Welcome to Kirkland / Redmond
Beautiful homes, waterfront parks, and downtown amenities
Kirkland and Redmond are adjacent waterfront cities located to the east of Seattle. Lake Washington’s eastern shoreline runs for Kirkland’s entire western boundary, and many neighborhoods in the city feature homes with stunning views across the water to the Seattle skyline. Lake Sammamish’s shoreline extends to Redmond’s southeast, and River Sammamish runs to the lake and through the heart of the downtown area. Both cities offer many opportunities for outdoor recreation alongside vibrant downtown areas packed with restaurants, shops, nightlife, and cultural attractions.
Kirkland and Redmond each offer beautiful single-family homes in a range of traditional and contemporary styles. Properties along the waterfront in Kirkland are particularly prized. These include spectacular multi-million-dollar residences with stunning architecture and unbeatable views. In Redmond, the most sought-after properties are nestled in tranquil woodland scenery. Redmond also features many peaceful neighborhoods of single-family homes.
What to Love
- Waterfront parks and homes
- Lots of shopping and dining options
- Gorgeous natural scenery
- Biking capital of the North West
People & Lifestyle
Kirkland and Redmond are both suburbs of Seattle, and many residents commute into the Emerald City for work. There are also lots of employment opportunities within these cities. Redmond is home to the headquarters of major tech firms such as Nintendo of America and Microsoft. Redmond is also known as the bicycle capital of the Northwest, with many bike paths, a velodrome, and a famous annual bike race. Both cities offer a relaxed atmosphere with a variety of close-knit residential neighborhoods.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The tree-lined streets of Kirkland feature many fine restaurants. DERU combines a market stocked with locally sourced organic produce with a restaurant that utilizes these ingredients to create delicious wood-fired pizzas, salads, and desserts. Cactus Kirkland pairs flavorful Southwestern-Mexican dishes with an extensive selection of tequila-based cocktails. Ristorante Paradiso showcases the authentic cuisine of Northern Italy’s Sardinia region alongside a lengthy wine list. Volterra similarly draws on the traditional cooking of Tuscany for its menu of housemade pasta dishes with inventive accompaniments.
On Kirkland’s Lake Washington waterfront, Anthony’s HomePort serves fresh seafood alongside regional wines and beers in a spot with magnificent views of Hunts Point, Sand Point, and the Seattle skyline.
Redmond offers a similarly extensive array of dining choices. Woodblock serves signature burgers and thoughtful large plates alongside beers, wines, and cocktails. Woodblock also offers happy hour deals on charcuterie and wine, as well as a range of weekend brunch specials. The Stone House offers creative, seasonal plates in a 1910s Craftsman bungalow that operated as a speakeasy during the Prohibition era. Other Redmond highlights include rustic Italian cooking with housemade pasta at Tropea Ristorante Italiano, updated Mexican classics at Agave Cocina & Cantina, and mouthwatering steaks and seafood at Matt’s Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge.
Things to Do
Kirkland offers miles of lakeshore with stunning views across Lake Washington to Seattle and the Olympic Mountains.
The 110-acre Juanita Bay Park is a gorgeous natural expanse on the waterfront with tree-shaded walking paths and excellent birdwatching. Enjoy a sunny day at Houghton Beach Park, which has a swimming beach on the lake, a launch spot for kayaks, and a volleyball court. Carillon’s Point Marina has a 24-hour secured dock surrounded by many restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. Romantic dinner cruises ferry passengers between the marina and Seattle. Kirkland’s inland Watershed Park covers 73 acres with scenic hiking trails leading through forests to a reservoir.
Redmond boasts 47 public parks with a total area of more than 1,351 acres. The largest park in Redmond is the 560-acre Marymoor Park, which features a 48-acre off-leash dog area, sports fields, tennis courts, and the city’s velodrome. An amphitheater at Marymoor Park hosts outdoor movie nights and concerts from big-name acts. Redmond also offers more than 59 miles of mixed-use trails for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders. In July, Redmond Derby Days is a major celebration centering on a bicycle race around the Lake Sammamish shoreline.
Schools
Kirkland and Redmond are served by the Lake Washington School District.
Kirkland
- Peter Kirk Elementary School, Public, K-5.
- Environmental & Adventure School, Public, Magnet, 6-8.
- Kirkland Middle School, Public, 6-8.
- Juanita High School, Public, 9-12.
Redmond
- Louisa May Alcott Elementary School, Public, K-5.
- Rosa Parks Elementary School, Public, K-5.
- Evergreen Middle School, Public, 6-8.
- Nikola Tesla STEM High School, Public, Magnet, 9-12.