South Juanita, in Kirkland, sits on the northeast shores of Lake Washington by Juanita Bay, about 15 miles from Downtown Seattle. The commercial area known as Juanita Village is just steps away from the lake. "The area is one of Kirkland's best places to live. It's undergone a large revitalization, and many people who grew up in the area are moving back to raise their families," says Elizabeth Avery, a Realtor with Re/MAX Northwest who grew up in Kirkland.
Off Juanita Bay, there's Juanita Beach Park, where beach volleyball, paddleboarding and fishing are popular pastimes. "There's a public vessel launch, and when there are strong south winds, we see quite a lot of kiteboarders, kite surfers, surf skiers, and even some outrigger canoes. People bring blowup rafts as well," says Jeff Underwood, the owner of Seattle Paddle, which has two locations in Kirkland, one of which is at the beach. The company rents out kayaks and standup paddleboards onsite. "We have a fair amount of people who are season pass holders; some come every day after work or even sneak in a quick paddle during lunch break." On the other side of the rental area, there's a snack shack, which Underwood jokingly says was strategically placed adjacent to the playground. A morning arrival is recommended. "Parking is always tricky on nice-weather days," Underwood says. "If they are locals, they know better than to expect a parking space later." He says many people bike and walk to the park as the area has plenty of apartments and condominiums. Close by, on the northeast shore, Juanita Bay Park's 110 acres draw nature lovers, including birdwatchers and hikers, ready to explore the forested trails and wetland outlooks. For a workout challenge, Forbes Creek Stairs has 210 steps on a steep incline leading to the Forbes Creek trails.
Held at the beach park, the city of Kirkland's Wheels and Reels Winter-Spring Drive-In Movies are a favorite. The cost is $20 per vehicle, with preregistration required. The parking lot is also the site of the Juanita Friday Market, which welcomes browsers looking for farm produce, flowers and specialty items. Another option is the Kirkland Wednesday Market, which is held downtown. Both are open June through September, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Juanita Bay Park Bird Walk Tour takes place monthly, and other community events include art shows, forest and habitat stewardship volunteer days and seasonal and holiday celebrations.
Juanita Village, the heart of the neighborhood, is a walkable mixed-use environment with residential and commercial spaces. Outdoor dining is a plus at spots like Urban Coffee Lounge, where the brick patio, fountain and manicured landscaping add to the ambiance. It also has a beer and wine menu. There are plenty of cuisine choices to consider. "Take your pick," Underwood says. "There's Mexican, Indian, noodle shops, pizza and a good sushi shop — one of my favorites." For an upscale experience, Café Juanita serves curated prix-fixe dinners and optional wine pairings with a Northern Italian focus.Just to the east, there's a Fred Meyer and other stores alongside both sides of Interstate 405.
On South Juanita's residential streets, evergreen trees tower above single-family homes, some with lake views and tucked away on the hillsides. Builds from the 1960s to '80s include ranch-style and raised ranch homes, split-levels and traditionals, typically 1,000 square feet to 2,300 square feet and priced from $800,000 to $1.3 million. Over $3 million are custom luxury homes of up to 5,000 square feet, which, in recent years, replaced older teardowns. Condos typically run $350,000 to $620,000.
Kids may attend public schools like the neighborhood's Alexander Graham Bell Elementary, which received an A grade from Niche. Kirkland Middle School, also with an A, has a variety of competitive academic activities, such as Battle of the Books and Math Olympiad. In addition to its stellar academics, Juanita High School, which received an A-minus, is known for its competitive swim program and other athletics. The campus is also the site of the Juanita Aquatics Center.
The area is served by King County Metro bus routes, with stops found along major roads like 98th Avenue, 124th Street and Forbes Creek Drive. Route 255 travels from Totem Lake to the University District, and routes 230 and 231 go from Bothell and Woodinville, respectively, to the Kirkland Transit Center. For those driving, South Juanita is just west of I-405, connecting Kirkland to larger cities with major employers and amenities. Bellevue is about 9 miles away, and Downtown Seattle is about 16 miles away, with passage over Lake Washington via state Route 520. The bridge has a toll in both directions, although the Good To Go! Pass from the Washington State Department of Transportation will reduce fees substantially. If heading east, commuters have a drive of about 6 miles to reach Redmond, home to the Microsoft Headquarters. It's about a 25-mile trip to Sea-Tac, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Matthew Stapleton
Windermere Real Estate/East
(425) 970-9573
51 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$900,000 Price
JP Gerling
KW Greater Seattle
(206) 207-0593
59 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$1,489,500 Price
Steven Lieu
Windermere Real Estate/East
(206) 415-9736
37 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$2,125,000 Price
Dustin Bruce
Ballpark Realty
(206) 558-5822
170 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$1,450,000 Price
Rodolfo Hernandez McIntyre
Keller Williams Rlty Bellevue
(206) 350-6081
107 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$413,000 Price
Traci Fischer
Marketplace Sotheby's Intl Rty
(206) 278-1393
111 Total Sales
3 in South Juanita
$335K - $1.2M Price Range
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | South Juanita | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 3 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 3 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 5 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in South Juanita, Kirkland sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in South Juanita, Kirkland over the last 12 months is $1,200,000, up 107% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$950,000
Welcome to this stunning new construction by Holden Development Group, offering modern elegance and thoughtful design in every detail. The open-concept main floor boasts a gourmet kitchen w/ a spacious island, premium finishes, and seamless flow to the dining and living areas. Upstairs, retreat to the luxurious primary suite with a spa-inspired ensuite and a large walk-in closet. A second
$2,199,000
A rare and welcoming retreat filled with warmth, natural light, and good energy, this 5 bed, 4.5 bath home with its vaulted ceilings and peaceful Japanese-inspired gardens is simply gorgeous. Two decks and peekaboo Lake WA views are the perfect setting for entertaining and relaxing. The lower level—a fully finished daylight basement w/ 2 beds, 2 baths, laundry, and bonus room—offers easy ADU,
Angelina Wallent John L. Scott, Inc.
$440,000
Set in comfy Juanita, this bright condo blends convenience with lakeside fun. Walk ten minutes to Juanita Beach Park for boardwalk strolls, lake breezes, and wildlife, or nip to nearby cafés and express buses. Inside, fresh lighting highlights granite counters, stainless appliances, a cozy fireplace, open walk-in closet, and in-unit laundry. Glass doors lead to a covered balcony with storage. Two
Brian Slete Redfin
$1,935 - $3,399 per month
$4,050 per month
Available 1/16/26! Beautifully maintained home in Kirkland's desirable Enclave neighborhood! AC, EV Charger, Soaring ceilings & oversized windows stream natural sunlight throughout this circular floor plan. Main level features kitchen w/ new ss appliances, eating space, dining room, living room, 1/2 bath & outside deck backing to natural landscape. Perfect for entertaining. Upstairs has 2
Hannah Grubaugh Windermere PM/Lori Gill Assoc.
$2,198 - $3,295 per month
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Lakeside paradise of rolling hills and homes with stunning views north of Seattle
Retreat from hectic city living with easy access to life's necessities
Quiet lakeside enclave with easy access to city attractions
Luxury homes with great proximity to nature and Downtown Kirkland
Suburban neighborhood situated along Route 405, only 2 miles from Lake Washington
Stunning modern farmhouses, highly sought-after schools and a coveted location
