Why Live in Totem Lake
Totem Lake, a neighborhood in Kirkland, is situated just 3 miles from Lake Washington and offers convenient access to Interstate 405. The area has seen significant revitalization with the redevelopment of Totem Lake Mall into The Village at Totem Lake, featuring mixed-use spaces, retail, and residential options. Housing in Totem Lake includes townhouses and single-family homes in styles such as bi-level, ranch-style, and bungalows, with most properties featuring one-car garages and small lots. The neighborhood is served by the highly rated Lake Washington School District, including Alexander Graham Bell Elementary, Kirkland Middle School, and Juanita High School, which offers a variety of student clubs.
Residents enjoy several parks, including Totem Lake Park with its play area and raised plank paths, Highlands Park with a playground and picnic areas, and Forbes Creek Park, which offers tennis and basketball courts. Jasper's Dog Park provides off-leash areas for dogs, and the East Side Tennis Center and Seattle Badminton Club offer sports facilities. The Village at Totem Lake is a central hub with a movie theater, 20 retailers, a Whole Foods market, and diverse dining options like Silverlake Ramen and Hanoon. Additional dining options include Spicy Talk Bistro and Maelstrom Brewing Company.
While the community has several bus stops, most residents rely on cars for transportation. Kenmore Air Harbor is 9 miles away, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 23 miles via I-405 South. The neighborhood's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to its appeal for potential home buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Totem Lake a good place to live?
Totem Lake is a good place to live. Totem Lake is considered somewhat walkable and bikeable with some transit options. Totem Lake is a suburban neighborhood. Totem Lake has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 6.5 people per acre and a median age of 38. The average household income is $91,739 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 45% of residents. A majority of residents in Totem Lake are renters, with 67.2% of residents renting and 32.8% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Totem Lake can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Totem Lake neighborhood guide.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Totem Lake?
The median home price in Totem Lake is $665,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $133,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.3%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,290 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $141K a year to afford the median home price in Totem Lake. The average household income in Totem Lake is $92K.
What are the best public schools in Totem Lake?
The best public schools that serve Totem Lake are:
What are the best private schools in Totem Lake?
The best private schools that serve Totem Lake are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Totem Lake, Kirkland, WA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Totem Lake, Kirkland, WA?
Home Trends in Totem Lake, WA
On average, homes in Totem Lake, Kirkland sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Totem Lake, Kirkland over the last 12 months is $890,000, up 68% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$890,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,124,497
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$989,497
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$475,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$472,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$600
Number of Homes for Sale
27
Last 12 months Home Sales
58
Median List Price
$665,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
68%
