Welcome to Kirkland
Known for its stunning downtown waterfront, Kirkland, WA is more than a Seattle suburb. It’s a destination in its own right, with desirable neighborhoods, prime real estate, and the coveted Northwest lifestyle with beautiful parks and the pristine shores of Lake Washington.
General Overview
Kirkland is home to a population of 89,438, as of 2019 U.S. Census estimates. Located on the eastern edge of Lake Washington, the city was incorporated in 1905 and gets its name from prominent entrepreneur Peter Kirk. Its early economy was buoyed by the shipbuilding and wool milling industries. Today, major employers come from the tech, healthcare, hospitality, and food and beverage industries.
Living in Kirkland
The housing market comprises an exquisite selection of single-family homes and townhomes with Ranch, Contemporary, and Spanish Revival-style architecture, among other architectural styles.
The most coveted homes in the area are undoubtedly the waterfront homes along the lake, which feature spacious viewing decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens.
Notable Neighborhoods Include
- Lakeview
- Central Houghton
- Highlands
- Moss Bay
- Totem Lake
- North Rose Hill
- Juanita
Lifestyle
Located in King County, Kirkland is part of the bustling Seattle Metro Area. But this idyllic suburb is worlds away from the frenetic pace of the metropolis, offering respite from the demands of modern city life. Green spaces makeup 25% of Kirkland’s total land area along the shoreline, with a section of the Eastside Rail Corridor stretching across the city from South Kirkland Park and Ride all the way to Totem Lake. At 5.75 miles, the Cross Kirkland Corridor features a gravel trail that encourages residents and visitors to explore the city by bike or on foot.
Education
Kirkland and the surrounding suburbs are served by the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), a reputable public school district. LWSD lists 33 elementary schools, 14 middle schools, and nine high schools among its educational institutions. Click here to view the full list of schools operating under LWSD.
Transportation
There are many bike routes, bike parking, and bike repair stations throughout Kirkland, encouraging residents to bike to work, school, and other local destinations. The city also helps residents plan sustainable trips to and from work via a program called Kirkland Green Trip to minimize the environmental impact of the daily commute. There are also several walking routes to encourage physical activity.
Activities and Attractions
-
David E. Brink Park – This stunning waterfront park commands panoramic views of the lake. There are benches and picnic tables for guests who want to take in the view while spending time with friends and family.
-
The Village at Totem Lake – This vibrant mixed-use development features major retailers like Nordstrom, Sephora, Trader Joe’s, and Ulta in addition to casual dining restaurants like Panda Express and Joe’s Burgers. Cinemark, a state-of-the-art theater, screens the latest box office hits.
-
Kirkland Performance Center – The 400-seat theatre hosts over 200 plays, concerts, and dance performances annually.