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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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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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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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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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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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.
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.
Written By
Jackson Hardy
Photography Contributed By
Landon Gauthier
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terese Prescott,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Sammamish, WA sell after 29 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Sammamish, WA over the last 12 months is $1,685,000, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled at the northern end of the highly desirable city of Sammamish, this beautiful home overlooks a tranquil greenbelt in the Demery Hill neighborhood, offering a peaceful setting with backyard privacy. Designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining, the light-filled, flowing floor plan features coffered ceilings in the formal living and dining rooms. The chef's kitchen offers
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!! Grove at Beaver Lake - Lot 1 is 4273 sq feet of living space, nestled on a private lot tucked away off the road. Step inside to an impressive great room layout and private outlook from over-sized windows. Entertainer's dream kitchen has quartz counters, Huntwood soft close cabinets with pull out shelves, 66" refrigerator, induction range/oven, wall mounted micro and second
Luxurious custom-built home in sought-after Plateau Golf & Country Club, offering privacy in a serene natural setting. Features natural stone exterior, attached & detached garages for up to 8 cars, with detached garage including separate living space above. Versatile floor plan with multiple living areas for space separation & privacy. Gourmet kitchen with slab granite island, stainless steel
Experience a premier waterfront lifestyle on the sought-after eastern shores of Lake Sammamish. This beautifully designed residence offers a front-row seat to breathtaking sunset views, visible from nearly every room. Whether you’re starting your day with coffee on the third-floor balcony overlooking the sparkling lake or stepping out directly from the main living area to the outdoors, every
5% Seller Financing! Why wait for rates to come down! There’s a moment when you walk into a home and just feel the quality-the warmth-the way everything fits together. This is one of those homes. Perched above Lake Sammamish w/sweeping water views, this custom-built home blends timeless craftsmanship with everyday comfort. From the moment you arrive, the attention to detail is clear-rich
$90K PRICE ADJUSMENT! Located in the award-winning Lake Washington School District and just minutes to parks, trails, shopping and dining this beautiful Sammamish home offers an exceptional blend of comfort & convenience. Low HOA dues. Tucked away on a private cul-de-sac, this 2,570 sq ft home features 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a thoughtfully designed layout ideal for everyday living and
Welcome to this beautifully maintained home in serene, sought-after Renaissance Ridge on the Sammamish Plateau. Thoughtfully cared for and continuously improved, it offers a flexible layout with a finished room off the primary for a nursery, office, or reading space, plus a bonus room with closet that can serve as a 5th bedroom. A small neighborhood park sits just across the street, adding to the
Beautiful Sammamish home located on a quiet cul-de-sac in the renowned Lake WA school district. Three floors ensure there is plenty of room to live, work & play. New carpeting throughout the whole house! The beautiful craftsman door welcomes you into the bright 2-story entryway. The main floor has formal living & dining rooms, an open concept kitchen with cherry wood cabinetry, granite
6 Bedrooms ready to be utilized in this Crosswater Craftsman! Prime location on a drive at the end of the culdesac, across from neighborhood manicured/maintained greenspace. Formal living and dining spaces have 2-story ceilings, sunny windows and hardwood floors. The main floor open concept kitchen has sliding doors to the backyard, a family room with brand new carpet, gas fireplace, and bonus
North-facing and filled w/natural light, this Pulte-built 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath Craftsman showcases the community’s most sought-after floor plan, plus a sunny, private backyard w/no homes behind. Fresh interior paint & new LED lighting throughout create a polished, move-in-ready feel. The open main level connects the kitchen, dining area & great room. The kitchen features quartz counters, SS
Location !!! Location !!! Location !!! NORTH / NE-facing, stunning and completely updated and upgraded! Total remodel of kitchen, bathrooms, lighting, fireplace surround, window coverings, fixtures, custom tile flooring ... the list goes on! Over $175,000 in remodeling! It is a showcase of perfection! Located in the sought-after Plateau 228 neighborhood in the heart of Sammamish. Corner lot,
Nestled at the northern end of the highly desirable city of Sammamish, this beautiful home overlooks a tranquil greenbelt in the Demery Hill neighborhood, offering a peaceful setting with backyard privacy. Designed for comfortable living and effortless entertaining, the light-filled, flowing floor plan features coffered ceilings in the formal living and dining rooms. The chef's kitchen offers
Top-floor end unit in the sought-after Sundance community of Klahanie! This move-in ready 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo has been thoughtfully updated with fresh paint, new light fixtures, and a new microwave hood vent. Soaring vaulted ceilings elevate the main living area and primary bedroom, creating an airy, open feel that's rare at this price point. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer/dryer,
Stunning Buchan classic in sought-after Highland Park! Impeccably maintained and thoughtfully updated, this timeless home features 4 spacious bedrooms plus a main-floor paneled den with built-ins and a closet. The chef's kitchen boasts a granite center island and gas cooktop, flowing effortlessly into the massive sunken family room with custom oak cabinetry and one of two cozy masonry fireplaces.
