Welcome to Kirkland
A leisurely waterfront neighborhood with a strong sense of community
Often described as a Pacific Northwest beach town, Kirkland presents a lifestyle of leisure and relaxation. This highly walkable city sets its waterfront at center stage, offering endless ways to take advantage of the wild beauty and breathtaking views. Tree-lined streets, a stunning backdrop, and meticulously manicured waterfront parks elevate Kirkland to a charming, luxurious, and highly sought-after community.
Kirkland’s name comes from English industrialist Peter Kirk, who arrived in the 1880’s with dreams of steel manufacturing success. Kirk’s vision was truncated in the financial crisis of 1893, but the town went on to establish lucrative wool milling and shipbuilding industries. Today, that spirit of entrepreneurship weaves through this tech-centric neighborhood in the form of major industry players like Google, Microsoft, and IBM, and an impressive array of small boutiques and businesses.
With Seattle a short fifteen minutes away, Kirkland’s residents have a sophisticated metropolis right at their fingertips – but with beachside lunches and resort-style, new construction estates overlooking Lake Washington, there’s every reason to stay right at home.
What to Love
- Thriving economy
- Excellent schools
- Endless aquatic recreation
- Abundance of Seasonal Events
People & Lifestyle
With expansive green space and a beautifully maintained park system, Kirkland offers residents a slice of lakeside paradise. Life here moves at a delightfully slower pace than nearby buzzy Seattle and that’s exactly how residents like it – from morning strolls along the lakeside trails to afternoon kayaking and waterfront dining, Kirkland proves that weekend living was made for every day of the week.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Kirkland is celebrated not only for its wild beauty and breathtaking waterfront views but also for its clever design features and architectural ingenuity. Park Street has been heralded as a sustainable “living street” and the thoughtfully arranged elements make this space a destination in its own right. With rotating art exhibits, abundant street furniture, and parking hoops for cyclists, this highly walkable street is a truly shared environment for both pedestrians and passing vehicles. Chef-owned BeachHouse Bar and Grill focuses on a menu of gourmet burgers, oversized sandwiches, fresh salads, and Northwest seafood dishes made with fresh, natural, and local ingredients, while the sleek Deru Market impresses with organic, artisan pizza, sandwiches, salads, and sweets made from locally sourced ingredients.
Indulge in la dolce vita vibes at Como, a light-filled bistro set on the shore of Lake Washington. With a menu focused on cuisine from Italy’s Lombardy region, this elegant dining room features decadent dishes and stunning views. Zoka Coffee is the place Kirkland turns to for morning lattes, while the whimsical Lady Yum charms with fanciful macarons and champagne.
Things to Do
The leafy, sylvan Kirkland is home to a beautiful array of parks and beaches for residents to enjoy. Perched on the edge of Lake Washington, Waverly Beach Park is perfect for a day of swimming and lounging. Launch your boat for a day on the water or picnic on the sprawling lawn. Stroll along the waterfront at David Brink Park, or take the kids for a playdate at Houghton Beach Park, which features a playground, picnic areas, a sand volleyball court, and a seasonal swimming area. The verdant Marsh Park stuns with breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline.
Explore Kirkland’s lovely waterfront and meet winemakers from Washington’s most esteemed wineries at Kirkland Wine Walks. This elevated winetasting takes guests on a tour of Kirkland’s finest art galleries and most stylish boutiques and showcases the Pacific Northwest’s most celebrated wineries and breweries. Summer in Kirkland brings the Wednesday Market. Set in the beautiful waterfront Marina Park, this open-air market showcases the area’s freshest seasonal fare, organic vegetables, and artisan specialties. Downtown Kirkland celebrates vintage cars and antique classics at the Kirkland Waterfront Car Show, a neighborhood favorite.
One of the community’s most-loved events Celebrate Kirkland is Kirkland’s Fourth of July festival. Watch the colorful parade, indulge at the community picnic, and delight in the evening fireworks show.
Schools
