Lake Hills & More: Real Estate, Food, & History
Do you ever yearn for a place where the air is perfumed with the sweet scent of blossoms, where fresh, flavorful food is a constant delight, and where the pace of life slows to a more manageable rhythm? This idyllic existence, where the convenience of city life meets the tranquility of the countryside, is a reality for some, a dream for others, and an experience that awaits discovery in places like Lake Hills and beyond.
Vast orange groves, once a defining feature of many landscapes, blanketed the terrain, their fragrant blossoms perfuming the air. Local farmers, fueled by a dedication to their craft, shipped their prized fruit to markets across the nation, contributing to a vibrant agricultural economy. Such scenes paint a picture of an era defined by simple pleasures and the bounty of the land.
For those seeking a different kind of satisfaction, the 4 Way Bar & Grill beckoned with the promise of delicious food and a convivial atmosphere. Whether the craving called for handheld sandwiches, juicy burgers, or Texas favorites, the menu offered something to please every palate. A full bar, stocked with import beers and frozen margaritas, completed the experience, offering a refreshing escape from the everyday. The 4 Way Bar & Grill in Lakehills is excited to announce that it's now open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and with great new menu items, serving up fresh USDA beef, your favorite Texas appetizers, and a full kids menu. Whether its a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon, there's always something good at the 4 way.
Lake Hills, a community that has evolved over time, began as a vision of blending the convenience of city life with the serenity of a country setting. Advertisements of the day promised an escape from the hustle and bustle, just a short 20-minute drive from downtown Seattle. The dream materialized, eventually leading to the development of approximately 4,000 homes that would come to define the community. The city of Bellevue annexed Lake Hills, incorporating it into the expanding urban landscape.
Before the expansion and development that would reshape the landscape, an early history of Lake Hills indicates a rich past, including the presence of Native American tribes and Japanese immigrants. The Yakima Indians, who utilized the area near Larsen Lake for their winter encampments, originally developed parts of the district. Japanese farmers, drawn by the fertile land, cultivated the area between Larson and Phantom Lakes in the early 1900s. This history underscores the complex layers of cultural and economic forces that have shaped Lake Hills.
For those who call Lake Hills home, the setting provides a backdrop to life's moments. Homes overlook the serene beauty of Lake Austin, its glassy surface in constant motion. The cedar-studded hills across the water offer a comforting, unchanging view. For residents, such as the Greenes, there are some things like family, friends and fond memories that remain forever precious, transcending the changes of the world around them.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Name | Lake Hills, Bellevue, Washington (Initially), Lake Austin (Texas) |
| Key Features | Residential development near lakes, agricultural history, suburban expansion. |
| Historical Context | Native American and Japanese immigrant presence; early farming; suburban growth spurred by proximity to Seattle. |
| Economic Factors | Development of residential communities, agricultural activities. |
| Points of Interest | Larsen Lake, Phantom Lake, 4 Way Bar & Grill, Residential areas. |
| Relevant Websites | City of Bellevue Official Website |
The expansion of communities like Lake Hills demonstrates how suburban development reshapes the surrounding landscape. The establishment of Liberty Lake near Spokane followed a similar pattern. In 1951, six resorts operated on Liberty Lake, and four public beaches welcomed visitors. Liberty Lake was quickly becoming known as a suburb of Spokane, its growth limited to the area surrounding the lake, south of Sprague Avenue. The Liberty Lake Golf Course, the first of three golf courses in the area, was a testament to the community's desire for recreational amenities.
Real estate listings and transactions provide a snapshot of the evolution of a community. For instance, 6 Wander Way, Lake in the Hills, IL, is a single-family home that contains 1962 sq ft and was built in 1985. This property, with four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, last sold for $185,000 in November 2009. The zestimate for this single family is $331,100, which has increased by $2,326 in the last 30 days. The rent zestimate for this single family is $2,788/mo, which has increased by $2,788/mo in the same period. Similarly, 460 Winslow Way, Lake in the Hills, IL, a single-family home built in 1999 with 2421 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms, last sold in September 2023 for $367,000. The zestimate for this home is currently $397,300, having increased by $3,090 in the last 30 days, with a rent zestimate of $3,163/mo. The sale of 431 Winslow Way for $461,788 on May 10, 2024, and 206 Wander Way for $326,000 on April 23, 2024, further illustrate the dynamic nature of the real estate market in the area.
The integration of amenities, like the Lake in the Hills Airport, the Lake in the Hills Fen, residential areas, and industrial businesses, demonstrates a balanced approach to urban planning.
The 4 Way Bar & Grill, a local establishment, captures the essence of community life. Whether it is a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon, the bar and grill in Lakehills will be serving up fresh USDA beef, your favorite Texas appetizers, and a full kids menu.
The evolution of planned communities, like River Hills Plantation, showcases the changing lifestyles and aspirations of residents. Real estate companies used aggressive marketing, which led the way to the life styles, and the sales office served as the focal point for discussions and weekly meetings. The early models of development often incorporated elements of nature with convenience in mind. Bluff Villas selling well, and phase II was started, indicating growing interest in the community. In the mean time plans for medium rise, 3 to 4 story garden apartment type condominiums, like those on Hilton Head, were being discussed for south point and commodore point.
The city of West Lake Hills in Travis County, Texas, provides another perspective. As a suburban city on the west bank of Lake Austin, it lies on a portion of the Colorado River. The city's master plan, as detailed in the April 10, 2014 article, guides its development. The city of West Lake Hills continues to be a model of suburban design.
The history of the land extends back centuries, even to the days of Spanish California. This land was granted in 1795 to Jos Daro Argello, one of the last governors. Such details create a deeper appreciation for the land and its past.
The development of the district followed the construction of the dam, which cost about $500,000 and was completed in 1966. The community's growth can also be attributed to infrastructure projects, such as the dam.
