Mercer Island, a small island located between Seattle and Bellevue, is home to some of the wealthiest people in the Pacific Northwest. It’s no surprise that many celebrities have chosen to make this island their home. From tech billionaires to Hollywood stars, Mercer Island has seen its fair share of famous residents over the years.

One of the most well-known celebrities to have lived on Mercer Island is Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon. Bezos purchased a 5.3-acre property on the island in 1998, which he later expanded to include a 20,000 square foot mansion. Other tech billionaires who have called Mercer Island home include Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

But it’s not just tech moguls who have taken up residence on Mercer Island. Hollywood stars like Rainn Wilson, who played Dwight Schrute on the hit show “The Office,” and comedian Joel McHale have also lived on the island. With its stunning waterfront properties and close proximity to Seattle, it’s no wonder that so many celebrities have chosen to make Mercer Island their home.

History of Celebrity Residence on Mercer Island

Mercer Island is a small island located in Lake Washington, situated between Seattle and Bellevue. The island is known for its natural beauty, stunning views, and luxurious homes, making it a popular destination for celebrities. Over the years, many famous people have called Mercer Island home, including musicians, athletes, and business moguls.

One of the most notable celebrities to live on Mercer Island was NBA legend, Bill Russell. Russell purchased a home on the island in 1959, and he lived there for nearly 50 years before putting it on the market in 2023. The property, which is listed for $2.6 million, features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and stunning views of Lake Washington.

Another famous resident of Mercer Island was the late Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. Allen owned several properties on the island, including a 10,000 square foot mansion that he purchased in 1998 for $20 million. The property, which is located on the exclusive waterfront of Faben Point, features a private beach, a swimming pool, and a tennis court.

In addition to Russell and Allen, many other celebrities have called Mercer Island home over the years. Starbucks founder, Howard Schultz, owned a home on the island for many years before selling it in 2015 for $8.7 million. Musician Kenny G also lived on Mercer Island for many years, and his former home is currently on the market for $4.5 million.

Overall, Mercer Island has a long history of attracting celebrities who are drawn to the island’s natural beauty, privacy, and luxurious homes.

Current Celebrity Residents

Mercer Island, located in the middle of Lake Washington, is home to many celebrities. Here are some of the current celebrity residents:

Musicians

Mercer Island is home to several famous musicians, including Kenny G, the Grammy-winning saxophonist, and his wife, Lyndie Benson-Gorelick, a photographer and actress.

Actors

The island is also home to several actors, including Rainn Wilson, who is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the hit TV show “The Office.” Another famous actor who lives on Mercer Island is Tom Skerritt, who has appeared in many films and TV shows, including “Top Gun” and “Picket Fences.”

Athletes

Mercer Island is also home to several famous athletes, including Hope Solo, the Olympic gold medalist and former goalkeeper for the US women’s soccer team.

Authors

Several famous authors also call Mercer Island home, including David Guterson, the author of “Snow Falling on Cedars,” and Maria Semple, the author of “Where’d You Go, Bernadette.”

Entrepreneurs

Mercer Island is also home to several successful entrepreneurs, including Jeff Raikes, the former CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Rich Barton, the co-founder of Zillow and Expedia.

Overall, Mercer Island is a popular place for celebrities to call home due to its stunning views, close proximity to Seattle, and luxurious homes.

Luxury Homes and Neighborhoods

Mercer Island is an affluent community known for its luxurious homes and high-end neighborhoods. It is home to some of Seattle’s wealthiest residents, including several celebrities and tech billionaires. Here are some of the most exclusive neighborhoods on Mercer Island:

Waterfront Properties

Mercer Island has some of the most stunning waterfront properties in the region. The island is surrounded by Lake Washington, and many of the homes have private docks and breathtaking views of the water. The waterfront homes on Mercer Island are some of the most expensive in the area, with prices ranging from $5 million to over $20 million.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a prestigious neighborhood on the north end of Mercer Island, known for its large, luxurious homes and stunning views of Lake Washington and Seattle. The neighborhood is home to several tech billionaires, including Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. The homes on the Gold Coast are some of the most expensive on the island, with prices ranging from $10 million to over $50 million.

