For many golf enthusiasts, living in a golf community is the ultimate dream. The allure of waking up to picturesque fairway vistas and having convenient access to the game any time they want is simply irresistible.
In the Pacific Northwest, the Tam O’Shanter neighborhood in Bellevue, Washington, stands out as a prime location for those seeking the golf club lifestyle. But it also has more to offer. This beautiful community is also a family friendly enclave where everything you need is within easy reach.
Explore what this neighborhood has to offer and why it stands out as one of the most desirable communities in Washington’s Eastside.
Homes For Sale In Tam O'Shanter
Tam o’Shanter: An Overview
Bellevue, Washington’s Tam o’Shanter neighborhood is a captivating neighborhood that combines a resort lifestyle with urban convenience. This upscale community, originally named “Tam-O-Shanter” by Sherwood Development Co. in 1964, is a hub for golf enthusiasts and those looking for a refined country club experience in the heart of the Pacific Northwest. The name was changed to “Tam o’Shanter” in 1965, the same year it was officially incorporated.
The neighborhood’s expansion gained momentum in the 1970s and 1980s, with the initial development reflecting the image of American suburbia popularized by the television shows and movies of that particular era. During this period, Tam o’Shanter emerged as a haven for families seeking spacious homes, well-maintained streets, and a strong sense of community.
Characterized by its thoughtful urban planning, Tam o’Shanter features extra-wide streets and sidewalks on both sides, creating a pedestrian-friendly environment that has largely stood the test of time.
One of the biggest draws of Tam o’Shanter is its strategic location. Situated in the northwest quadrant of Bellevue, Tam o’Shanter is approximately 10 miles east of downtown Seattle and is bordered by NE 8th Street to the south, 148th Avenue NE to the east, and Bellevue-Redmond Road to the north and west. This prime location allows Tam o’Shanter residents easy access to both Bellevue’s thriving urban core and the lush natural beauty of the Eastside.
As of the most recent census data, Tam o’Shanter is home to approximately 500 families, or just under 3,000 residents. The neighborhood boasts a mix of long-time residents and newcomers attracted by its charm and convenient location. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, this upscale community has a higher-than-average proportion of households with children compared to other Bellevue neighborhoods.
What is the real estate scene
like in Tam o’Shanter?
One of the most in-demand locations in Bellevue, the Tam o’Shanter neighborhood not only boasts remarkably resilient and dynamic property values but also a diverse array of property types for prospective residents.
The enclave features single-family homes, many of which were built in the 1960s and 1970s. However, recent years have seen a surge in renovations and new construction in the neighborhood, resulting in a more diverse and dynamic architectural landscape.
Tam o’Shanter homes for sale typically sit on generously sized lots, usually exceeding 10,000 square feet. This spaciousness allows for well-maintained gardens, ample privacy, and room for outdoor entertaining—a rarity in many of Bellevue’s more densely populated areas.
Currently, the majority of Tam o’Shanter homes for sale consist of single-family homes ranging in size from 1,500 to 3,500 square feet. They’re built in a wide range of architectural styles from Mid-Century Modern and Northwest Contemporary to Cape Cod, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman.
You’ll find an array of custom built luxury properties, often exceeding 3,500 square feet, showcasing unique architectural designs and high-end finishes, and offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Regardless of the property type, Tam o’Shanter homes for sale generally reflect a commitment to quality construction and thoughtful design. Many properties have undergone significant renovations over the years, blending modern amenities with classic architectural elements.
What’s it like to live in Tam o’Shanter?
Getting Around
Tam o’Shanter’s location provides residents with excellent accessibility to major thoroughfares and public transportation options. The neighborhood is conveniently situated near I-405 and SR-520, offering quick access to downtown Bellevue, Seattle, and other surrounding areas.
For those who prefer public transit, the Bellevue Transit Center is just a short drive away, providing bus connections to various parts of the city and beyond. The new East Link light rail extension further enhances connectivity, with the closest station within a few miles of the neighborhood.
