Kirkland
Charming waterfront downtown, Lake Washington views, walkable dining scene
Redmond
Microsoft headquarters, extensive trail system, family-focused suburbs
The Ultimate Eastside Showdown
Two beloved Eastside cities. One shares Lake Washington School District. The question: waterfront charm or tech campus convenience? This guide helps Eastside buyers make the right choice.
By The Numbers
Quick Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Kirkland If You...
- Want a walkable downtown with restaurants & bars
- Dream of Lake Washington waterfront access
- Value charming neighborhoods with character
- Work in Seattle or Bellevue (easier commute)
- Enjoy wine bars, boutiques & evening strolls
Choose Redmond If You...
- Work at Microsoft (5-15 min commute!)
- Want more house for your money
- Have young kids & want family-focused community
- Love biking, trails & outdoor activities
- Prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle
Experience Both Cities
Cost of Living Comparison
How does your budget stretch in each city? See the real numbers.
Kirkland Median Home
$1.4M
Waterfront premium included
Redmond Median Home
$1.2M
Better value per sq ft
You Save in Redmond
$200K
On average home purchase
Top Neighborhoods
Kirkland Neighborhoods
Downtown Kirkland
Walkable waterfront, restaurants, galleries. $1.5M-$2M+ for homes near the water.
Juanita
Family-friendly beach park, established homes. $1.2M-$1.6M range.
Houghton
Quiet, tree-lined streets, close to Carillon Point. $1.3M-$1.8M.
Totem Lake
More affordable, near shopping. $900K-$1.3M - best value in Kirkland.
Redmond Neighborhoods
Education Hill
Top schools, newer homes, young families. $1.3M-$1.8M. Most desirable.
Downtown Redmond
Light rail access, urban living, near Town Center. $800K-$1.2M condos/townhomes.
Overlake
Closest to Microsoft campus, newer construction. $1.1M-$1.5M.
Idylwood
Established, wooded lots, family homes. $1.0M-$1.4M. Great for nature lovers.
One District. Two Great Cities. Equally Excellent Schools.
Here's the good news: both Kirkland and Redmond are served by Lake Washington School District (LWSD), consistently ranked among Washington's top districts. So wherever you land, your kids win.
Ranked in Washington
LWSD ranks among the top 3 districts statewide for academic performance.
Graduation Rate
Well above state and national averages, with strong college placement.
Excellence
Renowned STEM programs backed by tech industry partnerships.
Notable Schools in Both Cities
Kirkland Schools
- Juanita High School
- Lake Washington High School
- Kirkland Middle School
- Benjamin Franklin Elementary
Redmond Schools
- Redmond High School
- Tesla STEM High School
- Redmond Middle School
- Education Hill Elementary
Commute Comparison
Where do you work? That might be the deciding factor.
Work at Microsoft?
Redmond wins hands-down. Living near the Microsoft campus means:
- 5-15 minute commute from most neighborhoods
- Option to bike via trails to campus
- No bridge tolls or I-405 traffic
- Easy lunch trips home
Work in Seattle or Bellevue?
Kirkland offers a more balanced commute:
- I-405 access with HOV lanes
- Cross Kirkland Corridor bike path
- Bus rapid transit options to Bellevue
- Closer to Seattle via 520
Dining & Nightlife
Kirkland Wins
Kirkland
The Eastside's dining destination
-
Downtown Waterfront
50+ restaurants with Lake Washington views
-
Wine Tasting
Multiple urban wineries & tasting rooms
-
Craft Breweries
Chainline, Flatstick Pub, more
-
Evening Scene
Active nightlife until late, walkable
Redmond
Growing food scene, family-focused
-
Redmond Town Center
Main dining hub with chains & local spots
-
Downtown Redmond
Growing restaurant scene near light rail
-
International Cuisine
Great Asian restaurants (tech worker influence)
-
Family-Friendly
More casual, kid-friendly options
Lifestyle Score Comparison
Pros & Cons
Kirkland
Pros
- Stunning Lake Washington waterfront access
- Best dining & nightlife scene on the Eastside
- Charming, walkable downtown with character
- Strong sense of community & local events
- Great for dog owners (beaches & parks)
- Cross Kirkland Corridor for biking
Cons
- Higher home prices (waterfront premium)
- Longer commute to Microsoft (20-30 min)
- Older housing stock in some areas
- Smaller city feel may limit some amenities
- Parking downtown can be challenging
Redmond
Pros
- Short commute to Microsoft (5-15 min)
- More affordable housing ($100-200K savings)
- Marymoor Park & extensive trail system
- Younger, family-oriented community
- Light rail connection to Seattle/Bellevue
- Newer homes & modern construction
Cons
- Limited nightlife & evening entertainment
- No waterfront access (landlocked)
- Tech-campus feel may lack character
- Downtown still developing
- Farther from Seattle (35+ min by car)
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are excellent for families as they share Lake Washington School District, one of Washington's top-rated districts. Kirkland offers waterfront parks and a charming downtown walkable for families, while Redmond has more youth sports programs, Marymoor Park's vast green spaces, and a younger population (median age 33.5). Redmond tends to have more families with kids, while Kirkland attracts established families seeking waterfront lifestyle.
Redmond is generally more affordable. Kirkland's waterfront premium pushes median home prices to $1.3M-$1.5M, while Redmond ranges from $1.1M-$1.4M. However, both cities offer neighborhoods at various price points. Kirkland's Totem Lake area is more affordable, while Redmond's Education Hill commands premium prices. Both benefit from Washington's no state income tax.
From Kirkland to Microsoft's Redmond campus is typically 10-20 minutes via I-405 and local roads. From downtown Kirkland, expect 15-25 minutes. Living in Redmond near the Microsoft campus can reduce this to 5-10 minutes. Many tech workers bike between Kirkland and Redmond using the Cross Kirkland Corridor and connecting trails.
Kirkland wins for dining and nightlife. Downtown Kirkland's waterfront is packed with restaurants, wine bars, and breweries with Lake Washington views. The walkable downtown has a vibrant evening scene. Redmond's dining is improving around Redmond Town Center and downtown, but it's more casual and family-oriented. For date nights and upscale dining, Kirkland is the clear choice.
Yes, both Kirkland and Redmond are primarily served by Lake Washington School District (LWSD), one of Washington's highest-ranked districts. This makes the school quality essentially equal between the two cities. LWSD is known for strong STEM programs, excellent teachers, and high graduation rates. Both cities have access to top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools within the district.
It depends on your preferences. Kirkland wins for water activities with direct Lake Washington access - beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront parks. Redmond wins for land-based recreation with Marymoor Park (640 acres), the Sammamish River Trail, and extensive mountain biking trails. Both have the Cross Kirkland Corridor connecting them for cyclists and runners.
The Final Verdict
Both Kirkland and Redmond are fantastic Eastside communities with shared access to Lake Washington School District. The right choice comes down to your lifestyle priorities:
Kirkland is for you if...
You value waterfront living, walkable dining & nightlife, and a charming downtown with character. Perfect for those who work in Seattle/Bellevue or want an active social scene.
Redmond is for you if...
You work at Microsoft, want more house for your money, love trails and outdoor recreation, and prefer a quieter, family-focused suburb. Ideal for young families.
Ready to Make Your Eastside Move?
Whether you choose Kirkland's waterfront charm or Redmond's tech-campus convenience, Next Phase Moving knows these neighborhoods inside and out. We've helped hundreds of families settle into their perfect Eastside home.
Get Your Free Moving QuoteOr call: (425) 648-7887