Seattle & King County
Kirkland, Washington
City
Lake Washington waterfront with a walkable downtown
Kirkland sits on the east shore of Lake Washington with a compact waterfront downtown, a strong restaurant scene and quick access to Seattle by bridge or light rail.
History & Local Character
A steel-town and shipbuilding center in the early 1900s, Kirkland grew into a suburban city and annexed the Houghton and Juanita areas, becoming a biotech and software employer hub.
Housing & Real Estate
Downtown condominiums, Norkirk and Houghton single-family homes, and new townhomes along the corridor.
Restaurants & Shopping
Downtown Kirkland's lakefront blocks hold seafood, Italian, Mexican and brunch spots, with Juanita and Totem Lake adding neighborhood options.
Schools & Education
Lake Washington School District serves Kirkland, and Northwest University sits near downtown.
Parks & Recreation
Marina Park, Juanita Beach Park, Heritage Park and the Cross Kirkland Corridor trail connect the waterfront to inland neighborhoods.
Transportation & Accessibility
SR 520 crosses to Seattle, I-405 runs along the city's east side, and the Cross Kirkland Corridor carries a paved trail and future transit.
Local Businesses
Biotech and software firms, waterfront restaurants, galleries, boat rentals and independent shops.
No businesses are listed in Kirkland yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Kirkland waterfront
- Juanita Beach
- Bridle Trails State Park
- Woodinville wine country
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable downtown on the lake
- Short commute to Seattle and Bellevue
- Strong parks and trails
Considerations
- High housing costs
- Parking is tight downtown
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kirkland have a beach?
Yes. Juanita Beach Park, Houghton Beach Park and Marina Park all offer Lake Washington swimming beaches and waterfront access.