Education Hill - Redmond, WA

As one of Seattle's oldest neighborhoods, Education Hill wasn't always an ideal community setting. Redmond, then a small city, annexed Education Hill in 1950s when the area was still known as "Poverty Hill." Famous for residents having to brave the steep roads to fetch water, Poverty Hill's ignominious past now seems impossible given the comfortable affluence of its contemporary appearance and residents.

Association with Redmond and the completion of the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge allowed Education Hill to flourish. It's widely considered one of Washington's most respected neighborhoods.

The Frye Art Museum receives as many visitors as any in Capitol Hill. Free admission and free parking make it easy to enjoy this eclectic private-turned-public collection.

The areas biggest annual festival, Education Hill's Block Party, presents local art and musical lineups that rival any in the city, themed around independent music, thought and politics.

New residents will be greeted by a local chef-driven, expansive and cutting edge food scene around Education Hill and greater Redmond.

Head to The Stone House on Cleveland Street for choice flat iron steak and a wealth of other hearty, American cuisine. There's a small private lot for customer parking and somewhat limited seating, so be sure to plan ahead and make reservations. Not the best place for kids, but certainly a go-to for special occasions without breaking the bank.

Plenty of outstanding Thai offerings dot the Education Hill region, but Thai 65 stands out for its generous portions. You'll be seated quickly, served quickly, and normally require a take-home box. Ambitious eaters who finish four pounds of pad thai in half an hour will not only have their meal comped, but also earn $100 for their accomplishment.

Excellent for weekend breakfasts, Julia's on Broadway has great deals on mimosas and in particular caters to young female audiences. Julia's Hungry Man, a featured item, can be changed to buckwheat pancakes by ordering "Julia's Hungry Woman." For a truly strange night out, come on Friday night and be treated to a unique and special performance while you dine.

Find beers on tap and wines by the glass at the Malt & Vine on Redmond Way. Open every day from 11am to 10pm, the M&V always seems to have a crowd of adult-beverage enthusiasts. It's common practice to order food from a nearby restaurant and have it delivered to the M&V while you enjoy a few glasses or bottles -- just be sure to clean after yourself. The selection changes over time, but fans of Black Raven will always have plenty to cheer about.

Music lovers should find their way over to Palmers East, a traditional American karaoke bar with karaoke open seven nights a week. Minors are even allowed until 10pm. You may have to stand around for a bit to get it, and the tables may be full, but try the 1/2 price burger on Tuesdays for a great deal.

Performing Arts include the Eastside Symphony and the Second Story Repertory, and local bands (it is Seattle, after all) gather near The Old Redmond Firehouse.

Seattle and Puget Sound can be dauntingly large and, at times, heavily trafficked. Residents of Education Hill will want to become familiar with the King Country Metro bus routes as an alternative to the hilly, busy roads. Starting at Eastgate P&R, the 221 Route in East King County travels through Bellevue College, the Redmond Transit Center and eventually lands in Education Hill. This system connects throughout the greater Seattle area.

Cyclists will feel right at home across short to intermediate distances, thanks to Redmond's extensive network of on-street bike lanes.

Education Hill itself probably necessitates an automobile, although its trails and streets rank as extremely walkable and bikable. Taxis, shuttles and limos all service the area. And Uber carries a strong Seattle presence, as do other private transport options.

Trails form the heart of Education Hill's outdoor culture. Joggers, cyclists, dog-owners and even horses make frequent use of the Powerline Trail, Sammamish River Trail and Bear Creek Trail. These paths create an intersection of activity and tranquility, and serve as an excellent medium for meeting fellow residents.

The area's best park -- or at least the most used -- is Jonathan Hartman Park on N.E. 104th. A supermassive open space that sprawls across more than 40 acres, Jonathan Hartman Park holds five baseball and softball is popular during warm summer days. If the pool seems too full, try out one of the picnic areas (complete with tables) or simply wander across small trails that cut through the mature evergreen forests. For those with children, a minor-designated play area sits conveniently close to restrooms. And there's even plenty of room to roam for dogs of all sizes. Best of all? No membership and no fees required.

Education Hill has been transformed from one of the poorest areas in Seattle to one of the more affluent, and its cost of living reflects that. One-bedroom apartments often command more than $1,300. Gasoline prices can be 10-11% above national averages, although most other forms of energy don't carry the same premium. Other commodities may also cost more than the national average, a pint at a local watering hole will cost you roughly $9, and you'll find coffee to be more expensive than most places as well.

You won't have to travel far to shop in Education Hill, with tons of businesses of all varieties in the area. The most distinct district, however, sits on 166th and 74th. The Redmond Town Center opened in 1997 and has since added dining, lodging and entertainment venues to an open, outdoor shopping experience. With more than 110 businesses, you could spend all day at the RTC.

For gentlemen looking for a new suit -- or anything elegant, really -- they can't go wrong at My Haberdasher. The proprietor, understands all body types and works tirelessly to accommodate personal styles. This one-stop professional shop politely blends attention to detail with convenient service.

Grocery shoppers can find a Whole Foods experience without the same old big-store feel at PCC Natural Markets. Organic-lovers, gluten-watchers and locally grown enthusiasts can shop, eat and interact all in one location. Stop by for lunch and try out the organic chicken to taste the PCC difference.