Viewpoint - Redmond, WA

Part of Redmond's 1960s annexations, Viewpoint quickly became home to young Seattle commuters and erected Audubon Elementary in 1965. Many still consider Viewpoint part of the larger Overlake neighborhood, home of the Microsoft Campus. Over the past few decades, though, Viewpoint has become its own premium high-tech enclave.

Redmond thrives on its reputation as bicycle capital of the northwest, and locals from Viewpoint spend lots of time cycling and recreating. Redmond has also become an art destination for the east side. Every August local artists display their creative output at the Redmond Arts Festival in the Redmond City Center. Local farms acquaint residents with the area's early agricultural legacy, hosting events like Farm Tot Fridays at Dr. Maze's Farm where kids get up close and personal with farm animals and activities. In July, everyone shows up for Redmond Derby Days, an annual bike race carnival and music festival.

A surprising variety of ethnic cuisines has sprung up around Viewpoint and the Redmond area, reflecting the European origins of the original settlers and the growing pan-Asian influence of the past half-century. In particular, Liebchen Deli and the British Pantry both take pride in their traditional indigenous cuisines while affording customers an opportunity to take home their favorite old world grocery items. Liebchen cooks up authentic soups and makes classic German deli sandwiches, and the full service deli sells a dizzying array of cheeses, sausages and meats. The British Pantry highlights English classics such as traditional fish and chips, sausage rolls and pies and full English breakfasts on Sundays. You can also pick up your favorite British jams, tarts, sauces and British gifts in the little shop.

Locals return again and again for the pan-fried Jian bao at Dough Zone Dumpling House. Providing classic dim sum favorites without the crowds and stress of Bellevue's Din Tai Fung, Dough Zone showcases the glory that is the Chinese style dumpling. Come for the Jian bao, stay for the shiu mai, congee, noodles and appetizers. Street parking is free, and there's almost always a spot close by.

When it comes to Indian, Viewpoint residents have plenty of choices, but Overlake's Chaat N Roll introduces the northwest to the pungent and zesty flavor mashups of Indian street snacks. Chaat is a term for savory roadside foods, and this Indian fast food mecca serves up buttery hot parathas, rolls and plates to surprise and delight Indian food fans. Locals recommend the potato paratha, a savory potato filling atop a gigantic fresh-made flatbread, and the samosa chaat, two crispy samosas with pungent salsa. Pay with cash for a five percent discount.

Locals looking for a place to while away the night dancing head to the slick modern lounges and DJ clubs of Bellevue's Medina neighborhood about 15 minutes south. The preferred hangout for neighborhood night owls sticks closer to a traditional bar, and local haunts such as Redmond's Bar and Grill and Salt fit the bill. Redmond's serves up a tasty menu of northwest classics like grilled salmon and Alaskan cod fish tacos, along with a wide selection of local brews. As one of the few local hangouts open late, Salt provides locals with a comfy lounge for beers or cocktails after a movie at the Ipic theater or a great place to watch the game over wings and beers with friends.

Viewpoint residents care about the environment, and they get a lot of use out of the King County Transit system. The Rapid Ride B travels between Bellevue, Crossroads, Overlake and Redmond. An express route, Rapid Ride usually gets shoppers into Bellevue or Redmond in less 15 minutes. The 249 bus circles the neighborhood and intersects with both the Overlake and Bellevue Transit Centers where passengers can select routes to Kirkland, Seattle and beyond. Bus fare is slightly higher than Seattle because the Redmond area is considered a Zone 2 area outside Seattle city limits.

Viewpoint streets are scenic and bike friendly, with wide shoulders and designated bike lanes. Posted speed limits throughout the neighborhoods average about 35 mph, making cycling safe and fun. Taxis do not regularly frequent this relatively insulated neighborhood, so residents usually drive or use the Uber app to reach their destinations. Commute traffic is rarely an issue because most locals work near by. Street parking is free, but there are no public lots aside from those for park access.

With 33 collective acres of parkland, Viewpoint attracts serious outdoor lovers. The pride of the neighborhood, Idylwood Beach Park, draws locals and summer crowds from all over the area. On the shore of mild Lake Samammish, the park features the city's only water access, and in summer, the floating bridge gets busy with swimmers young and old. A tiny beach skirts the park's edge, but sun worshipers just as often pick a spot on the grass to catch some rays. The park also provides picnic tables, a volleyball court and a kids' playground.

Marymoor Park looms on the north edge of Viewpoint in the Overlake neighborhood, and Viewpoint residents get back at the Idylwood beach party crashers by attending Marymoor's outdoor movies in the summer. Dogs also love Marymoor for its expansive off-leash green.

The cost of living is slightly lower than the rest of Seattle, which comes in about 38 percent higher than the rest of the country. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment runs around $1,340 per month. A bus ride costs about $3, and a pint of beer in Redmond or Crossroads averages about $6. Gas prices run about 11 percent higher than the national average.

Viewpoint has the advantage of being virtually equidistant from Redmond and Northeast Bellevue, both of which provide plenty of shopping and entertainment options. Kids love the tiny public library inside Crossroads shopping center to the south. Every second Saturday family nights feature free popcorn and live entertainment. Movies roll at the Regal Cinema, and several restaurants, including the notable local Italian chain Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria, provide diners with satisfying eats.

This walking mall also features chain stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond, Old Navy and Pier 1 Imports. A Tuesday farmers market runs May through October, selling flowers, fresh local fruit and veggies, and a few perennial favorites like Whidbey Island Ice Cream and Seattle Bagels. For a larger variety including fresh humane meat, eggs, and seafood, Viewpoint residents choose the bigger Redmond Saturday Market, also open May through October and about five minutes north of Viewpoint.

Several grocery stores service the area, with QFC available in both Redmond and Crossroads shopping center and a Trader Joes in Redmond. A Whole Foods Market on Redmond Way east of Marymoor Park appeals to the environmentally conscious Viewpoint residents willing to drive a bit farther.

Locals love the lifetime repair warranty and super friendly service offered by Jet City Device Repair in Redmond, with services for iPhones, iPads, and Samsung phones. For Windows products including Windows phones, locals head to Sound Microsystems, even closer to home between Overlake and Viewpoint.

Even if you're not impressed by over 100 varieties of root beer, the owners of Redmond's Root Beer Store have appealing soda flavors for everyone. Enter and be astounded by wall-to-wall bottles that comprise the world's largest root beer collection and more. Can't make up your mind? Come in every third Saturday for tastings and leave with a six pack of your favorite.

There is no shortage of foodies in Overview, and that probably accounts for the success and quality of Golden Steer Choice Meats. The often sought and rarely found old-time butcher makes meat shopping a real experience. Golden Steer's friendly meat gurus advise shoppers on all meat matters, and the superior cuts make all the difference. This neighborhood butcher shop sells everything from pork and chicken to filet mignon and house-made sausages.