Medina
Medina, yet another tiny community on the Eastside, is probably best known as the city where billionaire Bill Gates lives with his family.
Significantly larger in population than Yarrow Point and Hunts Point, but still tiny compared to Seattle’s population, this city of 3,000 residents has seen their fair share of re-development in recent years. The Lake Washington coastline is now bulging with some truly breathtaking Medina mansions.
Medina is an exclusive community in every sense of the word. In addition to being the home of Bill Gates, other local business and community leaders have lived in this community. Miller Freeman – one of Bellevue’s founding fathers – lived here. His son, Kemper, built Bellevue Square, and his grandson, Kemper Freeman Jr. now owns Bellevue Square, Bellevue Place and Lincoln Center – all developments in the heart of downtown Bellevue. Other well-known residents included James Clapp, a member of the Weyerhaeuser timber clan, and James G. Eddy, lumberman and shipbuilder.
Medina is also home to the 160-acre Overlake Golf Club – a private club– which acts as a buffer between the Medina locals and other general passers-by.