"Lakeside living, heavy traffic area, not much privacy"
There are many beautiful homes along Lake Sammamish. There are waterfront properties that vary in quality and atmosphere - anywhere from pieces of recreational land to old homes to new homes - many worth millions. Parts of the Parkway will be undergoing road improvements soon, thankfully, as the road conditions are terrible and very congested in peak hours. The speed limit is 35 mph all the way from Redmond to Issaquah and is a bumpy, slow ride. Most of the traffic entering East Lake Sammamish Parkway comes from the 520 exit, onto Redmond Way and then onto the Parkway. There are three lanes from Redmond Way until after this exit, however most of the traffic ends up lining up in the right lane heading toward the east side of the lake. This makes exiting the Whole Foods and its surrounding stores difficult for customers.
However, traffic congestion aside, lakeside living at Sammamish and Redmond is truly beautiful. There are gorgeous sunsets seen from this side of the lake. The waterfront properties generally cost millions, so view homes are probably more in line with the general population. Many of the homes have private docks, but there are restrictions on when they can be built and at what size. There are many areas around the lake that have designated wetlands, in which you might not even know if you looked at them. It is important to do research on the wetlands so you don't end up with a property that cannot be touched or easily improved.
One thing about living on the lake at Sammamish is the lack of privacy from boaters, and even neighbors across the lake. Telescopes are in abundance in households here, so if you don't mind someone looking through your windows from the other side of the lake then that wouldn't be a problem for you. I have heard from friends that people boating by even stop and look in your windows or simply stop at your water's edge and stare. There is also a public walking/biking trail around the east side of the lake now and in some parts the trail seems perilously close to the front door. It used to be quite hard to access that side of the road but now the trail, constructed on an old railroad line, runs adjacent to the road, and unfortunately borders many of the properties. There is a large easement for the county to continue possible future expansions, but the neighbors have been up in arms about this issue.
There are pluses and minuses to the trail. Good; place to run and bike, and for kids to walk to friends' houses. Bad; lack of privacy and security from general public. The good thing about the trail is there are only a few parking access points, so you won't have the general public parking at your doorstep, but they may be walking right by it. It seems to me living on Lake Sammamish would feel like living in a fishbowl. Not the best depiction of relaxation.
Finally, Lake Sammamish is a busy one – at times overcrowded in the summer. There is a public boat launch at Issaquah which always has a very long line. Fourth of July, however, is a big event here. If you have waterfront you will have a great view of the fireworks. Marymoor Park is close by – a beautiful park with miles of trails, an off-leash dog area, sports fields (even including cricket!), climbing rock and playgrounds. Clise Mansion is also available for special event rentals. Cirque du Soleil has frequented Marymoor Park in the last few years. There are also concerts and movies in the park, a velodrome, and even a place to fly model airplanes/helicopters.
"A place where everybody knows your name!"