Within Tam o’Shanter itself, well-maintained sidewalks and quiet residential streets make walking and cycling safe and enjoyable for residents of all ages.
Community Life
Tam o’Shanter exudes a warm, family-friendly atmosphere characteristic of many Bellevue neighborhoods. The community is known for its well-kept homes, manicured lawns, and tree-lined streets, creating a picturesque suburban setting.
Residents often describe enjoying a strong sense of community in Tam o’Shanter, given the community’s many block parties, holiday celebrations, and other social gatherings. The Tam o’Shanter Homeowners Association (HOA) also plays an active role in maintaining the neighborhood’s aesthetics and fostering community spirit through various events and initiatives. Some of the community events in Tam o’Shanter include:
- Family Bingo Night
- Santa Brunch
- Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt at the Park
- Kids and Adults Halloween Parties
- Poker, Bridge, and Mah Jongg games
- Camp o’Shanter
Exclusive Amenities and Features
Homeownership in Tam o’Shanter comes with deeded membership to the Tam o’Shanter Golf & Country Club, which comes with a monthly HOA fee of $402
The country club’s centerpiece in the eponymous 9-hole golf course. Opened in 1967, the par-71 golf course is meticulously maintained and staffed by two PGA golf professionals and poses numerous challenges to players of all skill levels. Open only to club members and their guests, the Tam o’Shanter golf course offers programs for young golfers aged 8 and up, with weekly summer lessons geared for 3, 6, 9, and 18-hole players. The Tam o’Shanter Men’s Club and TAMS Ladies’ Club sponsor events, tournaments, and private lessons are available to all members of all ages.
Members can also enjoy a four-lane 25-yard pool that sits adjacent to the clubhouse. The pool provides lap swimmers with a dedicated lane, with the rest of the pool open for swimmers of all levels. In addition to its full-size pool, a baby pool is available for parents and babies.
The clubhouse features a casual dining restaurant and banquet facilities that members can rent for special occasions.
The community also boasts well-maintained parks and green spaces, including the Tam o’Shanter Park. This recreational park includes four tennis courts, a playground, a picnic shelter, and volleyball and basketball courts. Here, members have the opportunity to participate in tennis lessons regardless of skill level and experience. Younger members also have the opportunity to compete against other local clubs as part of the Junior Eastside Tennis Leagues ( JET ) with the championship tournament typically scheduled at the end of the season. Newbies can join members-only lessons for both youths and adults.
Things to Do
Residents of Tam o’Shanter have no shortage of activities and attractions to enjoy, both within the neighborhood and in the surrounding areas.
Outdoor Recreation
In addition to the community’s golf course and neighborhood park, Tam o’Shanter residents also have easy access to the extensive Bellevue Parks system. The nearby Bellevue Downtown Park offers a scenic retreat with its reflecting pool, waterfall, and walking paths. For more adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is just a short drive away, offering miles of hiking trails and stunning views.
Cultural Attractions
Tam o’Shanter residents also have easy access to some of the best cultural attractions in Bellevue, including the Bellevue Arts Museum. Located in downtown Bellevue, the Bellevue Arts Museum showcases the best in contemporary art, craft, and design, making it a must-visit for art lovers.
The KidsQuest Children’s Museum, just a 12 minute drive from the community, provides interactive exhibits and programs that are tailored for the community’s younger residents.
Entertainment
The vibrant downtown Bellevue area offers a plethora of entertainment options, including movie theaters, live music venues, and seasonal events.
Dining
While Tam o’Shanter itself is primarily residential, its location provides easy access to downtown Bellevue’s diverse culinary scene. Residents can enjoy a wide array of dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments, all within a short drive from the community’s grounds.
Some of the best must-visit dining spots near Tam o’Shanter include:
Watch pizzaioli make authentic crunchy Neapolitan pizzas in wood-fired ovens at the newly renovated Tutta Bella. Now featuring an updated layout, a standout addition is the first-ever Tutta Bella Marketplace, which offers Italian specialty goods, local artisanal specialties, and more.
