Kirkland is king! The Duwamish people lived in the Kirkland area for thousands of years, with English settlers arriving in the late 1860s. In 1886, a businessman named Peter Kirk moved to the area and bought the land. He founded the city of Kirkland in 1888, naming it after himself. The city quickly grew thanks to its proximity to iron deposits, encouraging people to start mills in the community.
Kirkland is best known for being a lakeside community with access to Lake Washington. Is Kirkland WA a good place to live? Yes, it’s a nice place to live, with great schools, beautiful parks, and numerous homes for sale. You may want to figure out moving to Kirkland today. But before you call a moving company, you should figure out what living in Kirkland is like. Here are good reasons to relocate to Kirkland.
Where Is Kirkland?
What county is Kirkland WA in? Kirkland is in King County, part of the Seattle metro area and a suburb of Seattle. The city borders Lake Washington and includes many small parks, but the city is well-developed with commercial and residential areas. The community borders Bellevue WA, Redmond, Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville. It is 11 miles from Kirkland to Seattle.
King County Metro provides public transportation to Kirkland residents. The Kenmore-Kirkland Community Van program lets you receive private rides in vans to any location within two hours of Kirkland. King County Metro also provides bus and train services at stops throughout the city, with routes connecting to the best Seattle neighborhoods and other cities in King County. The city is also very walkable, containing well-paved sidewalks and walking trails. Interstate 405 runs north to south through Kirkland, connecting the city to Bellevue and Lynnwood.
Kirkland Population and Demographics
The Kirkland WA population in 2020 was 92,166. The population grew by 88.9% between 2010 and 2020; by comparison, the state of Washington grew by just 14.6% during that same time period, so Kirkland grew at a rate seven times faster than the state! The population density was 5,176.6 people per square mile, making Kirkland one of the more compact communities of Washington. Notable people include Ryan Hall, Cher Scarlett, and Robin Pecknold.
Kirkland demographics include:
- 50.0% female, 50.0% male
- Median age: 38.4
- Racial and ethnic composition: 67.9% White alone, 16.1% Asian alone, 7.9% two or more races, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American alone, 0.5% American Indian and Alaska Native alone, 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander alone
- Median household income: $130,397 (roughly 1.5 times higher than Washington’s median)
- Educational attainment: 96.7% of residents have graduated high school, 62.1% have a bachelor’s degree
- Foreign-born population: 23.9%
Kirkland trends young, with over 20% of residents being under the age of 18. But many retirees and older professionals enjoy living in Kirkland WA; 13.5% of the population is 65 years of age or older. Kirkland’s foreign-born population is roughly 1.5 times higher than the Washington rate of 14.8%. 56% of foreign-born residents living in Kirkland identify as being of Asian descent, while 19% identify as being of European descent.
Kirkland is a safe place to live. Here are the city’s latest crime statistics:
- Overall crime rate: 2,290 offenses per 100,000 people (24.3% lower than Washington’s average, 2.4% lower than America’s average)
- Violent crime rate: 83 offenses per 100,000 people (71.8% lower than Washington’s average, 78.6% lower than America’s average)
- Property crime rate: 2,207 crimes per 100,000 residents (19.2% lower than Washington’s average, 12.7% higher than America’s average)
The Kirkland Police Department has 110 commissioned officers and 45 support personnel.
Kirkland Washington Cost of Living
We used the Seattle cost of living statistics to estimate the Kirkland WA cost of living. The cost of living index for Seattle is 152.7; items in Seattle cost 52.7% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $107,916 a year to cover the cost of living in the Seattle metro area. Though the Kirkland Washington cost of living is high, you can find high-paying jobs in the community.
Kirkland real estate can also be high, though affordable options are available. According to Redfin, the average home price in Kirkland WA is $1,257,000. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Kirkland WA is $2,416. You can apply to Washington first-time homebuyer programs to find quick and affordable loans and mortgages.
