I’m in between residences in Bellingham now, due to my old home being remodeled and the current resident living in my new home, having not yet vacated. Given my current lack of income & minute savings – I’ve been saving as much of my award as possible, but despite its relative grandeur, is still extremely slight. Resultantly, my mom has, very kindly, welcomed me back into our home on Mercer Island, for 3 months.
Despite my initial reluctance to return home – I’m sure that other adults, who’ve lived independently for many years & need to return to their parents’ home, for any reason, can very likely relate – it’s proving to be a good way-station. Quickly, upon my return to Mercer Island, the beauty of “the island” – as if there’s only 1?! But that’s how we (native residents) refer to it – grew on me. I spent K-12 there, but during that time I had far less to compare the island to. My parents both love to travel – no wonder my persistent adoration of exploration exists!
As a grade schooler however, I loved galavanting in the seemingly endless greenery surrounding our apartment. As a middle-schooler this setting was perfect. As a high schooler, I considered the island very confining, but, come college, I was overjoyed to relocate to the very near (15-20 minute drive) city of Seattle.
Uniquely now, I’m able to view Mercer Island without a concern of being confined. Time of life is a HUGE factor, but I also know I’ll relocate to my new home in Bellingham, in just short of 1 month. Fom there, who knows…
Natural beauty abounds on this petite island (12.9 miles). Most streets are tree lined & there are prolific, large parks. The North end of the island (the first to be inhabited, as it’s where the ferry used-to land, before the I-90 bridge came to be) and where I’ve always lived, has far more natural beauty than the south end. The south end of Mercer Island (MI ((as locals refer to it))) has been largely filled with newish homes & gentrified. It was established later, so this makes sense.
The north end also has the benefit of being a brief walk away from what we referred to, when I was in middle & high school, as “the center” (despite it’s location being entirely on the far north end of the island). I believe this area is now referred to as “downtown Mercer Island” due to the conglomerate of a few businesses. This makes me smile.
Having lived in numerous cities, states & 1 other country, Mercer Island’s “downtown” only slightly resembles the breadth of downtown Fontainebleau, France, which is also quite petite. Mercer Island’s downtown is where an overwhelming amount of businesses on Mercer Island lie, but the center (I’m committed to my initial terminology) is only comprised of 7 city blocks (I would guess) and the businesses are far from jam packed.
I am pleased that with an aspect of MIs expansion: additional apartment buildings and resultantly, a few additional businesses have popped-up in the last decade. Another cafe (my work-space) & a new yummy, healthful restaurant, appeal. Both of which I’ve frequented, while staying here. There has also been an expansion of the “type” of residents living here, due to the varied housing costs. This, I LOVE. Increased economic diversity = far more intrigue (for me) & more people that I can relate to, while staying here.