Eastside Bike Paths: Home Selling Secret?

I never realized the benefits of living near bike trails until I tested the 520 and I-90 commuter trails. Many thanks to Seattle bike commuter, Dave Treadwill, whose blog helped me locate the most bike-friendly Bellevue back roads. While my biking skills leave little to be desired, today’s trip got me thinking that all I really want to do is ditch the car.

After experiencing the luxury and convenience of living on the I-90 bike path, I’m beginning to look at alternative transportation as a new home selling point. Maybe it was this home’s proximately to the 520 bike route that scored its recent sale for $635,000.  

Judging from current economic forecasts, more people need to research alternative transportation conveniences when buying a home. Living on the Burke Gilman trail or adjacent to commuter bike paths are HUGE perks… for the right buyer. 

Fortunately, we are more likely to find buyers who are interested in this type of fanfare in the Northwest. Reading this post from the Mercer Island blog, Surrounded By Water, we know at least one person enjoys bike commuting. Read the post for a step by step guide to commuting by bike from Mercer Island and the Eastside to downtown Seattle.

Seattleites, the weather will be nice this week. Get out. Take a walk or (gasp) bike to work. Maybe you will find that you, too, live near a pedestrian commuter path that may someday be your own personal cash cow.  

Do you like to bike, and are you looking for a home on the Eastside that supports your hobby? Check out this home in the Kelsey Creek neighborhood. They love biker riders (at least they always waive to me!). Or try this home in the pleasant Glendale neighborhood of Bellevue. Not only is it smack dab on the 520 bike path, but it’s also close to some of the Eastside’s best schools.

Interested in what bike path I took today? The map below shows my path from I-90, and you can go here for more detailed street directions.