans designed for family living. You can see the twenty or so view homes on the hill as you look slightly right when passing the Fire Station. Many of the homes also back onto a protected green belts. Forest Ridge consists of two streets: 14th Place NE and NE Falls Drive.
Home values in Forest Ridge have increased dramatically since released. Homes bought in Forest Ridge in 2013 closed anywhere from $369K (!) to just over $700K depending on the lot, view and if it were on the inside loop or outer loop. In recent closings on outer loop, green belt homes ranged in price from $750-$880K and a recent inner loop homes closed at just over $700K.
Inside loop homes (alley homes, not on the green belt nor with views) are typically three bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms and 1,800 to just over 2,000 square feet. Some of these homes sit on a centrally located park and green space, which can give the home a more spacious feeling. Outer loop homes (driveways out front and on the green belt or have a view) are larger; anywhere form 2,300-3,000 square feet. Outer loop homes have 3 or 4 bedrooms and 2 ½ -4 bathrooms.
IHCA dues in this neighborhood are the standard $75 and all the homes are single family residences. Forest Ridge is nicely located; tucked away and with walking access to many amenities including the lower Highlands restaurants and shops, Grand Ridge Elementary and a beautiful trail that connects to Central Park. For an “urban” hike, take the trail from the Central Park soccer fields, through Forest Ridge, down the stairs by Dicks Sporting Goods and cross over the bridge to Swedish Hospital for a bite at their delicious cafeteria restaurant –Café 1910.
Resident Iris said, “We love Forest Ridge because of our amazing neighbors, who are more like extended family. Forest Ridge is close to I-90 and pretty much all amenities, shopping and dining are at a walking distance. Overall, I love that Issaquah Highlands is a well-connected, tight-knit community and everybody looks out for each other. We’re so blessed to be a part of this neighborhood.”
Elizabeth says, “My favorite part of our neighborhood is that almost every day after work, I can walk across the street and hang out with my neighbors and their kids in the park. It’s a great way to wind down the day with friendly faces.
