Kirkland Washington Living Life On Lake Washington

By Author: Glenn Farrier
Total Articles: 123
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An incorporated municipality in the Seattle metropolitan area, Kirkland is vibrant, quite livable community located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Over the past two decades, population growth in the region has resulted in new construction alongside historical preservation, transforming Kirkland into a wonderful mix of residential neighborhoods, upscale apartment and condo living, and colorful downtown shops.

Kirkland is just north of the city of Bellevue, connected to the adjacent neighborhoods by Interstate 405. The most direct connection to downtown Seattle is via State Route 520, intersecting I-405 in northern Bellevue and crossing Lake Washington by floating bridge. To the north, I-405 intersects with I-5 and affords easy connections to Everett and Snohomish County.

The Kirkland waterfront is one of the most popular places for both residents and visitors. Several city parks are located along the lakeshore, and there are excellent views of the University of Washington and the northern Seattle neighborhoods. Sailboats are a common sight on the lake, and the beautiful Juanita Bay has several marinas ...
... and boat launch facilities.

Kirkland has a wonderful parks and recreation department. Juanita Beach Park, Heritage Park, and Marina Park are just a few of the nicely kept public areas within the city limits. Kirkland is also nearby to several of the region's most popular golf courses including Sahalee, Inglewood, and Newcastle.

Downtown Kirkland is full of specialty shops, restaurants, and condos. The atmosphere is pleasant and welcoming. Public transportation is provided by King County Metro, and the new downtown transit center makes it easy to commute by bus to the neighboring suburbs, downtown Seattle, or South Snohomish County.

Kirkland also has a reputation as an arts center. The Kirkland Performance Center features live concerts focusing on jazz, piano recitals, and chorus groups. The Parklane Gallery is the city's only artist-owned institution and offers both residents and visitors the opportunity to view and purchase locally created arts and crafts.

Residents of Kirkland enjoy some of the most unique dining establishments in the entire Seattle area. Everything from bistros and bakeries to seafood restaurants and pizzerias are found within the city limits. The downtown area boasts a number of highly rated cafes and coffee houses, and there are plenty of ethnic choices as well. Chinese, Indian, Italian, Japanese and Thai restaurants can all be found in or near the downtown core.

Kirkland is wonderfully landscaped. Many of the trees found throughout the city are native species and include Douglas Fir, Big Leaf Maple, and Madrona. The tall firs offer plentiful shade and are home to many species of animal and bird life. Bald eagles, owls, beavers, and muskrats all call Kirkland home. Wildlife viewing is a favorite pastime in this city, and residents delight in taking their binoculars to the local parks or along the nature trails found throughout the area.

Many people working in the nearby high-tech corridor along State Route 520 choose Kirkland as their home. Microsoft and other software development companies have their home base or world headquarters near Kirkland.

Kirkland has an award-winning school district and is nearby to a large number of technical schools. Students at the University of Washington or Northwest University will find a pleasant assortment of housing opportunities within the city. The rather peaceful atmosphere of the community makes Kirkland a favorite place to work, study, or just relax.

Many people who are relocating to the Seattle area look for an upbeat community that retains its small town charm. Kirkland is an excellent example of a neighborhood that has kept its small community feel intact while at the same time offering residents the conveniences of a contemporary suburb.

This article was produced by Eric Badgley; specializing in Kirkland Real Estate and Seattle Real Estate. http://www.kreick.com