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A Young City with Deep Roots in History

Incorporated in 1994, Newcastle is a relatively new city with a storied past. Before Washington became a state, Newcastle was one of the most successful coal mining towns in northwestern Washington. Nearly 11 million tons of coal was extracted from the area between 1869 and 1963. Coal from Newcastle helped fuel the growth of the entire Puget Sound region. View this page for more about the city’s history.

Thirty years after the end of the coal mining era, a movement began toward local government and control. In April 1993, proponents succeeded in passing a ballot measure to establish 4.4 square miles of unincorporated King County into the City of Newport Hills. The city officially incorporated Sept. 30, 1994, as Newport Hills, and after a November 1994 vote, the city’s name was changed to Newcastle.

At the time of incorporation, the city’s population was about 4,654, according to U.S. Census estimates. According to the Census Bureau’s 2015 population estimate, 11,370 people call Newcastle home, and the city continues to grow with record levels of new development. Due to housing market conditions, several high-density residential projects are under construction or are under review. View the Newcastle at a Glance page for additional demographic data.

Newcastle is a peaceful, small residential community located between Bellevue, Renton and Issaquah within the Seattle metropolitan area. Residents enjoy a scenic atmosphere, a short commute to work centers and convenient access to recreation and urban amenities.

Educational Resources

Newcastle is served by two school districts. Newcastle Elementary, within the Issaquah School District, is located here.Hazelwood Elementary and the new Vera Risdon Middle School set to open fall 2017, within the Renton School District, also are located in Newcastle.

Both children and adults will find a resource for learning at the Newcastle Library, a King County Library System branch located in the city’s downtown area. The library offers a variety of programs and spaces that are an amenity to the community.

Public Safety

The City of Newcastle contracts with the Bellevue Fire Department for emergency and fire services, and one fire station is located within the city limits. Dedicated King County Sheriff’s Office staff provide policing services to the city. Newcastle’s police chief and officers are based in Newcastle City Hall.

Parks, Recreation and Culture

Residents enjoy nearly 40 acres of developed parks and 11 miles of trails distributed throughout the city. The city maintains 17 parks, totaling 251.39 acres. King County’s Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, which is 3,000 acres in area with 35 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of equestrian trails is located on Newcastle’s eastern boundary. The Coal Creek Family YMCA provides a number of recreational opportunities and programs.

Community events such as Concerts in the Park, the Fourth at the Lake and Newcastle Days celebrations are held at Lake Boren Park, a large, centrally located community park. A historic cemetery is located near Lake Boren Park, and tells the stories of the city’s earliest residents and mining history.

Newcastle is known throughout the region as home to a world class golf course, The Golf Club at Newcastle. Standing on the 350-acre golf course feels like standing on top of the world with panoramic views of Lake Washington, Seattle and the surrounding mountains.

Newcastle’s Downtown Area

Newcastle Fruit and Produce is a farmers market providing a variety of locally grown and organic fruits and vegetables, seasonal plants and gardening supplies, located in the heart of the city. B &E Meats, a local butcher shop, is found across from the market. A variety of businesses in the downtown area provide essentials. For more information on the city’s businesses, view the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce website.

Infrastructure and Utilities

Newcastle is known for its quality roads and expanding system of sidewalks. The city maintains approximately 40 miles of paved roads. Public Works maintenance crews monitor and maintain numerous storm water management facilities including 3,300 catch basins/storm drains. Coal Creek Utility District owns and maintains water and sewer conveyance systems and provides these services. Puget Sound Energy provides electricity and maintains the majority of streetlights in Newcastle. Garbage removal and recycling services are provided by Waste Management.

Looking to the Future

Many multifamily, mixed use projects are under construction in Newcastle, including the Newcastle Commons community, the largest development in the city’s history. Tria, The Atlas and The Notch are additional new apartment communities moving forward. City officials adopted an updated Comprehensive Plan on June 2, 2015, setting a vision for the city for the next 20 years. The city is in the process of updating its plan for the downtown area.

Newcastle is a city located in King County, Washington, USA, and is a great place to live for several reasons:

1. Scenic beauty: It is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with stunning views of Lake Washington and the surrounding mountains. Residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities in the many nearby parks and nature preserves.
2. Excellent schools: It is served by the Issaquah School District, which is known for its excellent schools. The district has a high graduation rate and offers a wide range of programs for students, including advanced placement courses and vocational programs.
3. Strong sense of community: Newcastle has a strong sense of community, with many local events and festivals throughout the year. Residents can participate in community service projects, volunteer opportunities, and other activities that bring people together.
4. Convenient location: It is conveniently located near major highways, making it easy to access the nearby cities of Seattle and Bellevue. The city is also home to the Newcastle Transit Center, which offers a variety of transportation options for commuters.
5. High standard of living: It offers a high standard of living, with a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a variety of amenities. Residents can enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment options without leaving the city.

Overall, Newcastle is a great place to live because of its scenic beauty, excellent schools, strong sense of community, convenient location, and high standard of living. It is a welcoming and vibrant city that offers something for everyone.