Typical Kirkland* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.54
- 1 pound of bananas: $1.01
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $4.99
- Average Kirkland* utilities per month: $270.29
- 1 pair of jeans: $72.22
- Monthly fee for one adult in a fitness club: $77.72
Source: Numbeo
*Expenses are for Seattle
Kirkland Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Kirkland
Kirkland has more than a dozen formal neighborhoods. Here are three of the best places to live in Kirkland, including good options for families and first-time homebuyers.
Moss Bay | Centrally-Located Kirkland Neighborhood With Premium Single-Family Homes
Moss Bay is the oldest neighborhood in Kirkland and is located in the center of the city. Moss Bay Kirkland is right by the water, and you can find Kirkland houses with waterfront and sunset views. Many Kirkland homes for sale in Moss Bay are spacious single-family properties; you can buy three-bedroom Kirkland WA homes for sale covering over 2,300 square feet for $2.15 million. You can also live in various Kirkland condos throughout Moss Bay. Contemporary two-bedroom Kirkland condos for sale cover nearly 1,400 square feet and contain amenities like fully stocked chef’s kitchens and underground parking. You can buy one of these condos for less than $1 million.
Norkirk | Most Spacious and Luxurious Homes for Sale in Kirkland WA
Norkirk borders Moss Bay to the north, but the neighborhood is more residential and laid back than its neighbor. Homes tend to be bigger and have more elaborate landscaping, with private gardens, rows of trees, and waterfalls. Five-bedroom homes for sale in Kirkland WA, covering more than 4,200 square feet, are available for $3.25 million. Norkirk has fewer condos and apartments than Moss Bay, so it’s a suitable community for families and homebuyers.
Kingsgate | Affordable and Family-Friendly Homes for Sale in Kirkland Close to Green Spaces
Kingsgate is one of the newer neighborhoods in Kirkland, with many homes built in the 1960s or later. The community includes John Muir Elementary School and Kamiakin Middle School as well as several parks with playgrounds, making it one of the most kid-friendly communities in Kirkland. Kingsgate Kirkland is also relatively affordable; the median price of Kirkland homes for sale in Kingsgate is $1 million. You can find contemporary four-bedroom houses for sale Kirkland WA, covering 1,400 square feet for $900,000.
Kirkland Weather and Climate
Kirkland has a warm-summer Mediterranean climate with hot but short summers and harsh and wet winters. August is the hottest month of the year, with an average temperature of 66 degrees and an average high of 77. December is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 41 degrees and an average low of 38.
Winters are very overcast; 73% of days in January and December are entirely or mostly cloudy. The weather Kirkland gets clearer in the summer, with 69% of days in July and August being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy. The city experiences an average of 133.8 days of precipitation, 48.6 inches of rain, and 3.1 inches of snow every year. The community can experience thunderstorms and other forms of extreme Kirkland WA weather, but they are rare. Kirkland wind is mild throughout the year.
The best time to visit Kirkland and enjoy weather Kirkland WA is August. The temperatures are mild enough that you can walk around the city in a light jacket, and you don’t have to worry about rain or bring an umbrella.
Things to Do in Kirkland
You can find plenty of unique, family-friendly things to do in Kirkland WA. Kirkland is a hub for shopping in the Seattle area. The Village at Totem Lake is an open-air shopping mall with dozens of stores and restaurants, including a Whole Foods Market and a Barnes and Noble. Kirkland Urban is a mixed-use center with restaurants and stores, including nail salons and wellness stores.
Juanita Beach Park
Juanita Beach Park covers 22 acres along Lake Washington, including 1,000 feet of outdoor shoreline open for swimming, fishing, and boating. You can also go for free walks and look at public art installations and wildlife.
9703 Juanita Drive Northeast, Kirkland, WA, 98034, 425-587-3300
Caribbean Casino
Casino Caribbean Kirkland offers must do casino games like Texas Hold ’em in a casual space with a fun Caribbean theme. Poker players get discounts on food and drink, so you can save money on meals while you play.
