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Kirkland, WA, is filled with neighborhoods that are ideal for families, featuring outstanding schools, parks, and strong community vibes. Situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Washington, Kirkland continues to attract home buyers looking for a place that perfectly balances urban convenience with suburban charm.
This detailed guide provides a deep dive into the best neighborhoods in Kirkland for families, based on factors like education, safety, amenities, housing, and overall livability.
Rose Hill is a favorite among families thanks to its top-rated schools, picturesque tree-lined streets, and welcoming community. Families love the proximity to parks, like Rose Hill Meadows and Forbes Lake, which are perfect for outdoor play and leisurely strolls.
The neighborhood also hosts local events, offers great dining options, and is conveniently located near Redmond, Bellevue, and downtown Kirkland for an easy commute to urban centers, making Rose Hill the perfect blend of suburban serenity with urban perks.
In terms of housing options, Rose Hill offers a mix of housing styles, including charming single-family homes and more modern townhouses.
Families flock to Bridle Trails for its unique, semi-rural setting known for its equestrian trails and large wooded lots. It’s perfect for families who seek more space and nature, with expansive 500+ acres of greenbelt for those who enjoy the outdoors.
Bridle Trails is also accessible to Ben Franklin Elementary and Eastside Prep, both exceptional educational options for students. The neighborhood also hosts frequent seasonal events that promote a strong community spirit.
Finn Hill offers suburban appeal with its serene streets and spacious lots. The outdoorsy type will appreciate nearby Big Finn Hill Park and Saint Edward State Park, each offering ample hiking, biking, and trail options. And with modern amenities located nearby, residents can enjoy the conveniences of city-like services with quieter living.
Parents will also have their pick of the litter in terms of academic options for their kids, with several top-rated middle and high schools nearby, including Finn Hill Middle and Inglewood Junior High.
The Highlands neighborhood of Kirkland is largely made up of families with children, with strong community ties and low crime rates. Students have plenty of high-quality schools in the vicinity, like Highlands Elementary and Lake Washington High.
The area also boasts breathtaking views of Lake Washington, which can be enjoyed perched on elevated residences that are common in the neighborhood. Highlands is also conveniently located near I-405, with plenty of restaurants, parks, and trails easily accessible from the freeway.
Those who enjoy lakeside living, an abundance of waterfront parks, and sophisticated single-family homes will find Houghton idyllic. The area perfectly blends tranquil residential streets with convenient access to the urban core.
Houghton’s demographic includes a mix of families and professionals. In terms of schools, the area is served by Lakeview Elementary, International Community School, and Lake Washington High School.
Juanita is another popular Kirkland neighborhood among families with children. Families can enjoy services offered at the Kirkland Community Center, as well as several school options, including John Muir Elementary, Kamiakin Middle School, and Juanita High School.
Area residents are treated to a weekly summer farmers market, various events, and artistic activities. The neighborhood is also home to Juanita Beach Park, featuring beaches, playgrounds, and waterfront trails.
Totem Lake has seen rapid revitalization with new apartments and community amenities. The renovated Village at Totem Lake is a modern mixed-use hub featuring shopping, dining, cinema, and fitness facilities.
The neighborhood is served by high-rated schools, and the nearby I-405 makes for convenient commuting.
Currently, the average home price in all of Kirkland is $1,319,607, according to Zillow, making it among the more expensive cities in Washington State. To give you a sense of how home prices in Kirkland compare to other areas in the state, here are a few nearby cities and their respective average home prices, as of June 2025:
| Seattle | $886,741 |
| Bellevue | $1,554,196 |
| Redmond | $1,447,422 |
| Issaquah | $1,188,842 |
| Olympia | $548,734 |
| Tacoma | $497,890 |
| Federal Way | $609,946 |
As you can see, home prices vary quite a bit, with some well over the $1 million mark, while others offer much more affordability.
Choosing the right neighborhood in Kirkland is not unlike picking your favorite ice cream flavor — all options offer something for everyone. However, one neighborhood may be better suited for you and your family than others. Here are a few tips to help you choose the perfect neighborhood in Kirkland to buy a home:
If you have children, check out neighborhoods that are served by top-rated schools, like Eastside Prep or Lake Washington High. Areas like Highlands and Bridle Trails are known for strong academics.
If you work in cities like Seattle, look for neighborhoods with easy access to public transit or freeways, like the I-405. Totem Lake and Highlands are commuter-friendly neighborhoods in Kirkland that make travelling to big cities easy without sacrificing suburban charm.
Whether you love the outdoors, prefer walkability, or enjoy nearby amenities, consider a neighborhood that reflects your lifestyle.
If you have a preference for a particular style of home, look in neighborhoods that check that box. For instance, if you’re interested in elegant single-family homes, Houghton may be the place to look. On the other hand, if you prefer renovated condo living, Totem Lake might have what you need.
Kirkland itself is a relatively pricey city in Washington State, so the neighborhoods within its borders also tend to come with steep price tags. That said, some neighborhoods may be more affordable than others, like Juanita and Totem Lake.
Kirkland is a city that offers everything that families need to thrive, whether it’s great schools, lots of space, community spirit, and outdoor beauty. No matter what you’re looking for, there’s a neighborhood in Kirkland suitable for you and your family.
If you’re planning a move to Kirkland, consider what matters most, whether it’s school ratings, walkability, green space, or proximity to work. Working with a local real estate agent and mortgage company, like Sammamish Mortgage, can make the transition to your new home a seamless one.
If you’re in need of a mortgage to finance a home purchase in Kirkland, WA, then we’d love to help. Sammamish Mortgage is a local, family-owned company based in Bellevue, WA. We offer a variety of mortgage programs for borrowers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado. Please contact us if you need a mortgage loan to buy a home in Kirkland, or visit our website to get an instant rate quote.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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