Welcome to the Eastside! Kirkland is known for its small-town feel, cute shops and storefronts, as well as endless lake views. If you are considering moving there, we commend you--we can’t think of a better place to call home. Read on for the scoop on Kirkland’s rich past, exciting present, and promising future.
The History
Kirkland was named after British steel industrialist Peter Kirk, and incorporated in 1905. It later expanded to include the areas of Juanita and Houghton. During a casual stroll down the Kirkland Waterfront, you will still find reminders of the city’s history. For example, Carillon Point used to be the site of Lake Washington Shipyards. Today, the area features six bell towers that chime on the hour to remind residents of a time when shipbuilding was one of the city’s driving industries.
Living in Kirkland
No matter where you live in Kirkland, you’re never far from the water. Gorgeous views and lakeside access put housing in Kirkland in high demand--the average cost of a home in Kirkland is $889,741.
Over 75% of Kirkland is zoned for housing. This includes single-family homes, condos and apartments. The last few decades have also signaled a boom in mixed-use developments. Mixed-use developments include both housing and storefronts in the same building. The recent expansion of mixed-use developments gives Kirkland a small-town European feel that residents love.
Leisure and lifestyle are driving industries in Kirkland. The Village at Totem Lake is a new shopping center that offers the kinds of stores that residents used to have to travel to other municipalities for. On nice days, you can walk the Cross Kirkland Corridor Interim Trail--approximately six miles of pedestrian space that cuts right through town. For a more immersive outdoor experience, you have easy access to the wetlands at Juanita Bay Park, Big Finn Hill Park, and Bridle Trails State Park.
Though largely residential, Kirkland has a slate of boutiques and restaurants--a stroll down Park Lane (Kirkland’s pedestrian-friendly shopping area) gives you access to the best the city has to offer. Check out our complete list of can’t-miss Kirkland eateries here. (insert link)
The population of Kirkland is 89,438, making it a small enough town that community events are widely publicized and accessible. There’s always something going on at the Waterfront that you can participate in! You’ll find no shortage of art galleries, exhibits, and family-friendly activities in Kirkland’s downtown area. And when you want access to the city, Seattle is only a 19-minute drive away.
Looking Toward the Future
City officials expect Kirkland to continue to grow in the coming years, resulting in more housing and more jobs for people who want to live there. If that’s you, we emphatically support your decision. Reach out to us today to see what projects we’re working on in the Kirkland area!