Is Kirkland a Good
Place to Live?
Where Lake Washington Meets Charming Downtown
Discover Kirkland's unique blend of waterfront access, walkable downtown, thriving tech scene, and tight-knit community that makes it one of the most desirable cities on the Eastside.
The Short Answer
Yes, Kirkland is an exceptional place to live, especially for those who value waterfront access and small-town charm with big-city amenities. It offers rare public beach access to Lake Washington, a walkable downtown with art galleries and restaurants, excellent Lake Washington School District schools, and growing tech presence with Google's major campus. The main trade-off is high housing costs (median ~$1.2M), though it's slightly more affordable than neighboring Bellevue while offering comparable quality of life.
Experience Kirkland's Waterfront
From Marina Park to Juanita Beach, Kirkland offers unmatched public waterfront access on Lake Washington.
Kirkland Pros & Cons
An honest look at what makes Kirkland special and where it falls short.
Pros
- Walkable Waterfront Downtown - Rare car-free lifestyle possible with shops, restaurants, beaches all within walking distance
- Public Beach Access - 10+ public parks with Lake Washington access including Juanita Beach, Marina Park, and Houghton Beach
- Tech Job Hub - Google's major engineering campus plus proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta
- Excellent Schools - Lake Washington School District ranks top 10 in WA; schools like Juanita High rate 8+/10
- Strong Community - Active arts scene, Summerfest celebration, farmer's markets foster neighborhood connections
- Very Safe - Crime rate 50% below national average; particularly safe family neighborhoods
- Restaurant Scene - Diverse dining from waterfront fine dining to craft breweries and ethnic cuisines
Cons
- High Housing Costs - Median home price ~$1.2M, rent for 2BR ~$2,500; requires $130K+ household income
- Traffic Congestion - I-405 and downtown parking can be frustrating, especially during rush hour and events
- Limited Nightlife - Quieter than Seattle; most venues close by 11pm; better for families than singles
- Parking Challenges - Downtown parking is limited and expensive, especially during summer waterfront season
- Crowded Summers - Waterfront areas packed with visitors on sunny weekends; locals know secret spots
- Rainy Winters - Pacific Northwest weather means gray, drizzly winters that can affect mood
- Limited Transit - Car-dependent outside downtown core; RapidRide helps but isn't comprehensive
Kirkland by the Numbers
Data-driven ratings across key quality of life categories.
Quality of Life Radar
Category Breakdown
Cost of Living Comparison
Best Kirkland Neighborhoods
Each Kirkland neighborhood has its own character, from waterfront living to quiet hillside retreats.
Moss Bay
Walkable downtown waterfront. Best for those wanting urban waterfront lifestyle without a car.
Juanita
Family-friendly with Juanita Beach Park. Great schools, community feel, beach access.
Houghton
Quiet residential with water views. Established neighborhood, good schools, peaceful streets.
Finn Hill
More affordable with nature access. Larger lots, hiking trails, good value for Kirkland.
Who is Kirkland Best For?
Kirkland appeals to specific lifestyles and priorities more than others.
Waterfront Enthusiasts
Kayakers, paddleboarders, swimmers, and sunset lovers. If water access is your priority, Kirkland delivers like no other Eastside city.
Tech Professionals
Google employees and those working at nearby Microsoft, Amazon, Meta. High salaries make housing affordable and commutes are reasonable.
Families with Kids
Excellent Lake Washington SD schools, safe neighborhoods, beach parks, and community events like Summerfest create ideal family environment.
Art & Culture Lovers
Downtown galleries, public art installations, cultural events, and creative community. Kirkland has the most art-forward downtown on the Eastside.
Nightlife Seekers
Limited late-night options; bars close early. Seattle is 20 minutes away for vibrant nightlife. Kirkland is better for dinner than dancing.
Budget-Conscious
High housing costs require $130K+ household income. Consider Bothell or Kenmore for waterfront access at lower prices.
Restaurants & Nightlife
Kirkland punches above its weight class for dining, with waterfront restaurants, ethnic cuisines, craft breweries, and cozy cafes lining the downtown streets.
Waterfront Dining
Cafe Juanita (Michelin-level), Beach Cafe, Cactus, The Slip offer stunning lake views
Craft Breweries
Chainline Brewing, Triplehorn Brewing, and numerous tasting rooms
International Cuisines
Thai, Indian, Japanese, Italian, Mexican - diverse options throughout downtown
Events & Recreation
Kirkland's community spirit shines through year-round events, from summer festivals to holiday celebrations, plus abundant outdoor recreation.
Summerfest
Premier summer celebration with concerts, art, food on the waterfront
Farmer's Market
Weekly market with local produce, crafts, and live music
Winterfest
Holiday tree lighting, carols, and festive downtown celebrations
Art Walk
Monthly gallery walks showcasing local artists throughout downtown
Our Verdict
Kirkland offers the best waterfront lifestyle on the Eastside, combining Lake Washington access with walkable urban amenities. If you value being able to stroll to dinner, kayak after work, and raise kids in excellent schools while working in tech, Kirkland checks every box.
The trade-offs are real: housing is expensive ($1.2M median), parking is a summer headache, and nightlife is limited. But for the right person or family, these are acceptable compromises for the unique lifestyle Kirkland provides.
Bottom line: If waterfront access, community atmosphere, and work-life balance matter more than nightlife and budget, Kirkland is genuinely one of the best places to live in the Pacific Northwest. The people who move here tend to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kirkland a good place to live in 2026?
Yes, Kirkland is an excellent place to live, especially for those who value waterfront access and walkability. It offers public beach access to Lake Washington, a charming downtown with shops and restaurants, excellent schools (Lake Washington School District ranks top 10 in WA), growing tech job presence with Google, and strong community events. The main consideration is high housing costs with median home prices around $1.2M.
What is Kirkland known for?
Kirkland is known for its walkable waterfront downtown with public beach access, art galleries and public art installations, the annual Summerfest celebration, Google's major engineering campus, excellent schools, and charming neighborhoods like Moss Bay and Juanita. Fun fact: it was the original home of Costco's Kirkland Signature brand, named after the city.
Is Kirkland expensive to live in?
Yes, Kirkland is expensive with median home prices around $1.2M and average rent for a 2-bedroom around $2,500/month. However, it's slightly more affordable than Bellevue (median $1.5M) while offering similar quality of life and better waterfront access. A household income of $130,000-$180,000 is recommended to live comfortably in Kirkland.
What are the best neighborhoods in Kirkland?
The best Kirkland neighborhoods include: Moss Bay (walkable downtown waterfront, highest walkability), Juanita (family-friendly with Juanita Beach Park, great schools), Houghton (quiet residential with water views, established homes), Finn Hill (more affordable with nature access, larger lots), and Market District (urban living with shops and restaurants). Each offers different lifestyle advantages.
How are the schools in Kirkland?
Kirkland schools are excellent, served by Lake Washington School District which consistently ranks among the top 10 in Washington State. Notable schools include Juanita High School (rated 8/10), Lake Washington High School (9/10), and highly-rated elementary schools like Juanita Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, and Rose Hill Elementary. The district is known for strong academics, STEM programs, and college preparation.
Is Kirkland safe?
Yes, Kirkland is very safe with crime rates approximately 50% below national averages. The violent crime rate is about 1.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than Seattle's 6.5. Property crime exists but is also below regional averages. Neighborhoods like Houghton, Finn Hill, and Juanita are particularly safe and family-friendly.
Make Kirkland Your New Home
Our expert movers know every Kirkland neighborhood, from waterfront Moss Bay to family-friendly Juanita. Get a free quote for your move to the lake.