“Inside Bellevue”, the Bellevue neighborhood spotlight series, is a unique collaboration between The Brazen’s at Windermere Real Estate/Bellevue Commons and Downtown Bellevue Network. Drawing upon their over 30 years of experience living, working, and selling in Bellevue, the esteemed Brazen family provides an exclusive insider’s perspective on living in Bellevue and the real estate market.
We are delving into the Bellevue neighborhood of Somerset. With a population of just over 8,900 residents and 2,900 housing units, this quiet, suburban neighborhood is situated on a hill with views of Lake Washington, Downtown Bellevue, and downtown Seattle. Somerset is located minutes from I-90 and 405, and is close to shops in Factoria. The schools are highly rated and are a part of the Bellevue School District.
Somerset Real Estate by the Numbers
| Average Price of Home Sold* | Average Price Per Sq Ft* | Average Days on the Market* | Number of Homes Sold in the Last 12 Months | Highest Priced Home Sold in the Last 12 Months | Lowest Priced Home Sold in the Last 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,820,888 | $630 | 25 | 59 | $3,770,000 | $1,092,500 |
** NWMLS Data from November 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023
Neighborhood and Amenities
Nestled within Bellevue, Somerset stands as a testament to community-driven living. Established over 40 years ago by the Somerset Community Association (SCA), its mission has been to enhance the quality of life for residents and foster an environment perfect for families to thrive.
Unlike a typical homeowner’s association, membership in the SCA is voluntary, yet the community’s covenants apply universally, ensuring a cohesive neighborhood. Somerset features an array of amenities, from its picturesque views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains, to its access to nature trails, including the Coal Creek Natural Area and Cougar Mountain trail system.
Families find solace in Somerset’s plethora of parks, such as Eastgate Park, Foresthill Park, Westwood Highlands Park, and Meadow Wood Park, each offering diverse recreational opportunities. The Somerset Recreation Club is also a part of the neighborhood, hosting competitive and recreational swimming, as well as tennis programs.
History of Somerset and Style of Homes
With a history dating back to the early 1960s, Somerset has evolved into a residential area boasting 22 divisions with over 1,200 homes. The final division’s completion in the late 1970s marked the conclusion of this expansive development.
Situated at an elevation just shy of 1,000 feet, Somerset offers not just homes, but vantage points ideal for watching events, such as the Blue Angels’ flights during Seafair or the Fourth of July fireworks over Lake Washington.
Presently, Somerset exudes a dense suburban ambiance, with a total of 2,906 housing units. Many of these residences are prized “view homes,” providing residents with panoramas of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains.
While numerous houses date back to the 1970s and 1980s, many have undergone remodeling to embrace contemporary styles and updated finishes, ensuring that Somerset’s homes align with today’s preferences for modern living.
Additional Facts about Somerset
Beyond the scenic attraction of Somerset, the neighborhood is provides convenience for its residents, as it is situated near the junction of I-90 and I-405, ensuring quick access to employment centers, recreational hotspots, and entertainment venues.
Its strategic location places it just minutes away from Factoria and Downtown Bellevue, both bustling with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Somerset boasts an exceptional educational system, housing Somerset Elementary School and feeding into Tyee Middle School and Newport High School.
Many of the formerly beautiful views from Somerset have been destroyed by Puget Sound Energy’s massively over built power lines to carry power between California and Canada.. The lines have been precariously built on top of a 64 year old high-pressure petroleum pipeline that runs through a narrow utility corridor in Somerset despite a 12 year effort by residents to save their neighborhood.
You might explain the difference in housing stats you used: 1200 homes vs 2906 housing units.