Mill Creek, WA

Before the 21st century, the majority of Mill Creek was unpopulated forest. One of the youngest communities, this area was not incorporated into the city of Seattle until the early 1980s, when several homes and apartment complexes were built along the Bothell Everett Highway.

The annual Mill Creek Festival and Street Fair provides plenty of eclectic live music from local talent, craft booths, kid-friendly activities and tasty food from nearby restaurants. Even your pets have a place here at the designated Pet Plaza for water, treats and animal acts.

From high-end restaurants to local diners, Mill Creek has something for every occasion, budget and taste bud. Main Street and Bothell Everett Highway serve as particularly popular areas to find a unique place to eat within the neighborhood. Grab a hearty sandwich at Port of Subs, or dive into a plate of chicken curry at Thai Rhapsody.

Sushi Zen on Bothell Everett Highway transports you to another world with its mouth-watering sushi. Residents go crazy for this extremely affordable restaurant and its 40 different sushi rolls, including the signature crouching tuna hidden shrimp and stuffed tomato. Come in from 5 to 6:30 Monday through Thursday, and enjoy $3.50 appetizers and happy hour drink specials. Just down the road, Heart of Rock & Roll Espresso offers homemade pastries and the best cup of coffee in Seattle.

Azul Restaurant & Lounge on Main Street features an eclectic menu of authentic Mexican and Caribbean cuisine. Its friendly staff and sophisticated vibe only add to the enjoyable dining experience at this high-end establishment. Bring a friend and enjoy the strong cocktails, and the free chips and homemade salsa.

The nightlife scattered around Mill Creek always keeps locals busy with plenty to do and drink. Enjoy a pitcher of beer at Twisted Lime Island Pub with its live music, casual atmosphere and big screen televisions — the ideal hang-out spot to chat with friends or catch the game. Top the evening off at the deVines Wines, a popular hot spot for a crisp glass of wine.

A heavily car-dependent community, very few — if any — errands can be accomplished on foot. Conveniently nestled next to State Route 527 and only a few minutes from Interstate 5, residents travel throughout the city of Seattle with considerable ease. Parking can be difficult to find, as the majority of residents choose to drive to their destinations. Though there are a few accessible bike lanes, many residents choose to take advantage of available bus routes or the accessible Amtrak station. If you need a taxi, use Uber to schedule your next trip.

A green space oasis, Mill Creek contains more than 10 neighborhood parks for residents. Highlands Park on Highlands Boulevard SE features plenty of space for dogs and kids to run. The large playground and picnic areas make for a wonderful day of free family fun. Similar in size and features, Cougar Park on 148th Street SE has a climbing wall for children to enjoy, and Silver Crest Park on 28th Drive SE provides a large basketball court. Mill Creek Skate Park offers an innovative street course over 10,000 square feet. Bring your family to see the local skateboard talent in its annual spring event.

In addition to parks, the city has several walking and cycling trails like North Creek Trail. Its 3 miles of trail features nature, animals and ponds with plenty of benches and scenic picnic stops. Also experience nearly 2 miles of trails at Mill Creek Nature Preserve, where diverse habitats and extensive wildlife create many opportunities for hiking, bird watching and more.

Unfortunately luxurious housing and close proximity to thriving urban life won't be cheap. Groceries and health care expenditures are comparable to the whole of Seattle, but housing expenditures rise above the average for the entire state of Washington. The community does draw in about 30 percent of renters, with average median rental rates at $1,374 for a one-bedroom space. A $2.50 fare will get you a one-day pass to downtown Seattle. The cost of an imported beer averages at $6, while gas prices are 3.4 percent higher than the nation's average. Because of the expensive housing costs, living in Mill Creek is 20.6 percent higher than the whole of Seattle/Puget Sound.

Renowned for its upscale shopping, Mill Creek gives residents ample opportunity to peruse specialty boutiques and stores, particularly down Main Street and Bothell Everett Highway. Residents appreciate familiar store names, such as Pier 1 Imports and Staples.

Elegant Details Boutique sells quirky gifts and an eclectic collection of decorative items for every detail in your home. Smell the signature candles, try on a trendy top or simply enjoy the wide selection of novelty house wares.

Tickled Pink Spa and Party Place for Girls, a few miles south of the neighborhood in Bothell, pampers youngsters and hosts parties for girls. Moms can tag along for the girls' day out and have some fun as well. Manicures, pedicures and hair treatments come in girl-sized packages rather than the standard treatments for women.

For groceries and household items, residents appreciate the local Albertson's and SafeWay, both conveniently located near Bothell Everett Highway. Central Market on Main Street offers organic produce at great prices. Bothell Farmers Market to the south opens every Friday from noon to 6 p.m. running from June through early October.