Welcome to Timbercrest, where timeless design meets modern updates in this beautifully maintained Murray Franklyn home. Situated on a desirable corner lot, this classic two-story home offers the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and everyday functionality. Formal living and dining rooms create inviting spaces for entertaining, while the spacious kitchen flows seamlessly into a light-filled
SKY Sammamish Apartments offers modern apartment living in the heart of Sammamish, Washington. Designed with comfort and convenience in mind, the community features contemporary finishes, open floor plans, and access to premium amenities. Residents enjoy scenic surroundings, nearby parks, and convenient access to Redmond, Issaquah, and the greater Eastside employment corridor. With thoughtfully
Come home to Boulder Creek, a pet-friendly community set against the natural beauty of Sammamish, Washington. Choose from one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes, each featuring bay windows, granite countertops, kitchen islands, a living room fireplace, energy-efficient stainless steel appliances, and a private patio or balcony where the Pacific Northwest feels close at hand.Gather
Allow a vacation lifestyle to become part of YOUR lifestyle. Welcome to The Knolls at Inglewood. Nestled in a hillside on scenic Sammamish Plateau, The Knolls at Inglewood provides an entirely new lifestyle experience, where you reside in the beauty and comfort of a vacation paradise. Each day you'll awake to spectacular mountain views and brilliant sunrises: a world of community lies before you.
Located on the desirable Sammamish Plateau, Saffron's elegantly eclectic community features distinctive floor plans for your sophisticated lifestyle. Close to major employers and freeways, this urban oasis is at the center of vibrant dining and shopping, and just minutes from everything else!
We offer Self-Guided Tours by Appointment Only. Enjoy peaceful scenery, modern style, and a prime locale at Vesta apartments in Redmond, WA. Find comfort and quality in each of our one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. Select homes feature a combination of plush carpeting and wood-style flooring, designer kitchen cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer for
Great Rental located in Issaquah SD. This beautiful home has 4 bedrooms with a main floor Den (could be a 5th bedroom or nice office) Chef's kitchen with Stainless Steel appliances, lots of counter space and center island. Off the dining room is your paver patio with privacy and fully fenced yard. Upstairs - Large vaulted primary suite with updated spa like private bath, Upgraded shelving in WIC,
Available Now! Welcome home to this beautifully maintained townhome in the desirable Kestrel Ridge community of Sammamish. Offering a thoughtful three-bedroom floor plan, this home blends style, comfort, and convenience in an exceptional location. The open-concept main level features rich hardwood floors, a cozy gas fireplace, and abundant natural light, creating an inviting space for both
Stunning east-facing 4-bedroom, 2.75-bath Murray Franklin home in the highly sought-after Montrachet community. Features soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, custom millwork, and abundant natural light. Chef's kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double ovens, 5-burner gas range, large island, walk-in pantry and a butler's pantry. Spacious family room with gas fireplace and built-ins.
