Compared to the tech-driven metros of the Pacific Northwest, Sammamish feels like an old-fashioned suburb on the plateau beyond Bellevue. This city of 68,000 people appears on nationwide rankings as one of the wealthiest cities in the United States, boasting higher-than-average wages and home values. Known locally for its elegant lakes and golf courses, Sammamish attracts homebuyers looking for stunning nature scenes within reach of the bustling tech industry. “It’s a short commute to Microsoft, but families move here for the education,” says Ericka Nash, a Sammamish resident and Real Estate Broker with 10 years of experience at Compass in Bellevue. “Sammamish has a small-town feel, fantastic neighborhoods and a tight-knit community. People get that feeling when they shop for a home here.”
Vibrant Sahalee - "high heavenly ground"
Towering evergreens and plum trees border the streets, while hedges and miniature cypress trees decorate the city’s lush lawns. The plateaued landscape descends to its flattest point around Sammamish Lake, while steep hills take residents to the affluent neighborhoods above the town. Sahalee, which means “high heavenly ground,” is a desirable gated community with vibrant landscaping and choice schools centered around its namesake country club. Sammamish architecture includes tall contemporary, midcentury and New Traditional houses. The median price of a single-family home in Sammamish is $1.8 million. The median townhouse price is $1.1 million. “You can get to the mountains or the city, but you’re still removed enough that you don’t feel like you’re in the hustle and bustle,” says Stephanie Hunziker, a lifelong PNW local and Broker at Windermere Real Estate.
Waterfront properties in the Sahalee neighborhood sit along the shores of Lake Sammamish.
Affluent neighborhoods like Sahalee boast large contemporary and New Traditional homes.
Architectural styles within the Sahalee neighborhood include New Traditional houses.
Sahalee Estates offers hundreds of acres of gated community along an impressive golf course.
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Boating on Sammamish Lake and golfing at a championship course
Sammamish is known for its expansive outdoor spaces, trails and glittering lakes. Lake Sammamish State Park is the most significant area, with 512 acres of nature trails and two beaches. The lake, which bald eagles inhabit, separates Sammamish from Bellevue, with a popular boating waterfront. A nature trail extends 11 miles along the lake's eastern shore. "They just expanded the East Sammamish Lake Trail. It has easy access and great views," Nash says. Beaver Lake has woodland trails and totem pole exhibits. The Duthie Hill Mountain Bike Park is a collection of obstacle courses in a 120-acre forest in Issaquah. One of the most significant community hubs is the Sahalee Country Club, a 27-hole championship golf course that has been the venue for several PGA tournaments.
Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish offers a 27-hole championship golf course to enjoy.
Sammamish's Beaver Lake has trails that stretch through its wooded surroundings.
The East Sammamish Lake Trail is an 11-mile recreational trail running along Lake Sammamish.
Lake Sammamish State Park has 512 acres of nature trails and two beaches to explore.
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Top five school districts
Two school systems serve Sammamish, Lake Washington School District and the Issaquah School District, both of which earn A-plus grades from Niche, which also ranks them among the five best districts in Washington. The Issaquah School district is known for its IB and AP classes, while Lake Washington has high graduation rates and offers over 100 Career and Technical courses. "Schools are the biggest driver. North Sammamish and South Sammamish are highly sought-after due to the highly rated schools," Nash says.
Issaquah High School was founded in 1901 and offers the Advanced Placement program.
Skyline High School is the newest high school in the Issaquah School District.
Pine Lake Middle School in Sammamish serves approximately 900 students in grades 6-8.
Eastlake High School participates in the Running Start program and offers foreign languages.
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Working at Microsoft, Amazon or Nintendo
Technology is a dominating industry in this region of the Pacific Northwest. Many residents work at software and tech companies in Redmond, about 7 miles north. Microsoft, headquartered in Redmond, is the largest corporation with over 44,000 employees. Amazon, Meta and Nintendo each employ more than 1,000 people. Other notable employers include the Lake Washington School District and Eurest, a food service company.
Amazon's presence near Sammamish highlights the imprint that technology has on the region.
Microsoft's impressive headquarters are near Sahalee and employ over 44,000 employees.
Meta's offices near Sammamish are where upwards of 1,000 employees work as well.
Near Sammamish, Nintendo's impressive campus is home to over 1,000 employees.
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Public transit and taking I-90 to Bellevue
Sammamish has several public transportation options. The King County Metro bus system is the area’s public transit, and passengers can get on reliable routes at the South Sammamish Park-and-Ride area. Interstate 90 is the local expressway leading to major cities. Bellevue is roughly 15 miles away, while Downtown Seattle is about 20 miles west on I-90. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 25 miles southwest for worldwide flights.
Abundant retail, restaurants and the Grand Ridge Plaza
While the city does not have a true downtown, shopping centers line 228th Avenue in the town center. Sammamish Highlands is a popular plaza with yoga studios, salons and specialty restaurants. The local dining scene features various cuisines, including Lebanese, Indian and Vietnamese restaurants. There are two QFC supermarkets and other grocery options, such as Metropolitan Market. Abundant retail areas are also within 5 miles of Sammamish, like Grand Ridge Plaza, a modern commercial area in Issaquah with over 50 shops and a Regal cinema.
Metropolitan Market is an upscale grocery option that Sammamish residents can shop at.
Grand Ridge Plaza is a modern commercial area with over 50 shops and a Regal cinema.
Sammamish residents can head to Pine Lake Village and shop at one of the QFC grocery stores.
Sammamish residents can head to Sammamish Highlands for retail options including salons.
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Low crime and warm summers
This city sees significantly lower crime levels than the statewide and national averages. The violent crime rate is 14 out of 100,000 compared to the Washington average of 119. In addition, the property crime rate is 57 compared to the statewide rate of 244, per 100,000.
Sammamish experiences a warm-summer Mediterranean climate, although because of the Olympic Mountains that cast a rain shadow over the city, summers are drier here than on Washington’s west coast.
On average, homes in Sammamish, WA sell after 21 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Sammamish, WA over the last 12 months is $1,798,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Having lived in three different countries and moved over ten different homes, Amy understands how moving can be both exciting and unnerving. Her goal is to go above and beyond to deliver an experience that is fulfilling for her clients. Helping each client navigate and understand each and every step of the way with honest and clear communication.
Amy grew up in the Pacific Northwest, and has lived in the Seattle area for over 15 years. Her cheerful personality, combined with her penchant for teamwork, guarantees top results! She brings a Bachelors degree in Business Administration, and a Masters of Science in Industrial Design, which gives her an edge over competitors – she truly strives for excellence in all that she does.
She joined the real estate industry when she realized that she truly loved going into a home and finding ways that the design of the home matched, and complemented, different lifestyles.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
