Looking for a picturesque city on the banks of Lake Washington with stunning natural beauty? Then living in Kenmore WA may be the ideal option. Kenmore is a small city in the Seattle area known for being the home of Bastyr University, the country’s leading university of naturopathic medicine.
The area was settled in 1889 when a Scotsman named John McAsters and his wife Annie came to the Puget Sound region from Kenmore, Ontario, to open a shingle-making business.
McAster and his business partner, Chris Kruse, leased the land from a former Washington Territory governor, Watson W. Squire, and got to work building a company town. They named it Kenmore after the town they came from in Ontario, which was also named after a village in Scotland.
Today, Kenmore WA is a good place to live for those who want a suburban atmosphere with easy access to amenities, street events, and outdoor recreation. Do you think this might be the ideal community for you? Here is everything you need to know before moving to Kenmore.
Where Is Kenmore?
Kenmore is in King County, on the northernmost shore of Lake Washington. It’s located at the mouth of the Sammamish River, which connects Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington. The city limits stretch north to the Snohomish County line and south to the city of Kirkland.
The northeastern portion of town features a set of swamps and marshlands running north to south along Swamp Creek, perfect for anyone living in Kenmore WA who loves to go hiking. State Route 522 passes directly through Kenmore, offering passage to the downtown area and nearby cities. Public transportation is also available to residents living in Kenmore WA via the King County Metro.
The Burke-Gilman Trail also runs east to west through Kenmore along the shore. Surrounding communities include Lake Forest Park, Brier, Bothell, and Kirkland.
It’s about 16 miles or a 30-minute short drive from Kenmore, WA to Seattle, WA.
Kenmore Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the population of Kenmore, WA, is 23,914. An increasing number of people are discovering the fantastic benefits of living in Kenmore WA, and the population increased by 17% between 2010 and 2020. Yet it still maintains a relatively spacious suburban atmosphere with a population density of 3833 residents per square mile.
Kenmore is an affluent and diverse community that is very well educated. While the Kenmore WA population is primarily white (64%), it also has sizable Asian (15%), Hispanic or Latino (11%), and Black communities (3%). Residents of two or more races make up 6% of the Kenmore, Washington population.
It’s a very rich area, with a median household income of $137,926, which is 25% higher than the median income of the Seattle area. Residents living in Kenmore WA are highly educated, with 96.3% holding a high school diploma and 57.2% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Other WA Kenmore demographics
- 52% of residents living in Kenmore WA are men, and 48% are women
- The median age is 38.7 years.
- The foreign-born population is 22.3%
Famous residents who have enjoyed the benefits of living in Kenmore WA include sportscaster Charissa Thompson and rock musician Steve Fossen.
Living in Kenmore WA is safe. Murders are non-existent, and both the violent and property crime rates are both lower than the rest of the country. The total Kenmore, Washington crime rate is 1,342 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 64% lower than the rest of the state and 42.3% lower than the rest of the country. Here’s how the Kenmore crime rate compares to the state and country:
- The violent crime rate is 83.4% lower than that of typical US city
- The property crime rate is 35% lower than the rest of the country
- There were 0 murders, only 2 robberies, and 8 aggravated assaults in the last year of recorded data.
The Kenmore Police Department addresses crime in the community with the assistance of 16 officers and 4 civilian staff members.
Cost of Living in Kenmore
The cost of living in Kenmore WA is high compared to the national average, although it’s typical for what you may expect of a wealthy Seattle suburb. One way to assess the cost of living in a community is to reference the cost of living index.
It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the country, which is represented by a value of 100. The COLI for Seattle is 145, indicating living in Kenmore WA is about 45% more expensive than your average US city.
The Family Budget Calculator, developed by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a valuable resource. It reveals that the typical family of four, consisting of two adults and two children, needs to earn approximately $156,415 to afford the cost of living in Kenmore WA.
