Welcome to Kirkland, Washington
A walkable waterfront city blending boutique charm, fine dining, and a high quality of life.
Located on the eastern shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland is a vibrant waterfront city known for its walkable downtown, thriving arts scene, and upscale lifestyle. With zip codes 98033, 98034, and 98083, the city offers a blend of luxury waterfront estates, modern condominiums, and family-friendly neighborhoods.
Kirkland’s downtown is a hub of activity, filled with boutique shops, wine bars, art galleries, and top-rated restaurants. At the same time, residents enjoy a strong connection to nature, with marinas, parks, and trails providing endless opportunities for recreation. As a growing tech hub, Kirkland is also home to Google’s Eastside campus and benefits from its close proximity to Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond.
What to Love
- Walkable downtown with boutiques, galleries, and wine bars
- Scenic waterfront lifestyle with marinas, parks, and trails
- Diverse housing options, from waterfront estates to modern condos
- Strong arts and culture scene, with festivals, concerts, and events year-round
- Tech-driven economy with Google, Microsoft, and other major employers nearby
Local Lifestyle
Kirkland’s lifestyle is a blend of relaxation, recreation, and sophistication. The downtown area is highly walkable, making it easy for residents to enjoy lakeside cafes, boutique shopping, and wine tastings.
Outdoor activities are a major part of life here, with boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking on Lake Washington being local favorites. Residents can also take advantage of Marina Park’s waterfront access or explore the 144-acre Juanita Bay Park, which is home to diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails.
As part of the Seattle-Bellevue tech corridor, Kirkland is a hub for innovation. Google’s Eastside campus brings a dynamic energy to the area, and Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond is just a short drive away. This unique mix of natural beauty and high-tech growth makes Kirkland an exciting place to live.
Dining and Shopping
Kirkland offers a curated selection of top-tier restaurants and stylish boutiques, making it a destination for food lovers and shoppers alike.
For waterfront dining, Como serves up authentic Italian cuisine with stunning views of Lake Washington. If you’re in the mood for bold flavors, Cactus blends Southwestern, Mexican, and Spanish dishes for a one-of-a-kind fusion experience. For fine dining, Cafe Juanita, led by James Beard Award-winning chef Holly Smith, specializes in Northern Italian cuisine, offering an intimate and elevated dining experience.
Shopping in Kirkland is equally refined. Seattle Thread Co. is the go-to menswear boutique, offering a carefully curated selection of contemporary and classic apparel, including suits, casual wear, and accessories. Whether you're searching for high-end fashion, home decor, or locally crafted goods, Kirkland provides a sophisticated yet welcoming shopping experience.
Things to Do and Entertainment
Kirkland is packed with activities that celebrate its waterfront setting, arts scene, and outdoor lifestyle.
For those who love the outdoors, Marina Park is a downtown gem featuring Lake Washington views, a marina, and open green spaces perfect for picnics, walks, and community events. Nature lovers will also enjoy Juanita Bay Park, a 144-acre nature preserve offering walking trails, wildlife observation areas, and scenic waterfront views.
Kirkland also has a lively arts and events scene. Kirkland Uncorked is a summer festival featuring regional wine tastings, gourmet food trucks, and an art showcase, making it a must-attend for food and wine enthusiasts. Meanwhile, the Kirkland Summer Concert Series brings live music performances to Marina Park and Juanita Beach Park, where attendees can enjoy music with a stunning lakefront backdrop.
Schools
Kirkland is part of the Lake Washington School District, which is consistently recognized as one of the top districts in Washington. The city offers strong public school options, including Lake Washington High School and Juanita High School, both of which provide college-prep programs, honors courses, and extracurricular activities. Families looking for alternative education paths can consider the International Community School, a public magnet school offering a rigorous college-prep curriculum. Private school options include Eastside Preparatory School, which emphasizes critical thinking and technology, as well as Puget Sound Adventist Academy, a Christian school known for its small student-teacher ratio and personalized learning approach.