Exploring the Best Neighborhoods in Kirkland

Credit: Image by inboundREM

Kirkland, WA, is a picturesque city located in King County, resting on the shores of Lake Washington. 

Most known for its beautiful waterfront parks and beaches that draw visitors from surrounding regions, Kirkland offers a lot more than just stunning natural sights.

If you are considering moving to this wonderful city, read on to learn more about Kirkland neighborhoods.

Why Kirkland is a Desirable Place to Live

Located just east of Seattle, on the shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland offers residents convenient access to the big city and the abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation it offers.

Known for its waterfront parks, breathtaking views, excellent schools, and flourishing art scene, Kirkland, WA, is one of Seattle’s fastest growing suburbs. But despite its recent growth and increasing affluence, Kirkland, still maintains its small-town feel.

Kirkland’s beautiful waterfront location and proximity to established employers like Microsoft and Google make it an ideal place for young families and couples looking to settle down.

Credit: Image by Chenghe Huang | Unsplash

Top Neighborhoods in Kirkland

If you’re moving to Kirkland, WA, and is looking for the best neighborhood to live, you might have a difficult time deciding which one to choose because all of them are equally amazing!

Here are some of the top Kirkland neighborhoods you might want to consider:

Rose Hill

Rose Hill is a suburban neighborhood located on the eastern side of Kirkland, WA. It is home to a mix of mid-century residences and newer single-family homes and townhouses. 

The neighborhood is known for its excellent schools and community events and activities throughout the year, making it an ideal choice for families.

Several highly rated schools serve the neighborhood:

• Rose Hill Elementary

• Kamiakin Middle School

• Lake Washington High School

Juanita

Juanita is a diverse community located on the northern shore of Lake Washington, WA. It is home to a mix of mid-century houses and newer single-family homes and apartments. 

The neighborhood is known for its laid-back vibe, with several locally owned shops, restaurants, parks, and walking trails, making it a perfect home for young professionals and nature lovers.

Here are some of the popular green spaces in Juanita:

• Juanita Beach Park

• Big Finn Hill Park 

• Saint Edward State Park

Credit: Image by Hunters Race | Unsplash

Downtown Kirkland

Downtown Kirkland is a bustling neighborhood that offers a mix of high-rise condos, townhouses, and single-family homes. 

The neighborhood is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Here, you’ll find several art galleries, theaters, and music venues.

For young individuals looking to start their careers, major employers like Google and Tableau offer promising job opportunities.

Downtown Kirkland is also an excellent neighborhood for families, with several parks and walking trails, including Juanita Bay Park and the Cross Kirkland Corridor Trail, as well as highly rated schools, including:

• Peter Kirk Elementary

• Kirkland Middle School

• Lake Washington High School

This lovely neighborhood is also conveniently located near Marina Park, a popular lakefront park with a sandy beach, boat launch, public art, and open-air pavilion. 

It boasts magnificent views of Lake Washington and Seattle and is home to many of Kirkland's special events, including the July 4th Celebration and Summer Concert Series.

Houghton

A quiet and affluent neighborhood located on the eastern side of Kirkland, Houghton is home to a mix of mid-century properties and more recent single-family homes. 

The neighborhood is near several parks, including Bridle Trails State Park, a 489-acre state park with 28 miles of maintained trails open to hikes, equestrians, walkers, and runners.

Houghton is known for its highly rated schools, including:

• Lakeview Elementary

• International Community School

• Lake Washington High School

Credit: Image by Yan Krukau | Pexels

Totem Lake

A rapidly growing neighborhood in the northern part of Kirkland, Totem Lake is known for its convenient location, with easy access to major highways and several major employers in the region. 

Totem Lake is home to a mix of mid-century residences and newer apartments, townhouses, and single-family homes. 

There are several parks nearby, including Juanita Woodlands Park and St. Edward State Park, where dogs are welcome as long as they are on leash. 

Highly rated schools serve the neighborhood, including the following:

• John Muir Elementary

• Kamiakin Middle School

• Juanita High School

Schools and Education in Kirkland Neighborhoods

Kirkland, WA, takes pride in having public schools that offer exceptional education. There are 41 public schools in the city, including 29 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 4 high schools. 

The city is also conveniently located near prestigious colleges and institutions in Washington:

• Seattle’s University

• Olympische Universität

• University of the Northwest

• Institution of Higher Learning

Pros and Cons of Living in Kirkland

While Kirkland is a beautiful, highly sought-after place to live, like any city, it has its downsides, too.

Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Kirkland, WA:

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Pros of Living in Kirkland, Washington ​

Location

Kirkland is just a short drive from Seattle, making it convenient for residents to access the amenities of a major city while still enjoying the quieter, more suburban lifestyle in Kirkland.

Outdoor Activities

Living in Kirkland is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, boating, and other activities.

Strong Economy

Kirkland enjoys a strong and diverse economy, with major employers in industries like technology, education, and healthcare.

Excellent Schools

The Lake Washington School District consistently ranks highly in national rankings, reassuring parents that their children are provided with a quality education.

Unique Festivals

Kirkland is known for its amusing and eccentric festivals, such as the Kirkland Classic Car Show, the Kirkland Oktoberfest, and the Kirkland Uncorked Wine Festival.

Lakefront Living

Kirkland boasts a long stretch of lakefront properties that offer breathtaking vistas of Lake Washington and convenient access to water activities such as boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. 

Dog-friendly Culture

Kirkland is a dog-friendly city, with many parks, trails, and businesses that welcome and celebrate furry friends.

Cons of Living in Kirkland, Washington 

High Cost of Living

Kirkland is an affluent city with a high cost of living, 51% higher than the national average. Housing expenses are 124% higher than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 30% higher than the national average.

Traffic Congestion

Since Kirkland is located near Seattle, commuters can face heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.

Limited Parking

Like many cities in the Seattle area, parking can also be a challenge in Kirkland, particularly in the downtown area. 

Limited Nightlife

The nightlife in Kirkland is less vibrant compared to other larger cities, which may be a drawback for those who prefer a more active social scene.

Rainy Weather

The city experiences a lot of rain during the fall and winter months, making living in Kirkland challenging for those who are used to a drier and sunnier climate.

High Housing Costs

Housing costs in Kirkland can be high. As of March 2025, the average home value is $1,307,123.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Ideal Kirkland Neighborhood

Kirkland, WA, is a wonderful city to call home for so many reasons, such as picturesque scenery, abundant recreation, high-paying jobs, and a thriving economy.

If you love the idea of living in a city that allows you to enjoy both the small-town charm and the big-city amenities, give me a call today at (206)-501-8484. You may also email me at matthewbchapman@windermere.com to schedule an appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Kirkland neighborhood is best for families?

Rose Hill is one of the best neighborhoods for families in Kirkland.

Where do young professionals prefer to live in Kirkland?

Young professionals prefer to live near downtown, the waterfront, or in neighborhoods like Norkirk or Highlands. 

Is Kirkland more expensive than Seattle?

Yes, Kirkland is generally considered more expensive than Seattle. 

Are there good parks and green spaces in Kirkland?

Yes, Kirkland has many good parks and green spaces, including Juanita Beach Park, Cotton Hill Park, and Heritage Park.