I don't think that's changed. It's like we're on an island, close to everything, only geographically isolated because there are only a couple ways up the hill. Joan Abel, manager of St. Margaret's Thrift Shop south of Factoria, recalls her 87-family Newport Woods neighborhood, with group cleanups, bowling parties, wine tastings and other social events. They even chartered a bus to visit Leavenworth. My neighbors helped raise my kids.
Schools are still a major focus of life here, particularly in Newport Hills.
Forest Ridge and Eastside Catholic are regionally renowned private schools. Newport High School, one of Bellevue 's oldest high schools, is consistently strong academically as well as in athletics.