Kirkland

Kirkland's Finn Hill neighborhood is a hillside paradise of beautiful views and stunning homes. Just 30 minutes from Seattle, the homes of this suburban neighborhood sell fast despite their high price point. The area is highly residential, with many developments. Still, local shops and gems hide among the trees and rolling hills of town. “It’s an established neighborhood with winding streets and cul-de-sacs,” says Max Rombahk, managing broker of Windermere Real Estate/East, Inc., who has sold 15 homes in the area. “It’s and easy place for kids to ride bikes, and the schools are excellent”. Because of continual growth in the neighborhood, housing styles from every decade are spread out beneath the canopies of spruce and fir trees in Finn Hill. Ample new construction takes place to accommodate the growing number of residents in the area, and one can purchase these homes for around $1.3 million. Sprawling ranches, picturesque new traditional builds, and even postmodern mansions can be found on the neighborhood's hills, often accompanied by a stunning view of Lake Washington. Residents take advantage of larger plots with expansive balconies, in-ground pools, gardens and private tennis courts, and manicured lawns with pristine landscaping are the norm. Bikers, joggers, and dog walkers can appreciate the elaborate and colorful landscape from the sidewalks of this very active neighborhood. “Homes in Finn Hill are more affordable than in neighborhoods closer to Downtown Kirkland,” Rombahk says. While some older homes sell for $900,000, many spacious lakeside properties can reach over $3 million, as compared to the $5 million price tags that accompany the neighboring communities. With its rolling hills and towering trees, it's no surprise that a few coveted public parks within the neighborhood offer plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural wonders of Western Washington. Big Finn Hill Park is a wooded sports complex with soccer and baseball fields, a mid-sized playground and an open area perfect for a picnic. The 220-acre park has ample hiking trails, splitting off through the woods and leading to beautiful lookout spots for photo opportunities. Bordering Lake Washington, O.O. Denny Park stretches from the shore towards the residential clusters at the neighborhood's center. Moss-covered cedars, tree ferns and blackberry bushes can be spotted along the 46 lakeside acres of the park, and locals can launch a kayak, watch the sunset, or use one of the parks charcoal grills along the pebbled shore. By traveling inland, residents can find a restored salmon ladder. The ladder along O.O. Denny Creek allows the opportunity to watch salmon complete their journey to their spawning grounds. Many families in the area send their children to private schools, but there are also some highly-rated public schools in town. Carl Sandburg Elementary School receives an A rating from Niche.com. It offers an extended day program with before-and-after-school care, activities and homework help. Finn Hill Middle School gets the same rating. The school and campus provide a variety of athletics, including basketball, track, soccer, tennis and volleyball. It's also known for its school spirit, sorting students into a house system and offering "Falcon Time," a smaller class period that allows students time to socialize and develop a sense of community. Juanita High is where many students complete their schooling and is rated an A-minus by Niche. Finn Hill boasts its dining hub on 100th Avenue Northeast. The Coffee Stand is a classic Washington drive-thru coffee hut, making it easy for commuters to grab their caffeine on the way to work. Nearby, Seoul Bowl is the perfect lunch spot, offering counter-serve Korean rice bowls with tender grilled meat and crunchy veggie toppings. Locals head to Rush In Dumplings for an unforgettable dinner. The woman-owned establishment offers Russian and Alaskan-style dumplings, borscht and a plentiful dessert selection. For everyday grocery shopping and big box retail stores like Nordstrom Rack, Barnes & Noble and Ross, The Village at Totem Lake is only 10 minutes away. With proximity to commercial hubs of Juanita Village and Totem Lake, as well as downtown Seattle, Finn Hill is a wonderful choice for commuters. Because of minimal transit options and low walkability, residents are car-dependent. The Seattle-Tacoma Airport is an hour south and serves as a central airline hub for the West Coast.

