Bothell
Growing university district, vibrant downtown, trail connections & family amenities
Kenmore
Lake Washington waterfront, Log Boom Park, small-town charm & seaplane views
Northshore Neighbors: The Complete Guide
Two adjacent cities north of Lake Washington sharing the Burke-Gilman Trail and Northshore School District. The question: university town energy or lakefront tranquility? This guide helps Northshore buyers decide.
By The Numbers
Quick Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Bothell If You...
- Want more dining, shopping & entertainment options
- Value university culture & campus events
- Need easy access to I-405 corridor
- Prefer a larger, growing city with more amenities
- Love the Country Village shops & restaurants
Choose Kenmore If You...
- Dream of Lake Washington waterfront access
- Want a quieter, small-town atmosphere
- Love Log Boom Park for kayaking & swimming
- Work in Seattle (shorter commute via SR-522)
- Enjoy watching seaplanes at Kenmore Air
Experience Northshore Living
Discover what makes both communities special through our gallery of local highlights.
Lake Washington Views
Direct waterfront access with stunning Cascade views
Burke-Gilman Trail
27-mile trail connecting both cities to Seattle
Family Neighborhoods
Spacious homes in established family communities
Log Boom Park
Swimming beach, kayak launch & picnic areas
Downtown Revival
Growing downtown with restaurants & breweries
Lakeside Sunsets
Breathtaking evening views from the waterfront
Cost of Living Comparison
Both cities offer great value compared to Eastside alternatives. Here's how they stack up.
Bothell Median Home
$950K
More inventory & options
Kenmore Median Home
$875K
Lakefront homes higher
Vs Kirkland/Bellevue
$300K+
Savings moving north
Burke-Gilman Trail: Your Commute & Recreation
The beloved Burke-Gilman Trail runs directly through both Bothell and Kenmore, connecting residents to Seattle, Fremont, the UW campus, and beyond. Whether biking to work or enjoying a weekend jog, this 27-mile paved trail is a lifestyle feature that defines Northshore living.
Kenmore Access
Log Boom Park trailhead offers parking, restrooms, and a scenic starting point. Direct connection to Seattle via the Sammamish River.
Bothell Connection
Trail runs through downtown Bothell and connects to the North Creek Trail, extending your riding options eastward.
Bike Commute Times
Kenmore to UW: ~45 min. Bothell to UW: ~55 min. Many tech workers use e-bikes for scenic, traffic-free commutes.
Lifestyle Comparison
See how each city scores across key lifestyle categories.
Top Neighborhoods
Bothell Neighborhoods
Downtown Bothell / Main Street
Walkable, revitalized downtown with breweries, restaurants & shops. $900K-$1.2M. Best for urban-suburban balance.
Canyon Park
Near I-405 & tech companies, newer construction, great schools. $950K-$1.3M. Ideal for commuters.
North Creek
Family-friendly with trail access, established neighborhoods. $800K-$1.1M. Great value for families.
Country Village Area
Charming area near shopping village, mature trees. $850K-$1.0M. Small-town feel in Bothell.
Kenmore Neighborhoods
Lakefront / Log Boom Park Area
Premium waterfront homes with lake access, stunning views. $1.2M-$2M+. The Kenmore dream.
Downtown Kenmore
Walkable to shops & Kenmore Air, small-town charm. $750K-$950K. Best value in Kenmore.
Moorlands
Quiet residential area, close to Burke-Gilman, family homes. $800K-$1.0M. Peaceful living.
Arrowhead
Hillside homes with views, established community. $850K-$1.1M. Privacy with convenience.
Lake Washington: Kenmore's Crown Jewel
While Bothell offers creek and trail access, Kenmore has direct Lake Washington waterfront - a significant lifestyle advantage for water lovers.
Log Boom Park Highlights
- Public swimming beach with lifeguards
- Kayak & paddleboard launch
- Burke-Gilman Trail access point
- Picnic areas & playgrounds
- Watch Kenmore Air seaplanes!
Bothell's Water Features
- Sammamish River access
- North Creek Trail wetlands
- Blyth Park nature trails
- Wayne Golf Course creek views
- No direct lake access
One District. Two Great Cities. Excellent Schools.
Great news for families: both Bothell and Kenmore are served by Northshore School District (NSD), consistently ranked among Washington's top 10 districts. Wherever you choose, your kids get an excellent education.
Ranked in Washington
NSD consistently ranks among Washington's best for academic achievement and student outcomes.
Graduation Rate
Well above state averages, with strong college readiness programs and AP offerings.
Programs Available
International Baccalaureate and advanced programs at multiple schools.
