Why Live in Highlands
The Highlands neighborhood in Kirkland is a serene area surrounded by woodland, offering picturesque views of Mount Rainier. The streets are lined with fir and hemlock trees, providing a secluded atmosphere. The neighborhood features a variety of home styles, including bi-levels, ranch-style, bungalows, and contemporary homes, with many newer constructions boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and covered patios. Closer to Northeast 85th Street, you'll find contemporary townhomes and multi-level single-family homes with features like rooftop patios. The Highlands is part of the highly rated Lake Washington School District, with Peter Kirk Elementary, Kirkland Middle School, and Lake Washington High School all receiving high ratings.
Local parks such as Spinney Homestead Park and Highlands Park offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and athletic fields, while the Kirkland Connector Trail provides a six-mile paved path for jogging, biking, and rollerblading. Retail options along Northeast 85th Street include Safeway, Walgreens, Dollar Tree, and Starbucks, all within a 2-mile drive. Dining options in nearby downtown Kirkland, less than 2 miles away, include Bottle and Bull, Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen, and DERU Market. The Kirkland Wednesday Market, open from June to October, features farm-fresh produce, craft vendors, and live music.
Transportation is primarily car-dependent, with several bus stops available. Interstate 405 runs along the eastern boundary, providing access to Kenmore Air Harbor, 8 miles away, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 22 miles via I-405 South. The Highlands has a lower crime risk compared to the national average, making it a practical choice for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highlands a good place to live?
Highlands is a good place to live. Highlands is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable with some transit options. Highlands has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 8.0 people per acre and a median age of 41. The average household income is $216,159 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 74.3% of residents. A majority of residents in Highlands are home owners, with 16.6% of residents renting and 83.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Highlands can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Highlands neighborhood guide.
Is Highlands, WA a safe neighborhood?
Highlands, WA is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Highlands?
The median home price in Highlands is $580,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $116,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,010 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $129K a year to afford the median home price in Highlands. The average household income in Highlands is $216K.
What are the best public schools in Highlands?
The best public schools that serve Highlands are:
What are the best private schools in Highlands?
The best private schools that serve Highlands are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Highlands, Kirkland, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Highlands, Kirkland, WA?
Home Trends in Highlands, WA
On average, homes in Highlands, Kirkland sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands, Kirkland over the last 12 months is $510,000, up 70% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$510,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$510,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$782,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$225
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
19
Median List Price
$580,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
70%