About Central Houghton is an upscale suburban enclave offering access to rugged greenspaces, local restaurants, big-box retail and highly rated public schools. The neighborhood is also a convenient place to settle down for people who work in the area's robust tech industry. "Central Houghton is near the Google office and just minutes from Microsoft headquarters, making it a perfect home base for those looking to live close to major employers," says Realtor Kitty Ballard, who sells homes in the neighborhood with Windermere Real Estate. The neighborhood is known for its upscale single-family homes, primarily built within the last half-century. Schools Many Kirkland parents apply for a lottery to enroll their children into Community Elementary School, which has a 23-to-1 student-teacher ratio and an A-minus Niche rating. Niche ranks the International Community School as Washington's best public middle school. The students are 96% proficient in math and 97% in reading. Many teens move on to Lake Washington High School, which has a 94% graduation rate and an A Niche rating. Central Houghton is home to Northwest University, a private Christian school with about 780 undergraduates and 300 postgraduates. Stores People buy their own cooking ingredients at the Metropolitan Market on 106th Avenue Northeast. They pick up prescriptions at Bartell Drugs next door. On Northeast 68th Street, many residents start their mornings at Starbucks. Bibi serves Persian and Mediterranean staples like chicken kabobs and lamb chops. Sarducci's Specialty Subs is popular for its fresh-baked bread and pizzas. A mile to the west, multiple restaurants along Lakeview Drive overlook Moss Bay. People eat Mexican dishes and watch Spaghetti Westerns at El Encanto on Lakeview Drive. Le Grand Bistro Américain is a French-style restaurant that serves seafood dishes like sea bass, steamed clams and lobster. Shoppers drive 3 ½ miles south to Bellevue Square to shop at retailers like Macy's, Nordstrom and Sephora. Transit Residents travel 1 ½ miles north to Downtown Kirkland via 108th Avenue Northeast, 10 ½ miles southwest across Lake Washington to Downtown Seattle via Washington 520 and 40 miles southwest to Downtown Tacoma via Interstate 405 and Interstate 5. Kirkland Transit operates bus stops on 108th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 68th Street. For longer trips, folks drive 20 miles southwest via Interstate 405 to reach the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Many streets are lined with sidewalks. Parks Many residents walk their pets down the wooded trails of Watershed Park. The Carillon Woods offers picnic tables, a playground and a walking trail. Across Interstate 405, people visit the 489-acre Bridle Trails State Park to hike and ride horses. Camping, cycling and off-leash dogs are not allowed. Some folks leave their boats at Carillon Point Dock, which they depart from to fish for red drum and catfish in Lake Washington. The 5.75-mile Cross Kirkland Corridor trail runs along the eastern edge of Central Houghton. Many residents visit Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park to launch canoes and kayaks. Entertainment. Locals often travel to Seattle to watch professional teams like the Seahawks and the Mariners play. The 394-seat Kirkland Performance Center has hosted musicians like Philip Glass and Rufus Wainwright. Folks can see famous musicians like Jon Batiste and comedians like Ronny Chieng at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle's downtown. Homes "It's one of the premiere Kirkland neighborhoods, so its pricing reflects that, but it is a bit more affordable than upscale Bellevue neighborhoods like Medina and Clyde Hill," says Ballard. Homebuyers can purchase a two-bedroom, two-bathroom early 1990s condo for between $850,000 and $950,000. Three-bedroom 1980s New Traditional-style houses with wood exteriors sell for between $1.45 million and $1.7 million. A four-bedroom of the same era and style sells for around $2.1 million. Assessors value four-bedroom French Provencial-influenced brick-exterior 1980s home sells for about $2 million. Four-bedroom, three-bathroom early 2000s contemporary-style houses sell for between $2.5 million and $4 million.