Notable Schools in Both Cities
Bothell Schools
- Bothell High School
- Canyon Park Middle School
- Fernwood Elementary
- Moorlands Elementary
Kenmore Schools
- Inglemoor High School
- Kenmore Middle School
- Arrowhead Elementary
- Kenmore Elementary
Commute Comparison
How long will it take to get where you need to go?
Commute Tips for Northshore Residents
From Kenmore: SR-522 provides the most direct route to Seattle. Morning traffic can be heavy, but Kenmore has a slight edge for Seattle-bound commuters.
From Bothell: I-405 access is excellent for Eastside jobs. UW Bothell students and employees enjoy a walk/bike commute. Canyon Park area is ideal for tech workers.
Downtown Areas: A Tale of Two Towns
Downtown Bothell
Growing & RevitalizedBothell's downtown has experienced a renaissance with new restaurants, breweries, and the McMenamins Anderson School development. Main Street offers a growing walkable district with:
- Multiple craft breweries & tap rooms
- Diverse dining from Thai to BBQ
- Country Village boutique shopping
- Live music & community events
- UW Bothell campus activities
Best for: Those wanting more urban amenities and nightlife options.
Downtown Kenmore
Charming & CompactKenmore's smaller downtown offers a quieter, more intimate village feel. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and unique attractions:
- Kenmore Air seaplane terminal
- Local cafes & bakeries
- Small shops & services
- Steps from Log Boom Park
- Burke-Gilman trailhead access
Best for: Those preferring a quiet, small-town atmosphere with lake access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are excellent for families as they share Northshore School District. Bothell offers more activities and amenities with its larger size - more restaurants, UW Bothell campus events, and Country Village shops. Kenmore provides a quieter, small-town feel with direct Lake Washington access at Log Boom Park. Bothell tends to have more young families, while Kenmore attracts those seeking tranquil lakefront living. The right choice depends on whether you prefer more action or more peace.
Both cities are similarly priced overall, though Kenmore's waterfront properties command significant premiums. Bothell median home prices range from $850K-$1.1M depending on neighborhood, while Kenmore ranges from $800K-$1.0M with lakefront homes going much higher ($1.5M+). Both offer excellent value compared to Kirkland or Bellevue to the south - you can save $200K-$400K by choosing Northshore. Both benefit from Washington's no state income tax.
From Bothell to downtown Seattle, expect 25-40 minutes via I-405 and SR-522. From Kenmore, it's typically 20-35 minutes via SR-522 and I-5 - Kenmore has a slight advantage for Seattle commutes. Both cities offer Burke-Gilman Trail access for bike commuters (about 45-55 minutes to UW). Transit options include Sound Transit buses, and future light rail extensions will improve connectivity. For Eastside jobs (Microsoft, Amazon, etc.), Bothell's I-405 access is advantageous.
The Burke-Gilman Trail is a beloved 27-mile paved multi-use trail running from Seattle through Kenmore and Bothell. Both cities have excellent access - the trail runs directly through downtown Kenmore and connects to Bothell's growing trail network. Kenmore's Log Boom Park is a popular trailhead with parking, restrooms, and beach access. Bothell offers the North Creek Trail connection for extended riding. For pure Burke-Gilman access, Kenmore has a slight edge with its lakeside trailhead.
Yes! Both Bothell and Kenmore are primarily served by Northshore School District (NSD), consistently ranked among Washington's top 10 districts. This makes school quality essentially equal between the two cities. NSD is known for strong academics, excellent extracurriculars, International Baccalaureate programs, and high graduation rates. Both cities have access to top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools. Some Bothell addresses may fall into Lake Washington or Edmonds school districts, so always verify specific addresses.
The Final Verdict
Both Bothell and Kenmore are wonderful Northshore communities with shared access to excellent schools, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and quality of life. The right choice comes down to your lifestyle priorities:
Bothell is for you if...
You want more dining, entertainment, and urban amenities. You value university culture and a growing, dynamic community. You work on the Eastside and need easy I-405 access. Perfect for active families wanting convenience.
Kenmore is for you if...
You dream of Lake Washington waterfront living and watching seaplanes. You prefer a quieter, small-town atmosphere. You love Log Boom Park for kayaking and swimming. Ideal for those seeking peaceful lakeside living.
Ready to Make Your Northshore Move?
Whether you choose Bothell's university town energy or Kenmore's lakefront serenity, Next Phase Moving knows these neighborhoods inside and out. We've helped hundreds of families settle into their perfect Northshore home.
Get Your Free Moving QuoteOr call: (253) 365-4846