Moving to Kenmore, WA:
Seattle's Seaplane Town 2026
Welcome to Washington's seaplane capital, where vintage floatplanes take off from Lake Washington daily and the Burke-Gilman Trail connects neighborhoods like a ribbon of adventure. Kenmore offers a rare blend of small-town character, outdoor recreation, and easy access to Seattle's urban amenities.
Quick Answer
Kenmore is ideal for: Families seeking excellent schools, outdoor enthusiasts drawn to water and trails, and anyone who wants a tight-knit community just 20 minutes from Seattle. With median home prices around $850K-$950K, top-rated Northshore schools, and the daily magic of seaplanes taking flight, Kenmore delivers small-town charm without sacrificing urban access.
Residents
Years of Seaplanes
Burke-Gilman Trail
Graduation Rate
Key Facts About Kenmore
In This Guide
The Seaplane Town Heritage
Since 1946, Kenmore Air has launched vintage DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes from the north shore of Lake Washington, making Kenmore synonymous with adventure aviation. Watching these iconic aircraft taxi across the water and lift into the sky is a daily ritual that never gets old for residents. It's one of those magical, only-in-the-Pacific-Northwest experiences that defines what makes this region special.
Kenmore Air Facts
Kenmore Air is the largest seaplane operator in the United States, flying over 50,000 passengers annually to destinations including the San Juan Islands, Victoria BC, and remote fishing lodges. Their terminal at the north end of Lake Washington is a beloved landmark where locals gather to watch takeoffs and landings.
The seaplane heritage shapes Kenmore's identity in subtle ways. There's an adventurous spirit here, a sense that the world's wonders are accessible just beyond the horizon. Residents often book scenic flights for visiting relatives or take spontaneous weekend trips to the islands. The constant presence of floatplanes overhead serves as a reminder that Kenmore isn't just another suburb—it's a gateway to the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular destinations.
Living in Kenmore: Small City Feel, Big City Access
Kenmore delivers something increasingly rare in the Seattle metro: authentic small-town community feel without sacrificing urban conveniences. With a population of approximately 24,000, the city is large enough to support local businesses, restaurants, and services, yet small enough that you'll recognize familiar faces at the grocery store and know your neighbors by name.
The downtown area, centered around Kenmore Village, has evolved into a walkable hub with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and essential services. The Burke-Gilman Trail runs right through town, connecting Kenmore to Seattle, Bothell, and the Eastside via a car-free corridor that serves as both transportation and recreation. Many residents use the trail for commuting, running errands, or simply enjoying the waterfront scenery.
Lake Washington defines the southern edge of Kenmore, providing stunning views, waterfront parks, and direct water access. Log Boom Park—named for the historical practice of collecting floating logs here for transport to sawmills—is the community's crown jewel, offering swimming, kayaking, picnicking, and that quintessential Pacific Northwest experience of watching seaplanes take off just offshore.
Despite the small-town vibe, Kenmore sits just 12 miles from downtown Seattle, 8 miles from Bellevue, and directly adjacent to Bothell. This positioning gives residents access to major employers, cultural attractions, and urban amenities while returning home to peaceful, tree-lined streets and the sound of floatplanes overhead rather than highway traffic.
Kenmore Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood offers distinct character while sharing Kenmore's waterfront access and outdoor lifestyle.
Downtown Kenmore
The walkable heart of Kenmore, featuring Kenmore Village shops, direct Burke-Gilman Trail access, and proximity to the waterfront. Ideal for those who want urban convenience in a small-town package.
- Walkable to shops & restaurants
- Trail access at your doorstep
- Mix of condos and single-family
Log Boom Park Area
Prime waterfront neighborhood surrounding Kenmore's beloved park. Watch seaplanes, launch kayaks, and enjoy some of the best sunset views on Lake Washington.
- Lake Washington waterfront
- Seaplane watching daily
- Family-friendly recreation
Northshore
Residential area known for larger lots, excellent schools, and family-oriented community. Close to Inglemoor High School and Saint Edward State Park.
- Top-rated schools
- Larger homes and lots
- Near Saint Edward Park
Kenmore Waterfront & Seaplane Life
Experience the magic of Lake Washington living, where seaplanes take flight and outdoor adventure awaits at every turn.
Seaplane Adventures
Kenmore Air floatplanes departing daily
Lake Washington Views
Stunning sunsets from Log Boom Park
Waterfront Recreation
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming
Burke-Gilman Trail
27 miles of car-free recreation
Pacific Northwest Beauty
Mountains, water, and forests converge
Lakeside Living
Waterfront homes and peaceful retreats
Outdoor Recreation in Kenmore
Log Boom Park
Kenmore's premier waterfront destination features a swimming beach, kayak and paddleboard rentals, picnic areas, and arguably the best seaplane-watching spot on Lake Washington. The park connects directly to the Burke-Gilman Trail.
- Swimming beach with lifeguards (summer)
- Kayak & paddleboard rentals
- Picnic shelters and play areas
Burke-Gilman Trail
This 27-mile multi-use trail runs directly through Kenmore, connecting to Seattle, Bothell, Woodinville, and beyond. It's a lifeline for cyclists, runners, and commuters seeking a car-free path through the region.