12526 Northeast 144th Street, Kirkland, WA, 98034, 425-821-2222
LazerX Arena
Laser X offers laser tag, Nerf tag, and dodgeball in a state-of-the-art setting. In a one-hour session, you will play in an ultra-realistic, Hollywood-style set using equipment and software from SWAT teams.
210 8th Street South #2, Kirkland, WA, 98033, 425-896-8678
Other Things to Do in Kirkland WA
The Parks and Community Services Department in Kirkland manages parks and public areas and runs special things to do in Kirkland Washington throughout the year. You can use the department’s online catalog to find free classes and their calendar to see when the next events will be.
Kirkland Restaurants
The Seattle area may be well known for coffee and seafood. But restaurants in Kirkland provide a wide range of experiences, including romantic settings for couples and quaint kid-friendly spaces.
Cactus Kirkland
Cactus Kirkland serves classic and contemporary Mexican food, including Saturday and Sunday brunch, in a vibrant space. Kids can enjoy burritos and tacos, while adults can try out an extensive drink list at night with fresh margaritas and agave spirits.
121 Park Lane, Kirkland, WA, 98033, 425-893-9799
DERU Market
DERU provides sandwiches, pizza, and coffee in a light setting. DERU specializes in takeout, making it a cool place to grab a quick lunch, but you can sit down and enjoy your meal with a friend or client.
723 9th Avenue, Kirkland, WA, 98033, 425-298-0268
Royal India
Royal India Kirkland is a classy Indian and South Asian restaurant. You can enjoy Indian staples like tandoori chicken, samosas, and lassi in a fun space perfect for dates and nights out with friends.
9714 Juanita Drive Northeast, Kirkland, WA, 98034, 425-820-2303
Kirkland Jobs
Roughly 50,600 people have jobs in Kirkland WA. Employment in Kirtland grew by 1.06% between 2019 and 2020, with the city adding roughly 500 jobs Kirkland to the economy. The largest sectors for jobs in Kirkland are professional services, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. According to Payscale, the average base salary of Kirkland WA jobs is $87,000 a year, and the average base hourly rate is $24.50.
The biggest employers in Kirkland are Evergreen Healthcare, Google, and the City of Kirkland. You can find additional jobs in Kirkland WA through Indeed, and you can apply for City of Kirkland jobs through the city government’s website.
Kirkland Schools
The main Kirkland school district is Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Notable elementary schools in Kirkland WA include Mark Twain Elementary. US News and World Report ranks Twain in the top 100 Washington elementary schools. 78% of Twain students test at or above the proficiency level in mathematics, 29 percentage points higher than the state average.
US News ranks Lake Washington High School in the top 20 high schools in Washington. 91% of Lake Washington students test at or above the proficiency level in reading, 21 points higher than the Washington average. Private schools in Kirkland WA include Northlake Academy, which has a preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school. Northlake is known for having unique extracurricular programs, including Japanese, visual art, and Zumba classes.
Kirkland has a few small colleges and universities. US News and World Report ranks Northwest University in the top 20 best value schools in the West. Lake Washington Institute of Technology is the only public institute of technology in the state, offering bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in over 40 areas.
The Kirkland Library covers 19,500 square feet and contains thousands of books and DVDs.
Kirkland Statistics and Information
- County: King County
- Kirkland area: 22.66 square miles
- Kirkland zip code: 98033, 98034, 98083
- Kirkland area code: 425
- Kirkland elevation: 14-500 feet
- Kirkland time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
- Closest airport to Kirkland: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), 22 miles from Kirkland
Kirkland Map
You can use this Kirkland Washington map to find the best Kirkland Washington restaurants, attractions, and homes for sale in the city!
Living in Kirkland WA is like living in paradise! You can enjoy unique outdoor attractions, premium schools, and luxurious homes and condos throughout the city. But before you start your new life in this exciting community, you must figure out moving to Kirkland.
All Ready Moving’s team of dedicated Kirkland movers has performed 18,000 moves over the last 20 years. Call 360-507-2447 to receive a free quote today.