Typical expenses of living in Kenmore WA:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $22.50
- 1 gallon of fresh milk: $3.86
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.75
- Mid-range bottle of wine: $15.00
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.29
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $4.30
- 1 pound of local cheese: $6.75
- Average Kenmore monthly utility bill: $126.36
Source: Numbeo
Kenmore real estate is on the pricier side. According to Redfin, the median home price of houses for sale in Kenmore WA, is $1,050,000. That’s more than double the median home value in the rest of the country but only 12% higher than the median in Seattle. The average price per square foot of Kenmore, WA real estate is $588.
Most people living in Kenmore are homeowners, although renters will also find options. Census data shows that 70% of homes are owner-occupied, while 30% are rented out. Rentcafe suggests that the average rent in Kenmore is $2,169 per month.
Only 13% of rentals are found in high-rise buildings with more than 50 units, while 54% are in smaller buildings and 28% are single-family homes. Rent prices for tenants living in Kenmore WA start around $2000 for a 1-bedroom and go up to $4800 for three or more bedrooms.
Popular buildings among renters living in Kenmore WA:
Kenmore Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Kenmore
Although it doesn’t have many well-defined neighborhoods with unique names and character, Kenmore does have several distinct areas that offer tight-knit communities and a high quality of life. Here are a few key areas to explore.
Downtown Kenmore | A Centrally Located Neighborhood Full of Action and Excitement
Home to the main commercial district, Downtown Kenmore is centrally located along Highway 322 and offers a range of breweries, shops, restaurants, boutiques, and modern apartment buildings. It’s ideal for those living in Kenmore WA, who want to be in the center of the action.
South Kenmore | A Peaceful Area With Good Schools and Spacious Homes
Just below downtown is South Kenmore, a peaceful area home to many golf courses, parks, and Bastyr University, offering spacious homes and historic Kenmore attractions.
Marina and Air Harbor District | A Lakefront Neighborhood With Aquatic Activities
Situated on the northern end of Lake Washington, the Marina and Air Harbor District is known for its scenic views and aquatic attractions, including the largest collection of float planes in the country. It’s a great area for anyone living in Kenmore WA who loves the water.
Kenmore, Washington Weather & Climate
The weather in Kenmore, Washington, is fairly typical for what you might expect in the rest of the Pacific Northwest. It’s defined by its latitude and close proximity to the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean, and it has a warm summer Mediterranean climate according to the Koppen Classification system. That means anyone living in Kenmore WA can expect dank, cool winters and dry mild summers.
The temperature typically ranges from 37°F to 77°F, although winters can drop as low as 28°F and summers can reach up to 86°F. The best weather in Kenmore, WA, is typically from mid-July through August.
Plan for precipitation if you’re considering moving to Kenmore. Although rare, it does average about four inches of snow every year. It also averages about 41 inches of rain, so make sure to bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Kenmore
Looking for fun things to do in Kenmore WA? You’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of fantastic ways to stay entertained. You’ll find plenty of shopping, coffee shops, and Kenmore dining options at Kenmore Town Square, Town Center at Lake Forest Park, or The Village at Totem Lake. Other than shopping, here are a few fun things to do in Kenmore.
Saint Edward State Park
Saint Edward State Park is a historic 326-acre public park that was once a Catholic seminary, now offering sprawling lawns, shaded walking trails, and gorgeous Romanesque Revival-style buildings. It’s great for outdoor enthusiasts living in Kenmore WA.
14445 Juanita Dr NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 823-2992
Kenmore Lanes
Kenmore Lanes is a local bowling alley and family entertainment center with dozens of lanes, a restaurant, lounge, arcade, casino, pro shop, and more. It’s a popular destination for families living in Kenmore WA looking for a weekend outing.
7638 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 486-5555
Inglewood Golf Club
Founded over 100 years ago on the banks of Lake Washington, Inglewood Gold Club is a championship course designed by A. Vernon Macan featuring challenging greens and a comfortable clubhouse.