Welcome to Everest, a neighborhood beloved for its baseball, bonded community and beautiful views. Although it’s Kirkland’s smallest neighborhood, Everest has a big spirit. Its residents are bound by their shared love of baseball and sense of community. Beyond that, the neighborhood boasts lavish homes and stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington and city lights. “If you're looking to buy an elite property in Kirkland and you want to have privacy and great neighbors, Everest is going to be that neighborhood,” says Adriano Tori, Founder and Broker of RexMont Real Estate. “It’s a suburb that’s surrounded by urban amenities.” The neighborhood offers a mix of single-family, extravagant Northwest Contemporary homes, condos and unique properties like trendy treehouses and eclectic postmodern houses. Most homes were built in the late 1970s, but there are many newly constructed and recently remodeled ones, as well. Everest homes range from $1 million to $4 million, and yards are filled with terraced garden lots, fruit trees, firepits and large brick patios with lot sizes from around 10,000 square feet up to 27,000. “People are looking to have more land compared to what is being offered by new construction companies,” says Tori. “They want to be able to subdivide lots for further development to maximize their investment.” Higher-end homes offer ultimate seclusion with fortress-esque landscaping, spacious decks, gazebos and greenhouses. While a dense greenbelt of spruce and Douglas fir trees envelop the neighborhood, Everest is just a short walk or bike ride to Downtown Kirkland. Students attend Lakeview Elementary, Kirkland Middle School and Lake Washington High School. Ranked by Niche as the No. 42 best elementary school in Washington, Lakeview offers keyboard and guitar clubs and a lunch buddy program. Niche ranked Lake Washington the No. 22 best high school in the state. The high school offers badminton and basketball, as well as an editorial cartoon club. Everest’s love for baseball comes alive at the beloved Everest Park. Boasting four baseball fields and batting cages, the park is known for its role in the Kirkland Little League scene and is where the Junior League Softball World Series is held every year, drawing teams from all over the world. “It’s very popular with residents, and it brings families together to support the junior leagues and spotlights our town,” Tori says. Stands packed with cheering fans are a time-honored tradition here, and the concession stand is a local favorite for its ballpark classics, shirts and souvenirs. The Little League also hosts fan appreciation days and regular celebrations commemorating over 60 years of baseball in Everest Park. Home to Google’s Kirkland campus, tech and creative professionals will enjoy Everest for its luxurious living without the commute. For shopping and dining, head to Everest’s southern side, where you can get a hot meatball sub or cold club specialty at Sarducci’s or Bibi Mediterranean Inspired Food for authentic Persian and Mediterranean cuisine. Get groceries at the nearby PCC Community Markets store on Kirkland Way or head to Kirkland Urban, a downtown shopping center just four minutes away. Anchored by the supermarket chain QFC, it offers abundant amenities, including Chainline Brewing, a café, hair salon, fitness center and pet store. Everest is a warm, welcoming neighborhood, according to Tori. “It’s a very tight-knit community, the vibe is one of participation, contribution and people know one another,” he says. “People have lived here for 20-plus years, but there is a lot of friendliness for those coming in. It’s easy to integrate into the neighborhood.” A vibrant community, The Everest Neighborhood Association hosts an annual picnic in Everest Park for residents. There’s also a regular neighborhood coffee social and a beloved community garden called Ohde Avenue Pea Patch, where you can grow fruits and veggies in one of 34 plots for an annual fee. “It’s well-kept, and you have a lot of neighbors participating in it. In July, you’ll see tomatoes popping up and plants blossoming there.” For the perfect blend of luxury, a strong community and bustling downtown fun, choose Everest.

The Highlands is a tranquil enclave of Kirkland surrounded by woodland and offering stunning views of Mount Rainier. The Highlands' meandering streets are heavily lined with fir and hemlock trees, giving residents a sense of seclusion. "This area is highly desirable for buyers because it's accessible to major employers, our beloved Lake Washington School District and the amenities of Downtown Kirkland," says Realtor Catherine Ferrera with Compass Realty, who has had multiple sales in the area. Homes in the Highlands comprise a mix of architectural styles, including bi-levels, ranch-style, bungalows and contemporary. Closer to the main artery of Northeast 85th Street, there are contemporary townhomes and single-family homes. Prices range from $1 million to $3.9 million, and according to Ferrera, the pricing reflects luxury home-buying options. "You'll find eclectic older homes built between the 1960s and 1980s that offer retro charm alongside new construction," she says. Many of the recently built homes feature floor-to-ceiling windows and covered patios. Closer to the main artery of Northeast 85th Street