Kirkland is a vibrant waterfront destination located on Seattle’s Eastside. It is smaller and more tranquil than Seattle with a population of 92,107. Residents enjoy living here for many reasons, including ease of access to outdoor recreation and the proximity to some of Washington’s best wineries. It’s no wonder that Kirkland was rated the 3rd best city to live in the US by Money.com. Here are 7 reasons why you should consider relocating here:
- Proximity to Seattle
Less than a 30-minute drive to Seattle, Kirkland is an ideal place to live for those looking to live close enough to the city while enjoying the serenity of the suburbs. Residents are never too far from big city events and activities. And if you’re a commuter, Kirkland is one of the best places to make the daily commute into the city from. - A Robust Economy
In contrast to the U.S. unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, Kirkland’s most recent unemployment rate is a low 2.4 percent. This is in part due to large tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and GoDaddy having branch offices in the area. Other notable employers include Inrix, Tableau Software, and Wave. The median household income in Kirkland is $121,998, which is almost twice the national average. - The Waterfront
Located on the shores of Lake Washington, sparkling waterfront parks make up 25 percent of the city’s total square miles. Residents and visitors alike take advantage of all the green space by swimming, cycling, playing volleyball, and picnicking. Heritage Park, Marsh Park, and Juanita Beach Park also offer incredible views of the Seattle skyline on a clear day. - Excellent Schools
Families are drawn to Kirkland because of the top-notch schools. The Lake Washington School District and Northshore School District are both among the top ten school districts in Washington State, according to Niche.com. Lake Washington was ranked number three, while Northshore trailed slightly behind at number five. - Outdoor Recreation
Kirkland is a great place to be for those who love to spend time outdoors. Bridle Trails State Park features 25-miles of horse-and-hiker-friendly trails. Watershed Park and Juanita Bay Park also offer peaceful hiking trails. There are marinas to moor boats and launching points within many of the waterfront parks for paddleboards and kayaks. Cyclists can enjoy Lake Washington Loop and the Cross Kirkland Corridor’s 5.75-mile trail. - Shopping & Restaurants
Downtown Kirkland has a charming shopping scene, with several boutiques and vintage shops. The Village at Totem Lake is a great place to shop well-known brands like Lululemon and Pendleton. As for restaurants, there are many top-rated places to dine across Kirkland featuring a wide array of cuisines from Mexican to Middle Eastern. - Nearby Wineries
Wine lovers will enjoy living near Woodinville Wine Country, where there are more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms, including well-known wineries like Chateau Ste Michelle and Columbia Winery. For those who would prefer to stay in town, Vovina and The Grape Choice are top-rated wine bars in Downtown Kirkland. - Low Crime Rates
Kirkland is the second-safest large city in Washington, according to FBI crime data from 2019, published by AdvisorSmith. The city has a crime rating of B+, with 4 percent less crime than the national average.
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