Welcome to Medina
Living in Medina, WA
Medina sits on the western shore of Lake Washington, tucked between Bellevue and Seattle, and it's long been known as one of the most exclusive addresses in the Pacific Northwest — sometimes called the "Gold Coast" of Lake Washington. With just under 3,000 residents spread across roughly 1,000 households, it's a small, quiet city defined by waterfront estates, mature tree cover, and some of the strictest zoning in the region, all of which keeps the character consistent from block to block.
Its location is a major part of the draw: SR-520 puts downtown Bellevue minutes away and downtown Seattle under 15 minutes out in typical traffic, all while the city itself feels secluded and calm.
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Medina's recreation leans quiet and scenic rather than crowded, which fits the city's overall character.
Medina Park: Trails, bocce courts, tennis, playgrounds, ponds, and dog-friendly areas
Medina Beach Park: Sandy lakeside access and summer swimming
Fairweather Nature Preserve: Wooded trails and additional tennis courts
Golf: Overlake Golf & Country Club, a short drive away
Shopping & Dining: World-class options just minutes away in downtown Bellevue
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What school district serves Medina? The Bellevue School District, widely regarded as one of the top districts in the state. Medina Elementary holds a 10/10 GreatSchools rating.
Is Medina a gated community? Not as a whole, though many individual properties are private or gated, and the city maintains vehicle surveillance systems as part of its security approach.
What kind of homes are in Medina? Predominantly luxury waterfront and estate homes, many with private docks, spanning styles from contemporary to Mediterranean to classic Northwest design.
How far is Medina from Bellevue and Seattle? Downtown Bellevue is just minutes away via SR-520, and downtown Seattle is typically under 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Are there parks in Medina? Yes — Medina Park, Medina Beach Park, and Fairweather Nature Preserve all offer different flavors of outdoor recreation within the city.
What's the population of Medina? Just under 3,000 residents across roughly 1,000 households, with an average household size of about 2.86.
Is Medina family-friendly? Yes — despite its exclusivity, residents describe a close-knit, family-friendly atmosphere, reinforced by community events like Medina Days.
What private schools are near Medina? St. Thomas School (pre-K-8) has served the community since 1951, and Bellevue Christian School is also nearby.
What's the real estate market like in Medina? Inventory is typically very low with high demand, especially for waterfront and estate properties — homes often sell quickly to well-qualified buyers.
Who should I talk to about buying or selling in Medina? Reach out to Melissa — Medina's ultra-low inventory and high price points mean working with an experienced agent matters more here than almost anywhere else on the Eastside.
Medina Real Estate
About Medina
Medina represents the top tier of Eastside luxury real estate — waterfront estates, expansive lots, and a level of privacy and zoning control that keeps the city's character consistent over time. It draws high-net-worth buyers, including tech executives, looking for a serene, secluded setting that's still minutes from two major cities.
Medina Housing Market
One source reported a median home price around $6 million as of April 2025, up roughly 42% from the prior year — but with a city this small (just over 1,000 households total) and a market this thin, a handful of ultra-high-end sales can swing a "median" dramatically in either direction. Treat this figure as illustrative of Medina's price tier, not a stable benchmark. (Pull actual Medina sold comps from Compass/MLS before publishing anything as fact — with this few transactions per year, aggregator data is especially unreliable here.)
Why Buy a Home in Medina?
Medina offers a rare combination: genuine waterfront privacy and estate-level space, paired with a commute to Bellevue or Seattle that's shorter than many suburban neighborhoods much further from the lake. For buyers at the top of the market prioritizing seclusion, top-tier schools, and long-term value preservation through strict zoning, Medina is hard to match.

