The commute from the east on I-90, whether from Issaquah Highlands or West Bellevue, depends entirely upon whether one can use the carpool (express) lanes or not. With two or more in the car, it's a breeze---15 to 20 minutes from Bellevue to downtown, a bit more from Issaquah (my boss gets in from there in 25-30 minutes; I just asked). For a single person in the car, not using the express lane, it can be double that.

From Mercer Island, single occupant vehicles can use the express lanes---it's a deal they made when they built I-90 across the island. So even if I have to drive in by myself, it's in the express lanes. Personally, I would accept a bit less house for the many other benefits to the family of living there. But I'm a person who doesn't like to spend a lot of time in the car driving kids around to their various activities, so that's a major factor in my recommendation. (Not that what we save in gas makes up for the house payment, but it helps).

West Bellevue is the most expensive area in all Seattle metro. The median price of a home sold there last month was over $1m., which was higher than on Mercer Island.

East Bellevue is not much farther of a commute, as it is only one exit to the east. The only thing that glums up traffic getting on from the east is crossing through the traffic that is exiting for I-405. Once you get past that (maybe 2 minutes), the time is practically the same.

Most of the housing in Bellevue is older, but there is infill development here and there, if you want newer homes.

The Lakemont area, which is south of I-90 and in Issaquah and Bellevue, has newer homes and some nice subdivisions with incredibly views, though again, very planned. It is closer than the Highlands, but might be more expensive.

Check out the new subdivision called Talus in Issaquah, also. It is south of I-90 on the western side of Issaquah. It is closer than the Highlands. They have a website. The units are going fast, I think. I'm not sure $800,000 will get you much, but that is true everywhere.

Greenwood, Ravenna, Ballard, Greenlake, Maple Leaf, Laurelhurt - Yes those are more like urban suburban living, closer to town with older homes. All great neighborhoods (I don't know anything about Seattle schools, though).

You might also want to check out Windermere, which is very close to Laurelhurst, and is a beautiful Seattle neighborhood.

<<Greenwood, Ravenna, Ballard, Greenlake, Maple Leaf, Laurelhurts - are those more like urban suburban living? Older homes, closer to town?>>

YUP

Not so YUP in our case any more (Ravenna.) More like OAP (if you know the Britishism.)