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.
Kim Pelham
Katrina Eileen
(425) 428-5280
85 Total Sales
2 in South Juanita
$415K - $425K Price Range
Mahender Alluri
Skyline Properties, Inc.
(425) 970-9289
193 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$405,000 Price
Maxwell McKinley
Windermere Real Estate GH LLC
(206) 681-2189
55 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$465,000 Price
Terri Del Maestro
John L. Scott Bothell
(206) 210-3452
42 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$1,400,000 Price
Jared Boundy
Coldwell Banker Danforth
(206) 222-5651
66 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$610,000 Price
Hailu Liu
RE/MAX Town Center
(425) 215-0682
161 Total Sales
1 in South Juanita
$585,000 Price
On average, homes in South Juanita, Kirkland sell after 28 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 $1,152,500, up 90% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$2,950,000
MN Custom Homes introduces this transitional design in the convenient Forbes Creek neighborhood. Ideally situated on a dead end street. Entertainment spaces include vaulted great room, chef’s kitchen, outdoor covered living space & mid-level bonus room. Guest main floor en-suite. Upstairs primary suite retreat with 5-piece bath and heated floors. Work from home office. Private backyard. Smart
Brad Cahill Real Residential
$995,950
ID Construction Group presents a charming new detached cottage in Kirkland. The open-concept main floor is filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows and features a stylish kitchen with gas range and large island with unique matte quartz counters. Double sliders open to a private fenced yard and patio—perfect for BBQs or soaking up the sun. Upstairs you'll find your secondary
John Cowan Windermere Real Estate Co.
$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
$2,150,000
This modern Kirkland Craftsman, built in 2014, blends luxury & function throughout 4,230 SF. A dramatic hardwood foyer greets as you enter, ads style & utility. Spacious home Designed for entertaining, it features a gourmet kitchen w/Wolf range, oversized island, breakfast nook & sunny dining patio. Retreat to the spacious primary suite, features 2nd bdrm & office on main. Entertain in the
Tami Grayevsky Windermere R.E. Northeast, Inc
$1,350,000
Stylish and move-in ready home in Kirkland’s desirable Copper Wood community, quietly set on a peaceful cul-de-sac. Bright vaulted ceilings and large soundproof windows fill the space with light. The fully remodeled kitchen features quartz countertops, new cabinets, sink, range, hood, and refrigerator. Updated bathrooms include new vanities, countertops, and a primary shower. Enjoy new LVP
Bing Yu KW Greater Seattle
$1,758 - $3,299 per month
$5,500 per month
Avail now. Gorgeous custom home with Lake WA views! Conveniently located near Juanita Village & Juanita Beach Park. Minutes to downtown Kirkland. Contemporary touches & open floor-plan w/soaring ceilings & hardwoods throughout main flr. Tasteful kitchen w/top-of-the-line appliances, Geggenau steam & convection oven, Liebherr refrigerator & Bosch dishwasher. Plus, walk-in pantry & bar seating.
Tony Strobel Windermere PM/Lori Gill Assoc.
$1,650 - $2,995 per month
Bike Score®
Walk Score®
Transit Score®
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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