*CUSTOM 2025 DESIGNER REMODEL! FuLLY FURNISHED or can be VACANT** Beautifully reimagined throughout, this ultra-modern 5-bedroom home plus private office/den blends exceptional craftsmanship, soaring ceilings, and high-end designer finishes. HUGE 0.56-acre park-like lot with peek-a-boo Lake Sammamish views and abundant natural light, this turnkey residence is move-in ready.The oversized chef's
This beautiful home in the sought-after Dobbs Mill community offers comfort, style, and convenience. The open floor plan features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a butler's pantry that flows into the spacious family room. A double-sided fireplace connects the family and living rooms, while French doors lead to a private backyard with a large patio,
Available Now! Welcome home to this beautifully updated stand-alone townhome - no shared walls for ultimate privacy. This spacious 3-story residence offers 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and an attached 2-car garage. The oversized corner kitchen is filled with natural light and features modern updates throughout. Enjoy cozy evenings by the gas fireplace with granite surround, while radiant floor heating
There's a good chance anyone thinking about buying a home in the affluent Seattle suburb of Sahalee works for Microsoft or Nintendo of America, both of which are based nearby. Or maybe they're just drawn to the quality schools, natural amenities, world-class golf course, diverse restaurants and unique retail options. Sahalee is based in Sammamish, which U.S. News & World Report ranked as the second wealthiest city in the nation in 2023. <br><br>Locals most commonly identify Sahalee Estates as the defining neighborhood of the Sahalee area. In this gated community, most houses range from $1.2 million to $3 million and overlook the greens and fairways of the 27-hole Sahalee Country Club. This private club has hosted the 1998 PGA Championship, the 2002 World Golf Championship, the 2010 Men’s Senior Open and the 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. It is set to host the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. “The highly rated golf course is a treasure of the area, and it’s a big draw for homebuyers,” says Stephanie Hunziker, a lifelong resident of Sammamish and agent for Windermere Real Estate<br><br>In the Sahalee area, there is a wide selection of homes outside the gated borders of Sahalee Estates. A 1980s four-bedroom traditional-style home with an attached two-car garage is valued at $1.35 million. A 1990s four-bedroom with a backyard patio and a gas fireplace is listed for about $3 million. There are 1990s four-bedrooms with back porches overlooking Lake Sammamish valued from $3.5 million to $7 million. <br><br>Many local children attend Margaret Mead Elementary School, which has an A Niche rating, an 88% reading proficiency and an 81% math proficiency. Evergreen Middle School also has an A Niche rating and an 18-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Tesla STEM High School has an A-plus Niche rating and requires applications for enrollment. U.S. News & World Report ranked Tesla as the best high school in Washington in 2022. Many teens also attend Eastlake High School, which has an A-plus Niche rating and a 93% graduation rate. <br><br>“When you’re living in Sahalee Estates, you’re still surrounded by options that make you feel connected to the rest of Sammamish,” says Hunziker. Locals shop for groceries at Safeway and Trader Joe’s. The area also has a McDonald’s and a Starbucks. People buy stuffed and fried turnovers at Rocky’s Empanadas. Pomegranate Bistro offers comfort classics like burgers, fried chicken, plates of fish and tacos. Residents dine on kabab entrees at Tanoor, an authentic Lebanese restaurant. <br><br>The area has no shortage of retail options. Anali sells embroidered items like towels and cocktail squares. Rosenfield Flowers is the place to purchase roses, dahlias, snapdragons, sweat peas and sunflowers. JCT Quilting offers courses that teach locals the art of patchwork. The professional quilters there assist locals by putting the finishing touches on their homemade quilts using an edge-to-edge machine. <br><br>Sammamish has multiple bus routes. Residents can also use the city’s on-demand shuttle. Some residents drive 23 miles to Seattle via I-90 for work or amenities. “Most folks drive,” says Hunziker. “Public transportation in general in the area is not robust like it is in other metro areas.”<br><br>Evans Creek Preserve offers 213 acres of meadowlands, forests and wetlands. East Sammamish Park is next to Margaret Mead Elementary School and offers barbecue grills, a playground, space for soccer, a picnic shelter and tennis courts. The 40-acre Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park allows dogs to roam freely through woods and high grasses 2 miles from the Microsoft campus. Permit applications are required.