Founded in 1989, Bai Tong, which is Thai for “banana leaf,” has become the benchmark for authentic Thai cuisine in the Seattle area. Specialties at Bai Tong Redmond include the Gai Hor Bai Toey (chicken wraps), Hor Mok (salmon curry cup), Trout Salad, Crispy Garlic Chicken, and the classic Mango with Sticky Rice for dessert.
Farzi Cafe serves innovative Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Among their bestsellers is the butter chicken, which is smoked for several hours and pairs well with the restaurant’s selection of signature
Shopping
Tam o’Shanter’s proximity to major shopping destinations is a significant draw for residents. This includes the renowned Bellevue Square, an upscale shopping center located in Bellevue’s downtown area.
First opened in 1946, Bellevue Square features over 200 stores ranging from luxury brands to popular retailers and is anchored by luxury department stores Nordstrom and Macy’s. The shopping center is also a part of the Bellevue Collection, a mixed-use urban development center that includes Lincoln Square.
Another shopping destination near Tam o’Shanter is the Crossroads Shopping Center, which is known for its low-key vibe, great variety of goods and stores, and affordable shopping. During the summer, the mall hosts a weekly farmers’ market offering fresh flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
For everyday needs, residents have convenient access to several grocery stores and pharmacies in the surrounding area.
Schools
Families in Tam o’Shanter have the benefit of sending their kids to the highly-rated Bellevue School District. The neighborhood is served by several well-regarded schools such as Bennett Elementary School, which is located within the neighborhood and provides education for students in grades K to 5. Highland Middle School, located around two miles West of the Tam o’Shanter Clubhouse, serves students in grades 6-8. Interlake High School focuses on classical liberal arts and sciences.
For those seeking higher education, Tam o’Shanter is conveniently located near several colleges and universities.
University of Washington—Seattle.
Located about 10 miles west of Bellevue, UW is the state’s flagship university and consistently ranks among the top public universities in the world in the fields of medicine, engineering, and computer science.
Bellevue College.
The largest institution of higher learning on the Eastside, Bellevue College offers a mix of two-year and four-year STEM, business education, and healthcare training degree programs. The college’s proximity to major tech companies in the area often leads to valuable internship and job opportunities for students.
DigiPen Institute of Technology.
Located in nearby Redmond, DigiPen is a world-renowned institution specializing in computer science, animation, and video game development.
University of Washington—Bothell.
Offering an intimate learning environment while still maintaining the academic rigor associated with UW, this branch of the UW system is primarily known for its innovative interdisciplinary programs.
Seattle University.
This prestigious Jesuit university, located in the heart of Seattle, is known for its strong programs in business, law, and nursing.
Local Events
Throughout the year, Tam o’Shanter residents can participate in various local events that showcase the community’s spirit and Bellevue’s vibrant culture:
Held annually in July, this event transforms downtown Bellevue into an outdoor art gallery, featuring works from hundreds of artists.
During the holiday season, downtown Bellevue comes alive with nightly parades, light displays, and “snow” falls, creating a magical winter wonderland.
From May to October, residents can enjoy fresh, local produce and artisanal goods at this weekly market.
Fourth of July Celebration
The City of Bellevue hosts an annual Independence Day event with live music, food vendors, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Recent sales in Tam O'Shanter
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN TAM O’SHANTER TODAY
Find your dream home in the charming Tam o’Shanter neighborhood. With a wealth of amenities, family-friendly atmosphere, stunning real estate selections, and access to the best things Bellevue can offer, you have everything you can ask for in a community.
Let The Brazens guide you in looking for the perfect property. The highly regarded family of real estate experts specializing in Eastside properties offers a full range of services to ensure a smooth, personalized home-buying experience tailored to your needs. With their experience and dedication, you can be assured of warm, professional guidance through every step of the process.
Contact The Brazens at 425.454.4141 or send them an email here to schedule a consultation.