The Mercer Island Country Club

The Mercer Island Country Club is a private, members-only club located in the heart of Mercer Island. The club has a golf course, tennis courts, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar. The neighborhood surrounding the club is one of the most exclusive on the island, with many of the homes featuring large lots, private swimming pools, and stunning views of Lake Washington. The homes in this neighborhood typically sell for $5 million to $15 million.

The Lakes Neighborhood

The Lakes is a neighborhood on the south end of Mercer Island, known for its large, luxurious homes and proximity to the island’s public beaches and parks. The homes in this neighborhood typically sell for $3 million to $10 million and feature large lots, private swimming pools, and stunning views of Lake Washington.

The Island Pointe Neighborhood

The Island Pointe neighborhood is located on the east side of Mercer Island, and is known for its stunning views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains. The homes in this neighborhood typically sell for $4 million to $12 million and feature large lots, private swimming pools, and high-end finishes.

Overall, Mercer Island is a highly sought-after location for luxury real estate, with some of the most exclusive neighborhoods and waterfront properties in the region.

Privacy and Security Features

Mercer Island is known for its luxurious homes and famous residents. As such, it is no surprise that many of the homes on the island come equipped with top-of-the-line privacy and security features.

Many of the homes on Mercer Island are situated on large plots of land, providing ample space between neighbors. This, coupled with the island’s strict zoning laws, ensures that residents have plenty of privacy. Additionally, many of the homes are surrounded by lush greenery, providing a natural barrier from prying eyes.

In terms of security, many of the homes on Mercer Island come equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and alarms. Some homes even have gated driveways and private security guards.

For those who value their privacy and security, Mercer Island is an ideal place to call home. With its secluded location and top-notch security features, residents can rest easy knowing that their privacy and safety are well-protected.

Community Involvement of Celebrities

Mercer Island is home to some of the wealthiest and most famous people in the world. But these celebrities are not just living in their luxurious homes, they are also actively involved in the community.

For instance, Paul Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world, was a philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various causes. He established the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, which supports education, arts, and culture, as well as environmental conservation.

Another famous resident, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the richest person in the world, has also been involved in philanthropy. He donated $33 million to fund college scholarships for undocumented immigrants, and he pledged $2 billion to support homeless families and education.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and one of the richest people in the world, has been a leading philanthropist for decades. Through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he has donated billions of dollars to fight diseases, improve education, and reduce poverty.

Other celebrities on Mercer Island have also been involved in community service. For example, the late actor and comedian Robin Williams, who once lived on the island, donated his time and money to various charities, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Comic Relief.

Overall, the celebrities who live on Mercer Island are not just wealthy and famous, but also actively involved in making a positive impact on the world.

Why Celebrities Choose Mercer Island

Mercer Island is a popular destination for celebrities who want to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle while still being close to the city. Here are some reasons why celebrities choose Mercer Island:

Privacy and Security

Mercer Island is a secluded island that is only accessible by bridge, making it an ideal location for celebrities who crave privacy. The island is also known for its high level of security, with many gated communities and private roads.

Beautiful Scenery

Mercer Island is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of Lake Washington, which provides breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Many celebrities are drawn to the island’s lush greenery and peaceful environment.

Proximity to Seattle

Despite its secluded location, Mercer Island is just a short drive away from downtown Seattle, making it a convenient location for celebrities who need to travel to the city for work or events.

High-Quality Amenities

Mercer Island boasts a wide range of high-quality amenities, including top-rated schools, world-class restaurants, and exclusive shopping destinations. The island also has a strong sense of community, with many events and activities that bring residents together.

Celebrity Neighbors

Finally, one of the biggest draws of Mercer Island for celebrities is the opportunity to live among other famous residents. Many celebrities have chosen to make Mercer Island their home, including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Steve Ballmer.

Overall, Mercer Island offers celebrities a luxurious and private lifestyle in a beautiful natural setting, while still providing easy access to the city and a wide range of high-quality amenities.