- Connects to Seattle in ~20 miles
- Paved and well-maintained
- Scenic lake and forest views
Saint Edward State Park
Just minutes from Kenmore, this 326-acre park offers forested hiking trails, beach access on Lake Washington, and the historic Saint Edward Seminary building. A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Kenmore Air Tours
Take flight from Kenmore Air's seaplane base for scenic tours of the Puget Sound, San Juan Islands, or Mount Rainier. A bucket-list experience right in your backyard.
Northshore School District Excellence
Kenmore is served by the Northshore School District, consistently ranked among the top districts in Washington State. With graduation rates above 95% and strong academic programs, Northshore attracts families who prioritize education.
| School | Level | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore Elementary | K-5 | Community-focused, outdoor learning programs |
| Arrowhead Elementary | K-5 | STEM focus, strong parent involvement |
| Kenmore Middle School | 6-8 | Extensive arts and athletics programs |
| Inglemoor High School | 9-12 | IB Program, competitive athletics, 95%+ graduation |
Commuting from Kenmore
By Car
- Seattle Downtown: 20-25 min (light traffic) / 40-50 min (rush hour)
- Bellevue: 15-20 min via I-405 or SR-522
- Bothell: 5-10 min (directly adjacent)
- Kirkland: 10-15 min via Juanita Drive
Public Transit & Alternatives
- Metro Bus: Routes to Seattle, UW, and Eastside
- Burke-Gilman Trail: Bike commute to Seattle (~20 mi)
- Park & Ride: Available for express routes
- Future Light Rail: Planning underway for expansion
Living in Kenmore: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unique seaplane town character and daily aviation adventures
- Excellent Northshore School District (95%+ graduation)
- Burke-Gilman Trail access for commuting and recreation
- Lake Washington waterfront at Log Boom Park
- Small-town feel with tight-knit community
- More affordable than Lake Forest Park or Kirkland
Cons
- Rush hour traffic on SR-522 can be significant
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options
- Seaplane noise may bother some residents
- Home prices rising with regional market
- Limited public transit compared to Seattle
- Dining and shopping options limited vs. larger cities
Moving to Kenmore: Tips from Local Experts
Moving to Kenmore requires some special considerations. Here are insider tips from our experienced team:
- Time your move carefully: Avoid peak Burke-Gilman Trail hours on weekends if you're moving near the trail. The path gets busy with cyclists and runners, which can complicate loading/unloading.
- Check street parking: Many Kenmore neighborhoods have narrow streets. Coordinate with neighbors and consider reserving street space for moving trucks on moving day.
- Waterfront properties: If moving near Log Boom Park or waterfront areas, factor in potential stairs, hills, and limited vehicle access. Some properties require longer carries.
- Outdoor gear logistics: Kenmore residents tend to have kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, and outdoor equipment. Discuss storage and transport of these items with your moving company.
- Weather timing: Pacific Northwest weather is unpredictable. Book your move during drier months (July-September) when possible, and have tarps ready for any season.
- School calendar: If you have school-age children, coordinate your move with the Northshore School District calendar to minimize disruption to your kids' education.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenmore
Kenmore is famous for Kenmore Air, the largest seaplane operator in the United States, which has been flying from the north end of Lake Washington since 1946. The city is also known for Log Boom Park, Burke-Gilman Trail access, excellent Northshore schools, and its charming small-town feel just 12 miles from Seattle.
Kenmore is an excellent place to live for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers top-rated Northshore School District schools, beautiful Lake Washington waterfront, the Burke-Gilman Trail, and a tight-knit community of approximately 24,000 residents. The city provides a rare combination of small-town charm with easy access to Seattle, Bellevue, and Bothell.
Kenmore is approximately 12 miles north of downtown Seattle, about 20-25 minutes by car in light traffic via I-5 or SR-522. The Burke-Gilman Trail also connects Kenmore directly to Seattle for cyclists and runners. Rush hour can extend the commute to 40-50 minutes.
Kenmore's top neighborhoods include Downtown Kenmore for walkability and waterfront access, the Log Boom Park area for outdoor recreation and family-friendly living, and Northshore for larger homes and excellent schools. Each neighborhood offers lake access and Burke-Gilman Trail connectivity.
Kenmore is served by the highly-rated Northshore School District, which includes Kenmore Elementary, Arrowhead Elementary, Kenmore Middle School, and Inglemoor High School. The district consistently ranks among the top in Washington State with strong academic programs and graduation rates above 95%.
Kenmore has a median home price of approximately $850,000-$950,000, making it more affordable than neighboring Kirkland or Lake Forest Park. Average rent ranges from $1,800-$2,200 per month. To comfortably afford a median-priced home, you'll need approximately $170,000-$190,000 in annual household income.
Yes! Kenmore Air offers scenic seaplane flights from their base at the north end of Lake Washington. Popular routes include flights to the San Juan Islands, Victoria BC, and scenic tours of the Puget Sound region. The seaplane terminal at Kenmore is a beloved local landmark and tourist attraction.
Kenmore offers exceptional outdoor recreation including Log Boom Park for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking on Lake Washington, the Burke-Gilman Trail for biking and running, Saint Edward State Park nearby for hiking, and of course the unique experience of watching seaplanes take off and land daily.
Planning Your Move to Kenmore?
Next Phase Moving provides premium residential moving services throughout Kenmore and the Seattle metro. Our team knows the local streets, waterfront logistics, and unique challenges of this seaplane town—let us make your move seamless.
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