Talus

West of Squak Mountain and lying in the foothills of Cougar is the award-winning neighborhood of Talus. Known rather as an urban village mountain retreat, this ecologically sensitive neighborhood received the Gold Nugget Award from the National Association of Home Builders for Best Master-Planned Community in 2003. That same year it also took home a Conservation Award for creating community balance within a cherished wildlife area, and like the city of Renton in ’00 and ‘02, in 2003 Talus also took home a Vision 2020 Award from the Puget Sound Regional Council. Only 15 miles outside of Seattle, and comprised of town homes, apartments, single-family homes, and a serene retirement community, Talus’ modern planning, urban proximity, and scenic surroundings give residents all one could hope for in a community.

There’s no doubt that Talus was built first and foremost to attract nature-lovers. Fittingly named, the northernmost neighborhood of Hawksridge is navigated by (to name a few): Wilderness Peak and Big Tree Drive, Surprise Creek Lane, and Sky Country Way. However, you don’t have to be an avid hiker or bird-watcher to enjoy the powerful and inspiring views of the Cascades, Snoqualmie and the Issaquah Highlands that Talus has to offer; everyone can thrive in this beautiful location. Nearly 20,000 acres of backyard wildlife can be reached through a neighborhood portal into the Issaquah Alps trail system. Whether it be a bandit-like woodpecker drilling a hole in a log, white-tailed fawns strengthening their legs in the spring, or red-legged frogs ‘ribbit’-ing near a creek, all can be seen by Talus residents within a matter of wildlife minutes.

Of Talus’ 630 mountain-side acres, only a fourth are actually used for homes, explaining further why it won a Conservation Award in 2003. 400 of Talus’ contiguous acres complete the Mountain to Sound Greenway, while other parcels have become enhanced natural areas, such as swing sets in the forest, or benchmark spots with scenic views. There is even a neighborhood tree-house where any resident can go for shared conversation or personal reflection. A state-of-the-art climbing wall has been built that recreation enthusiasts enjoy, and nearby is a community amphitheatre for events and movies.

Just down the hill from this mountain sanctuary is Downtown Issaquah, as well as Eastlake Sammamish. Here Talus residents can fill up on groceries, and all other home amenities and retail needs. Issaquah is a city full of history and warmth. Front Street, Gilman Village, Boehms Candies, and XXX Rootbeer are great attractions, as well as the Village Theatre and the annual Salmon Days festival. More modern, luxury items can be found in newly built shopping plazas right outside the city center. The Issaquah School District accounts for some of the highest test scores in the state, and will provide wonderful educational opportunities for students living in Talus.