Sammamish,
Washington
Where pristine lakes meet evergreen forests. Your comprehensive guide to relocating to the Pacific Northwest's most coveted outdoor lifestyle community.
Sammamish by the Numbers
Living in Sammamish
Sammamish is not just a suburb - it's a lifestyle choice. Perched on a plateau overlooking Lake Sammamish with the Cascade Mountains as a backdrop, this community attracts families who prioritize outdoor living, excellent schools, and a deep connection to nature.
The city's relatively young age (incorporated in 1999) means modern infrastructure and thoughtfully planned neighborhoods. Yet the area maintains an almost rural feel, with preserved forests, multiple lakes, and over 100 miles of trails weaving through the community.
What sets Sammamish apart is the integration of nature into daily life. Children bike to school on wooded trails. Neighbors kayak on Pine Lake after work. Families hike to waterfalls on weekends without leaving the city limits. It's outdoor luxury, Pacific Northwest style.
Cost of Living
Sammamish is one of the most affluent communities in Washington State, with a median home price approaching $1.6 million. This reflects the exceptional quality of life: top-ranked schools, abundant nature access, low crime, and proximity to major tech employers.
The median household income exceeds $200,000, among the highest in the nation. Washington's lack of state income tax provides meaningful savings. Most residents work in tech, healthcare, or professional services, often with flexible arrangements that minimize commuting.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 4-Bedroom Home (Mortgage) | $7,500 - $12,000 |
| Property Tax (Annual) | $12,000 - $18,000/yr |
| Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water) | $250 - $400 |
| Groceries (Family of 4) | $1,000 - $1,400 |
| Transportation (2 vehicles) | $400 - $600 |
| Childcare (per child) | $1,800 - $2,500 |
Sammamish Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood offers a unique character, from master-planned communities with extensive amenities to quiet lakefront retreats.
Klahanie
$1.2M - $2.2M
Sammamish's largest master-planned community with 3,800+ homes. Features extensive trail networks, community pools, sports courts, and Klahanie Lake. Family-focused with excellent schools and a strong HOA maintaining immaculate common areas.
Beaver Lake
$1.4M - $2.8M
Centered around 42-acre Beaver Lake Park with swimming beach, fishing dock, and nature trails. Larger lots with mature trees provide privacy. Popular with nature lovers who want lake access without the premium of waterfront prices.
Pine Lake
$1.5M - $3.5M
Charming lakefront community with a small-town feel. Pine Lake itself is warmer and calmer than Lake Sammamish, perfect for swimming and fishing. Includes the historic Pine Lake Covenant community and newer developments with mountain views.
Sahalee
$2.5M - $6M+
Ultra-exclusive gated golf community surrounding Sahalee Country Club, host of major PGA championships. Estate homes on large lots with old-growth trees. Membership includes access to world-class golf, tennis, and dining. Sammamish's most prestigious address.
Sammamish Plateau
$1.3M - $2.5M
The elevated heart of Sammamish with stunning Cascade views. Newer construction from the 1990s-2010s with larger lots and modern floor plans. Easy access to Sammamish Commons, the city's central park with athletic fields, playgrounds, and community events.
East Lake Sammamish
$2M - $8M+
Prime waterfront living on Lake Sammamish with private docks and beach access. Mix of original cabins and newly built modern estates. Direct access to the East Lake Sammamish Trail. The ultimate Pacific Northwest lakefront lifestyle.
"We moved from San Francisco expecting to sacrifice lifestyle for space. Instead, we gained something even better - our kids play in forests, swim in lakes, and still attend schools that rival anywhere in the country."
- Klahanie Resident, 5 YearsOutdoor Recreation
Sammamish was made for outdoor enthusiasts. Lake Sammamish State Park anchors the western edge with over 500 acres of waterfront access - swimming beaches, boat launches, and picnic areas draw families year-round.
The city maintains over 100 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods, parks, and lakes. The East Lake Sammamish Trail provides a flat, paved route perfect for biking, running, or walking to Redmond. Beaver Lake Park and Pine Lake offer quieter water access with fishing, paddleboarding, and swimming.
Beyond the city limits, Tiger Mountain offers challenging hikes just 15 minutes away. Snoqualmie Pass ski resorts are under an hour. The Cascade Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and exploring.
Water Activities
- Swimming at 3+ public beaches
- Kayaking & paddleboarding
- Fishing (trout, bass, kokanee)
- Boating on Lake Sammamish
Land Activities
- 100+ miles of trails
- Mountain biking at Duthie Hill
- Horseback riding trails
- Golf at Sahalee & Plateau Club
Nearby Adventures
- Tiger Mountain (15 min)
- Snoqualmie Falls (25 min)
- Ski resorts (45-60 min)
- San Juan Islands (2 hrs)
Sammamish Schools
Sammamish is served by two of Washington's top school districts: Lake Washington School District (northern areas) and Issaquah School District (southern areas). Both consistently rank in the top 5 statewide.
Test scores in Sammamish schools significantly exceed state and national averages. The districts offer robust Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and STEM programs. Graduation rates approach 95%, with most graduates attending four-year universities.
The community's high property values directly support school funding, resulting in modern facilities, small class sizes, and extensive extracurricular programs. Many families relocate specifically for these schools.
Top-Rated Schools
Commute & Transportation
Sammamish's suburban location means most residents rely on cars. The main arteries are SR-202 (connecting to I-90) and NE Inglewood Hill Road (connecting to SR-520 via Redmond). Commute times vary significantly based on destination and timing.
The good news: many Sammamish residents work for tech companies offering remote or hybrid arrangements. Those who do commute often go to Redmond (Microsoft, 15 minutes) or Bellevue (20-25 minutes) rather than Seattle. Express buses serve downtown Seattle during peak hours.
| Destination | Off-Peak | Rush Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Redmond (Microsoft) | 12-15 min | 20-30 min |
| Downtown Bellevue | 20-25 min | 35-50 min |
| Downtown Seattle (I-90) | 30-35 min | 60-90 min |
| Downtown Seattle (SR-520) | 35-40 min | 55-75 min |
| Sea-Tac Airport | 35-45 min | 60-80 min |
| Issaquah | 10-15 min | 15-25 min |
Pros & Cons of Living in Sammamish
Advantages
- Exceptional schools - Top 5 districts in Washington State with 95%+ graduation rates
- Outdoor paradise - 100+ miles of trails, multiple lakes, state parks at your doorstep
- Safety - Consistently ranked among safest cities in Washington with very low crime
- Strong community - Active HOAs, community events, family-focused neighborhoods
- Tech proximity - 15-25 min to Microsoft, Meta, Google campuses without Seattle commute
- Natural beauty - Mountain views, preserved forests, wildlife encounters are routine
- No state income tax - Significant savings for high earners
Considerations
- Very high housing costs - $1.6M median home price limits affordability
- Limited urban amenities - Few restaurants, shops, nightlife within city limits
- Car dependency - Public transit is minimal; two vehicles typically required
- Seattle commute - 60-90 min to downtown during rush hour if required
- Homogeneous demographics - Less cultural diversity than urban areas
- Weather - Pacific Northwest gray skies and rain 8+ months per year
- Property taxes - High assessments on expensive homes ($12K-18K annually)
Sammamish FAQs
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Whether you're relocating from across the country or moving within the Eastside, our team specializes in Sammamish moves. We know the neighborhoods, the access challenges, and how to protect your home during the transition.