6505 Inglewood Rd NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 488-8800
Additional Attractions In Kenmore
For those seeking additional fun activities while living in Kenmore WA, the Kenmore Parks and Facilities Maintenance department offers a directory of various parks and public grounds on its website.
Kenmore Restaurants
Hungry for a bite to eat? You’ll be pleased to know there are many delicious restaurants in Kenmore. From Vietnamese food to Mexican cuisine, here are a few of the best restaurants in Kenmore.
De La Soil
Located inside the Copperworks Distilling building, De La Soil is one of the best restaurants in Kenmore, WA, if you’re looking for upscale American cuisine made with fresh ingredients and produce.
7324 NE 175th St B, Kenmore, WA 98028 (206) 670-5323
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Pho House Deli
Serving primarily Pho and Banh Mi, Pho House Deli is one of the best Kenmore WA restaurants if you’re looking for authentic Vietnamese served in a casual setting with a playground for kids.
6233 NE Bothell Way, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 892-8141
Acapulco Fresh Mexican Grill
Acapulco Fresh Mexican Grill is known for its traditional cuisine and personalized service with delicious menu items like quesadillas and seafood, plus a salsa bar.
6016 Bothell Way NE, Kenmore, WA 98028 (425) 482-0334
Jobs in Kenmore
Known more as a bedroom community for Seattle, Bothell, and Redmond, most residents living in Kenmore WA work in the surrounding areas. However, it still has its own robust economy with plenty of Kenmore WA jobs centered around durable goods and special trade contracting.
It features one of the last remaining industrial ports on Lake Washington, which still provides numerous great job opportunities for workers living in Kenmore WA. It’s also home to Kenmore Air, a large private seaplane-based airline, and Bastyr University, a school for alternative medicine.
Other major employers providing jobs in Kenmore WA include James G. Murphy Company, a commercial/industrial auction house, and the Rinker Materials Kenmore plant.
Other major employers in the Puget Sound Region:
Payscale reports that the average annual salary in the Seattle area is $94,000. So anyone living in Kenmore WA can expect to earn about that amount. From customer care advocate to receiving clerk, you’ll find a wide variety of Kenmore jobs available. City of Kenmore Washington jobs are also available if you prefer to work in local government.
Kenmore Schools
Students living in Kenmore WA will receive a fantastic education at the local public schools. It’s within the Northshore School District, which is not only the Kenmore School District, it also covers Bothell, Brier, Lake Forest Park, and Woodinville. A small portion of Kenmore also extends into the Lake Washington School District, although it’s mostly covered by Saint Edward Park.
Inglemoor High School is the local school serving just over 1400 students living in Kenmore WA in grades 9 through 12. Known for its excellent IB program, Inglemar High School often ranks among the top high schools in the US and is ranked 50th in the state of Washington, boasting a 96% graduation rate.
The St. Madeline Sophie School and Bellevue Christian School are two notable private schools nearby serving students living in Kenmore WA. The city is home to Bastyr University, a private institution specializing in naturopathic medicine.
It’s also conveniently located between the University of Washington’s main campus and UW Bothell, as well as Cascadia College. Residents living in Kenmore WA are also welcome to visit the local branch of the King County Public Library system.
Kenmore Statistics & Information
- Kenmore County: King County
- Kenmore area: 7.22 square miles
- Kenmore zip code: 98028
- Kenmore area code: 425
- Kenmore elevation: 39 ft
- Kenmore time zone: UTC (-7 and -8)
- Closest airport to Kenmore: The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 30 miles away.
Map of Kenmore, WA
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do while living in Kenmore WA with this map.
Find Out What Living In Kenmore WA Is Really Like
Thinking about moving to Kenmore? All Ready Moving and Storage is one of the top Kenmore moving companies, offering an easy and stress-free moving day. Call (360) 507-2447 for a free quote from the top-rated Seattle moving and storage company at All Ready Moving and Storage.
