Pros and Cons of Living in Kirkland

Take a walk along Kirkland’s pristine waterfront, and you’ll see why Kirkland is such a desirable place to live. With Lake Washington’s calm waters to the west and the Cascade Mountains’ beautiful snow-capped peaks to the east, it’s no wonder this town has experienced explosive growth in recent years. Formerly a small farm town, Kirkland has grown into a luxurious vibrant waterfront community, but still somehow maintains its quaintness and small-town roots. There is no shortage of things to do in this town, and people of all ages will have fun exploring all Kirkland has to offer. Though it seems to check all the boxes, it may not be the right fit for everyone. Here are the pros and cons of living in Kirkland.

The Pros:

1. The Location. Kirkland is conveniently located – a quick drive to Seattle, Bellevue, or Redmond, Kirkland is centrally located for wherever your office or favorite date night spot may be. Walk down to the Kirkland waterfront after work to unwind, or head to Steven’s Pass for some weekend snow skiing—Kirkland’s location is the best of both worlds, and appeals to both adventure seekers and city lovers.
   
   

2. The Serene Atmosphere. Even with Kirkland’s close proximity to the city, it feels like its own quiet oasis, making this a great choice for families and anyone else who wants a quieter lifestyle. 

3. The Views. Many homes have incredible views. Kirkland is situated on a gradual slope angled down towards the water, which means many homes boast breathtaking views of Lake Washington and the Seattle skyline. And the western exposure means you can soak up the incredible orange and pink hued sunsets nightly. 

4. The Beachfront Parks. With a quarter of Kirkland’s waterfront being dedicated to parks, you’ll have ample space to lay out your towel and watch the boats go by. These parks are the perfect spot to take the kids for a dip in the lake on a hot summer’s day, or even bundle up during the winter and take in the peace and quiet.

5. The Restaurants. Kirkland has a wide variety of locally owned restaurants to choose from. Try an authentic Pad Thai dish from Kirkland’s popular Isarn restaurant, or a slice of wood fired pizza from the Eastside’s favorite farm-to-table restaurant, Deru. With so many different cuisines to choose from, you won’t be disappointed with Kirkland’s dining options. 

6. The Schools. Both of Kirkland’s school districts are ranked in the top 10 in Washington State. With Lake Washington School District in the number 5 spot, and North Shore School District trailing just behind in the 6th best school district, parents can rest assured that wherever they land in Kirkland, their kids will receive a quality education. 

7. The Kirkland Cross-Corrider Trail – aka “The Trail.” This former railroad route has been transformed into a flat, crushed gravel trail that’s perfect for runners, walkers, and bikers. You’ll find no shortage of marathon trainers with their belted water bottles and kids practicing riding their bikes. Unlike Seattle’s Burke-Gilman trail, you won’t feel cramped or crowded on this trail’s wide footprint.  

8. The Wineries. Just a 15-minute drive puts you smack dab in the middle of Woodinville wine country. With more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms to choose from, you’re sure to find a wine that suits your palette. My personal favorite Woodinville tasting rooms: Isenhower, Sparkman, Basel Cellars, and Januik. 

9. The Breweries. The PNW is known for its micro-breweries, and Kirkland is no exception. While Seattle, the ultimate beer mecca, is just a stone’s throw away, Kirkland has its own award-winning breweries to choose from. Grab an IPA and a board game and relax at Chainline, Maelstrom, or Flycaster brewery. Though the beverages may only be for the adults, kids are welcome to come hang out too. Extra bonus points for Maelstrom for having free arcade games the kids can play. And with Chainline being located right on the Kirkland Trail, it’s the perfect way to quench your thirst after a run or bike ride. 

10. The Golf. Inglewood, Bear Creek, and Newcastle are just a few of the nearby award-winning golf courses to practice your swing. If golf isn’t really your thing, I promise you’ll still have fun at Flatstick Pub’s creatively designed indoor putt putt course or the highly anticipated Top Golf Lounge located at Urban Kirkland. 

11. The Safety. Even with its close proximity to Seattle, Kirkland has a crime rate 64% lower than the Washington average. And with ample police patrolling the streets, you’re sure to feel safe in this family-friendly town. 

12. The Lake. As an avid fisherman and paddleboarder, I can’t imagine living anywhere that’s not close to the water. Situated right on Lake Washington, Kirkland provides lots of opportunities for water lovers like myself to fish, boat, paddleboard, swim, or even kiteboard. There’s something so peaceful about living near water—whether it’s the incredible water views, the sound, or the fresh smell.
    
    

Photo Taken by Q. Doroquez

13. The Gyms. Crossfit, yoga, barre, boxing, weightlifting, running—whatever your activity, you’ll find a gym that fits your style in Kirkland’s fitness-centered community. Ever wanted to workout with a lake view or take a spin class on a dock? Now you can at Kirkland’s popular Fly Fitness studio, located at Carillon Point. Maybe boxing or weightlifting is more your thing? Try Kirkland’s newly opened Power Hour 360 gym, located at Kirkland Urban. 

14. The Jobs. Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Nordstrom, T-Mobile, the list goes on. The Eastside and Seattle area have become a tech hub known worldwide. Whether you work for one of these companies and want a short commute, or want to be in a growing area that has more economic security--Kirkland is in the center of it all. 

15.  The Healthcare. Evergreen Health, located right off 405 in Kirkland, is consistently ranked as one of the best hospitals in Washington State. If illness or injury happens to come your way, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands at a great local hospital. 

The Cons:

1. The Price of Homes. Kirkland is a highly sought-after town to live in, and as a result, house prices have soared in the past decade. The median home price is over $1.1 million, which is well above Washington State’s median home price of $452k. If you don’t need much space, though, there are plenty of Kirkland condos in the $400-600k range. 

2. The Traffic. Though Kirkland is closely located to Bellevue and Seattle, the highways can get clogged during rush hour. Commuters during rush hour should plan for about a 30 minute commute back home in the afternoon. The fastest way to Seattle from Kirkland is via the 520 bridge, but this comes at a cost. Crossing the bridge will cost you $4.30 each way, which can add up for a daily commuter. 

3. The Crowds in the Summertime. The Kirkland waterfront and downtown area can get crowded in the summer as people flock to the beach parks to get a break from the heat. While there is usually almost always room to lay down a towel and bask in the sun, you may have to put in some headphones to get some peace and quiet.

4. The Lack of Parking in Downtown. Kirkland used to be a bit of a sleepy suburb back in the day, and the infrastructure is just starting to catch up to the explosive growth. As a result, the parking spaces can be limited in the downtown area during the summer. Though it’s nothing compared to Seattle’s expensive and nearly impossible parking, plan for a couple extra minutes to find a parking space. 

Ready to make the move to Kirkland? Let’s connect and I'll give you the full tour and can show you homes in this amazing waterfront town.