is a section of newly constructed townhomes and multi-level single-family homes with features like rooftop patios. Most homes have manicured lawns, some with flowering camellias and rhododendrons. Streets are narrow, and sidewalks are paved. The Highlands is zoned for the highly rated Lake Washington School District. Peter Kirk Elementary School, named after Kirkland's founder, has an A from Niche and offers a music program that helps students explore their musical talents through song, dance and musical instruments. Also, with an A Niche rating, Kirkland Middle School students can join competitive academic clubs. Lake Washington High School, also with an A Niche grade, has advanced placement courses. The Highlands is home to several parks. Spinney Homestead Park is less than a mile from home on local streets and offers a small playground, picnic areas and a large, grassy field where "kids play soccer during the summer or go inner tubing when it snows," Ferrera says. Highlands Park has a large, colorful play area, a small athletic field and picnic areas. This park is a popular place to take kids, but there's limited parking available, so walking or getting to the park earlier in the day is recommended. Nearby is the locally renowned Kirkland Connector Trail, a section of the Eastrail that's now a paved six-mile trail running through the heart of Kirkland. It is a local favorite for jogging, biking or rollerblading. Along Northeast 85th Street, retail options like Safeway, Walgreens, Dollar Tree and Starbucks are within a 2-mile drive on local streets. DERU Market is a family-owned fast-casual eatery and market that prepares meals from locally sourced ingredients. They are known for their Neapolitan-style pizza, soups and sandwiches. One of the biggest perks of living in the Highlands is its proximity to downtown Kirkland, which is less than 2 miles via back roads and features locally owned shops and restaurants. Via Lago and Purpose Boutique sell the latest in women's fashion. Dining options include Bottle and Bull, an Ernest-Hemingway-inspired tavern that offers draft cocktails and dishes like locally caught crab risotto. Isarn Thai Soul Kitchen serves authentic curries and stir-fries. The Kirkland Wednesday Market, open June through October, has farm-fresh produce, craft vendors, local food vendors and live music. The community has several bus stops; however, most residents rely on their cars for transportation. Interstate 405 runs along the eastern boundary of the community. Kenmore Air Harbor is an 8-mile drive on local roads. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 22 miles via I-405 South.

The Seattle area is known as a haven for professionals who flock to abundant opportunities in the technology field. Entrepreneurs and startup owners seek out the coastal city for its natural beauty and well-educated workforce. Therefore, it makes historic sense that Lakeview Kirkland was settled in the 1880s by entrepreneurs. The founders of the Moss Bay Iron and Steel Works planned on turning the lakefront area, which eventually became the City of Bellevue, into a west-coast Pittsburgh-like steel mill town. However, the financial panic of 1893 put a stop to those dreams. By the early 1900s, wool mills and shipbuilding factories took hold and brought stability and emerging prosperity to Lakeview Kirkland. World War I drove abundant need further for both industries. Today, Lakeview Kirkland is thriving, perhaps beyond its founders' wildest dreams. Online publication, Seattle Inno recently named the Lakeview Kirkland area as “the fastest-growing startup city in the U.S.” The area raised more startup funds -- $298.6 million – than any other U.S. city in the second quarter of 2022. Beyond its reputation for incubating emerging startups, the area is acclaimed for its stunning natural lakefront beauty and its shoreline. Local restaurants, hotels, and parks compete for the moniker of “best sunset views”. Homes are distinctive, expansive and often breathtaking for their design and layouts. You can find an occasional turn-of-the-20th-century Victorian or Craftsman-style home. But for the most part, suggests Seattle native and veteran Realtor Sean Meade with Compass Realty, “Homes under $5,000,000 tend to be ones that are purchased by buyers seeking waterfront lots who then remove the existing home and build a new one to their own specifications." Contemporary estate homes on Lake Washington will run you about $11,000,000. Waterfront homes with about 3,000 square feet range from $3,000,000 to $6,400,000. Two-bedroom condominiums, two blocks from the water, can be found for around $900,000. Lake Washington School District is the second-largest in the state of Washington and is ranked 17th. Lakeview Elementary offers kindergarten through fifth grade and ranks in the top 50 best elementary schools in the state. Niche gives them an overall A grade. Kirkland Middle also has an A-rating from Niche and is ranked the tenth-best middle school out of 525 schools in the state. Lake Washington High was founded in 1922 with less than 50 students. After nearly 100 years, the school opened in a new building in 2011 and has reached an enrollment today of just under 2,000 students. Niche gives it an overall A grade. Lakeview Kirkland area parks offer spectacular