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Nestled in the lush foothills of Washington's
Cascade Mountains, on the southern edge of Lake Sammamish
and just thirty minutes southeast of Seattle, is the town of
Issaquah (population 11,500). Within this safe, quiet
town, and spread across 180 green acres, is the beautiful,
low maintenance condominium community of Providence Point, one
of the first master-planned, 55+ retirement developments in
the Pacific Northwest. This established community is 25 years old (although the site was first purchased
by the Sisters of Providence in 1955) and is home to more
than 1,250 residents.
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Providence Point is a truly lovely development, with views of
Lake Sammamish and the Cascades at almost every turn. The
grounds are thickly covered with trees, flowering plants and
manicured lawns. There are 1,008 condominium units divided
between seven separate villages, each with its own identity, and in
some cases, its own architectural style. Floor plans range
from 800 sq. ft. to 2,300 sq. ft. and come in 50 different floor
plans, giving the community an eclectic and authentic
ambiance. The majority of homes
feature one-level living in a building with six to eight units, but
there are also one-level duplexes, two story town homes and
apartment style homes with a common lobby and hallway entrance.
The mix of housing is a major selling point, and the wooded
grounds give neighbors a true sense of privacy.
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The majority of homes feature one
level living in a building featuring six to eight units per
building. There are also duplexes, two story condos, and
apartment style units with a common lobby and hallway entrance.
Prices range from $100,000 to the mid-$500,000s; generally speaking, the less expensive condo units
were built in the mid-1980s and 1990s and have roughly 800 sq. ft.
to 900 sq. ft. with one bedroom, one bath and a detached
garage. Mid-priced units may have also
been built in the 1980s and 1990s, have around 1,500 sq. ft. with
two bedrooms and two baths and a detached garage. The most
expensive units look like single-family homes, were generally built
in this century and have between 2,000 to 2,500 sq. ft., two
bedrooms and two baths, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplaces, wall
sconces, bay windows and amazing views, as well as two parking
spaces and a detached garage. Of course, individual units
vary. Current rentals start at $1,150 per month
for 1,012 sq. ft. with one bedroom and one and a half baths. Call (425) 392-2300
or visit www.providencepoint.com for more
information.
Each village has its own HOA, but the
overall community is managed by the Providence Point Homeowners
Association. Monthly homeowner assessments are based upon the
square footage of each unit and include some utilities, security,
insurances, community amenities, exterior building and grounds
maintenance and maintenance of common buildings. Real estate
taxes are not included. HOA rates are on the high side and
range from $350 per month to more than $800 per month.
Town Hall is at the center of
Providence Point and houses a clubhouse with a pool, a sauna, a
library, exercise rooms and Bake's Place, an intimate jazz supper
club. Residents also enjoy a putting green, a community garden
and tennis courts. An extra perk of life at Providence Point
is the continuing education program called Communiversity.
This program, started in 1985, offers a variety of informal,
non-credit classes taught by certified instructors, many of whom are
retired university professors. Classes are eight weeks long,
and topics include modern history, poetry, folk dance and more.
Providence
Point's transportation bus has scheduled stops throughout
the community and takes residents to downtown Issaquah for
shopping, as well as to Seattle for the symphony,
museums, restaurants, Mariners' baseball games and excellent
coffee!
This is also a safe community, protected by a hidden fence
with entrances either guarded or utilizing a secure key card
system to gain access.
The stunning natural beauty of
this region is what brings many retirees to western
Washington. The climate is on the cool side; summer
temperatures top out in the high 70s. Winters are overcast
with temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Humidity is high, averaging 90% in the mornings but dropping down to
an average of 65% in the afternoons. Precipitation ranges from
8 inches (November) to 1 inch (July) per month.
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