May Creek - Renton, WA

May Creek settlement began in the late 19th century and grew as large coal deposits were mined in the local foothills, accompanied by heavy logging. As the mines gradually dried up, the area shifted to a residential suburban area that appealed to commuters from Bellevue and Seattle looking for lower housing prices. In 2009, Newcastle was ranked the 17th best place to live in the United States by Newsweek.

The Renton History Museum houses exhibits on the history of the area, and each September the town of Newcastle hosts "Newcastle Days," featuring music and dance performances to celebrate the town's history and 1994 incorporation.

Limited dining and nightlife options exist within May Creek. Within a 20-minute driving radius, extensive dining and nightlife establishments flourish in Factoria, Bellevue, Renton, and Issaquah. Nearby central Newcastle houses a handful of eateries, including McDonald's, Subway, Papa Murphy's and several ethnic food choices ranging from Thai to Mexican.

Jet City Pizza, a small Northwest chain, joins these restaurants in Newcastle and serves a selection of pizza, grinders and baked pasta. In addition to expected pizza toppings, Jet City features the beer batter crust "Brewery Combo" and the "Gyro," complete with tzatziki sauce and gyro strips. The "Thai Grinder" comes smothered in Thai peanut sauce.

Cloud 9 Burgers dishes up an array of hearty burgers, as well as a selection of fish and chips. For a change of pace, try the oyster and chips or clam and chips. Topping off the feel of a classic burger joint, plentiful milkshake flavors fill the menu, including unique flavors such as marshmallow and fudge.

Next to Cloud 9 Burgers, the Mustard Seed Grill & Pub serves standard pub fare until 11 p.m. and drinks until 2 a.m. The sports bar features pool and dart leagues and also sells kegs to go. Check out happy hour from 3-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday for $2.59 domestic pints and $3.50 microbrew pints.

The suburban residential nature of the area necessitates heavy driving, with May Creek Park Drive and Coal Creek Parkway serving as the primary routes to and from the neighborhood. Locals also enjoy easy access to Interstate 405 via Northeast 44th Street. King County Metro provides limited bus service on Coal Creek Parkway and Newcastle Way, while taxi service requires requests by telephone. Uber also operates in the area.

Commuter service from Newport Hills Park and Ride transports riders to Bellevue and Seatac Airport via Sound Transit route 560, as well as to Boeing Everett and Renton via King County Metro. Light traffic on most residential streets creates a safe environment for walking and bicycling, though few destinations sit close enough to make these transportation methods viable. Most roadways lack bike lanes, although a number of walking and biking trails connect the parks in the town of Newcastle.

To the east, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park sports over 3,000 acres of woods and wetlands crisscrossed with trails. Hikers, trail runners and dog walkers frequent the park throughout the year. Sitting on a number of abandoned mine sites, the park includes historical information posted along a number of the trails. Near the park, the Golf Club at Newcastle features two full golf courses on rolling hills that overlook the lowlands and downtown Bellevue to the north.

Forest, wetlands, trails and opens spaces draw walkers, bicyclists and bird watchers to May Creek Park, which includes the waterways May Creek and Honey Dew Creek. A number of trails connect the park to other local parks, including Cougar Mountain.

Lake Boren Park features walking paths, a playground, sports courts, picnic areas and a fishing dock on small Lake Boren. The city of Newcastle hosts a number of outdoor events, including concerts in the park and Fourth of July celebrations.

The cost of living in the area runs around average for mid-range suburbs of the Seattle area and less than the large urban centers of Seattle and Bellevue. One-bedroom rentals average just shy of $900 per month, roughly 25 percent less than Seattle. Bus fares on Sound Transit and Metro run $2.50 per trip, with cash transfers more expensive than with the regional Orca Card transit pass. Drivers pay right around the national average for a gallon of gas but around 10 percent less per gallon than in the city of Seattle. When heading out to local pubs, patrons pay around $4 per pint of beer.

Most shopping requires leaving the residential-heavy May Creek. Prime destinations include the Marketplace at Factoria a few miles north, downtown Renton to the south. For higher-end shopping, check outSouthcenter Mall 10 miles south on Interstate 405 or Bellevue Square in downtown Bellevue. Those destinations combined support stores to satisfy nearly every imaginable shopping need.

A Safeway and a QFC in Newcastle supply the area's grocery needs. Additionally, Newcastle Fruit & Produce carries fruits, vegetables and specialty goods. It also hosts a local farmers market through the summer season. B & E Meats and Seafoods, next to Newcastle Fruit & Produce, lives up to the expectations of a small town butcher shop.

Barone Garden supplies the region's homes with fountains, bird baths, statues, and other large yard and garden products. Shoppers enjoy access to a large selection of outdoor decor, and the store delivers and installs purchases as well. The statue selection includes pagodas and a rotating set of animals.

Located in central Newcastle, Pacific Northwest pet supply chain Pet Pros stands as the go-to destination for pet owners. The store carries a wide number food and treat choices for cats and dogs, including numerous organic, special diet, and raw food selections.