Inglewood-Sammamish is a Seattle suburb with abundant natural amenities as well as access to dining and retail. The community borders Lake Sammamish, where residents enjoy swimming, fishing and boating. “The community has a quaint small-town feel, but it has all the amenities,” says Stephanie Hunziker, a lifelong resident of the area and agent for Windermere Real Estate. “You can go to the mountains, you can go to the city, but you’re still removed enough that you don’t feel like you’re in the hustle and bustle of the city.”<br><br>Seven miles away, Redmond is home to the Microsoft headquarters and Nintendo’s American headquarters. “The area is great for accessibility to the strong tech industry in western Washington,” says Hunziker. “A fair amount of the folks here work in tech.” The Microsoft headquarters employs tens of thousands of workers, many of whom live in Inglewood-Sammamish. The Seattle Times has reported that Nintendo’s Redmond building houses 650 employees. <br><br>A 1970s three-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch-style home with an attached one-car garage can be valued from $680,000 to $900,000. A 1980s three-bedroom with two-and-a-half bathrooms can be valued at $1.37 million. Homes with a waterfront view of Lake Sammamish are generally valued between $1.8 million and $9 million. A 1944 three-bedroom home with a gazebo, pier, boat lift and beach is valued at $3.7 million. It’s common to see pets walking the community’s network of sidewalks with owners trailing at the other end of leashes.<br><br>Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School has an A Niche rating, and the student body is about 460 strong. Renaissance School of Art & Reasoning is a nearby public middle school with an A Niche rating. The school features an arts-based curriculum and applications are required to enroll. Inglewood Middle School has an A Niche rating. Students who attend are 88% proficient in reading and 86% proficient in math. Eastlake High School has an A-plus Niche rating and a 20-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Central Washington University opened its Sammamish campus in 2017. <br><br>When locals need to grab a snack on the go or get a coffee, they have immediate access to a McDonald’s and a Starbucks. Sammamish Café & Spirits is a popular spot for its breakfast quesadillas, chicken clubs and cozy stone fireplace. At Big Fish Sushi, residents dine on colorful plates of nigiri, sashimi, chicken teriyaki and ramen. When locals decide to cook at home, they often purchase ingredients at Metropolitan Market. Residents take I-90 to travel 20 miles to Seattle if they search for big city amenities or commute to work. <br><br>K2 Strength & Fitness Training offers personal coaching for locals interested in improving their health. Residents also exercise in YogaSix, a yoga studio providing sound baths. Facials Organic provides residents with facials and other skin care services. Locals shop at Mud Bay for their pet supplies. Angelic Care Adult Family Home provides specialized attention to seniors. <br><br>Many locals play golf at the private Sahalee Country Club. The club will host the 2024 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The club has hosted the 1998 PGA Championship, the 2002 World Golf Championship and the 2010 US Men’s Senior Open. Residents also enjoy biking, walking and running on East Lake Sammamish Trail, which winds along the lake for 11 miles. The 19-acre East Sammamish Park is located next to Margaret Mead Elementary School. Residents of the area go to the park to enjoy the picnic shelter or to play soccer, tennis, baseball and softball. Inglewood-Sammamish is full of cedars and Douglas firs.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Rental Home Trends
Number of Homes for Rent
43
Median Rent
$4,402
Median Single Family Home Rent
$4,800
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$4,850
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,500
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,500
Median Condo Rent
$2,400
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,675
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Fairly bikeable
Bikeability®
50/ 100
Fairly walkable
Walkability®
50/ 100
Limited public transit
Transit®
30/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