views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park fronts the lake and offers amenities to keep you busy for a few hours or a full day. Families with young kids enjoy the seasonal swim area with lifeguards, a playground and a sand volleyball court. Landscaped green spaces are perfect for picnicking or taking a run. The park also features three striking public art sculptures. Marsh Park offers four waterfront acres and unbeatable Seattle skyline views. Terrace Park is a small, two-acre park that’s great for little kids. It features a basketball court, a playground and soccer fields. One of the best reasons to go out to dinner in Lakeview Kirkland has to be waterfront dining. With abundant choices, you can find all manner of justifications for doing it often. Chianti Kirkland is located in the heart of downtown Kirkland and welcomes diners with traditional Italian restaurant details from white tablecloths to prominent wine racks. Try their Bruschetta con Pomodoro or their Zuppa del Giorno. From the moment you walk into Le Grand Bistro Americain, you’ll start to relax. The views of pleasure boats gently rocking at Carillon Point Dock will settle your soul while the scent of butter and seafood will have you searching for the menu. On warm days, do all you can to snag a table outside. Weekends are a great time to enjoy the abundant shopping venues of Lakeview Kirkland. Via Lago is a popular ladies’ boutique that offers casual and semi-formal fashions, jewelry and lingerie. Kick It Boutique has a great reputation for recommending the right items for your style and figure. Reviews praise their assortment of casual but work-appropriate fashions. Shopping for groceries at Metropolitan Market is an experience with abundant fresh and hard-to-find foods everywhere you look. QFC grocery is the place to go for dry goods, home supplies, and health products. If you’re looking for a waterfront home and plenty of outdoor activities, Lakeview Kirkland offers an ideal location. As Realtor Meade explains, “Those who live an active, healthy life and who want a beachy lifestyle will fall for this area. It offers so much -- and the views are beyond spectacular.”

A waterside neighborhood in Kirkland, Market is a breezy popular area. Home to beaches, parks, and beautiful views, this area is desirable for people looking to buy a home on the shores of Lake Washington and is well known for having a strong community, "It's a niche neighborhood; it's a close-knit community," says Max Rombakh, a Managing Broker with Windermere Real Estate/East. "There's a neighborhood email that goes around where people plan parties or if someone needs help finding a lost pet." Market is a quiet area thanks to the unique aspect of its street layout. says Max. "And there are no cut-through streets. The area is laid out so the streets face toward the water, so there isn't any thru traffic in the area." Homes in the area start at around $2.5 million and top out at around $7 million, generally for properties that are on the water. Properties tend to reflect modern styles, with sleek, clean-lined facades and prominent black-framed windows. Students in the area are part of Lake Washington School District, which has an A-plus rating on Niche and excellent ratings for its academics, teachers, clubs, activities and college prep. The area's youngest learners begin their academic journey at Alexander Graham Bell Elementary. This A-rated school is also well known for its academic programs and teachers and has a student-teacher ratio of 16 to 1. Students continue at Kirkland Middle School, which has an A rating on Niche and is in the top 10 public middle schools in Washington, according to the site. Students finish their academic journey at Lake Washington High School, which is in the top 25 public high schools in Washington. For a bite to eat, head to the dining district on Lake Street, located right across from the Kirkland City Dock. There's a bevy of options to choose from, whether you want falafel or an upscale Italian dinner. Falafel Fresh is a local favorite for quick plates of shwarma, kebob and falafel. With mosaic tiles on the counter and a warm grey marble surface on the raised seating on the front window, Falafel Fresh has plenty of character to go with the tasty food. For a fancy night out, locals head to Volterra. With dark wood tables, moody lighting at night, and an espresso machine at the bar, Volterra is a popular spot for dinner and drinks. Market's shoreline is dotted with popular beaches and parks, and many waterside homes have private docks. Locals love to spend weekends at Waverly Beach Park. With a playground, pier and small beach area, it's a fun spot to swim or hang out on the jungle gym. Nature is a big plus in Market, something you might not expect in such an urban area. Nelson Point offers spectacular views of Lake Washington and a walking path into Juanita Bay Park, a preserve for cranes, songbirds, and local flora and fauna. With natural privacy created by its street layout, easy access to downtown Kirkland, and miles of shoreline to enjoy, Market has plenty to offer. It's also easy to hop on Market Street and traverse the local area or head to I-405 to gain access to the greater Seattle area, making this area an option worth considering for potential homebuyers looking for their own place on the water.