A Home Buyer’s Guide to the City of Kenmore, Washington

Published:
May 7, 2024
Last updated:
May 7, 2024
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As a Seattle-area mortgage company, we do our best to educate local home buyers about the different cities and communities where they might want to purchase a home. Today, we turn our attention to the lakefront city of Kenmore, Washington.

This Kenmore, WA home buyers guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the city and what you can expect in terms of home prices and the temperature of the current housing market.

Kenmore, Washington at a Glance

Kenmore, Washington is a suburban city of about 24,000 residents, located in King County, in the Seattle metropolitan area. Situated along the northern shores of Lake Washington, Kenmore offers a scenic setting with access to both urban amenities and natural landscapes.

The city of Kenmore covers an area of approximately 6.2 square miles. A significant portion of its land borders Lake Washington to the south. The Sammamish River flows through the eastern part of the city, adding to its picturesque waterfront appeal.

Kenmore is considered to be a suburb of Seattle and is located just 12 miles northeast of downtown Seattle. Many residents commute back and forth between the two cities.

The city’s waterfront location provides ample opportunity for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities on Lake Washington. Kenmore also has several parks and green spaces, including Saint Edward State Park, known for its historic seminary building and extensive hiking trails.

Local Economy and Employment

From an economic standpoint, Kenmore has evolved into a bedroom community. Many local residents commute to jobs in nearby Seattle, Bothell, and Redmond.

Even so, Kenmore has retained its own local economy centered mainly around construction materials, highway construction, asphalt, and the like. The city is also home to one of the last industrial ports on Lake Washington, at the mouth of the Sammamish River.

Major employers within the city of Kenmore include:

  • Bastyr University: A leader in naturopathic medicine, employing faculty, staff, and researchers.
  • Kenmore Air: The largest seaplane-only airline in the US, providing jobs in aviation and related fields.
  • Northshore Utility District: Provides essential utilities like water and electricity, employing personnel for maintenance and operations.
  • City of Kenmore: Public sector jobs in administration, public works, and other city services.
  • Small Businesses: Kenmore has a vibrant small business scene, with employers like restaurants, shops, and professional service providers contributing to the local economy.

Kenmore’s proximity to Seattle allows residents to access a wider range of employment opportunities in tech and other major industries. Additionally, the city is currently revitalizing its downtown area, which could attract new businesses. The wide range of employment opportunities is just one good reason why you may consider buying a home in Kenmore, WA.

Kenmore’s Competitive Housing Market

Like most cities in the Seattle Metro area, Kenmore has a highly competitive real estate market where the supply of homes often falls short of buyer demand.

Home prices in Kenmore typically run higher than the metro area average, but are more affordable than pricier cities like Sammamish, Redmond, and Bellevue.

Here’s a snapshot of current home prices as of spring 2024, according to Zillow:

  • City of Kenmore: $1,024,991
  • City of Seattle: $879,412
  • Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro area: $743,574

These numbers will have likely changed by the time you read this report. But they still illustrate the relative difference between Kenmore home prices compared to those within the surrounding metro area. Understanding these high home prices is an important factor to consider before buying a home in Kenmore, WA.

Home buyers in Kenmore often have to grapple with tight inventory conditions. When this report was published, the housing market had less than a one-month supply of homes for sale. Because of this, sellers tend to have more negotiating leverage when it comes to sale prices and other terms.

Kenmore is also a fast-moving real estate market where homes typically sell in less than two weeks, and often within days of listing. It’s fairly common for homes to sell above the original list price, especially in the most desirable neighborhoods of Kenmore.

And speaking of neighborhoods…

Popular Neighborhoods for Home Buyers

Kenmore has an abundance of nice neighborhoods with well-maintained homes and pleasant scenery. That’s one of the major benefits that attracts home buyers to this market.

Here are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Kenmore:

  • Inglewood / Inglemoor: This established neighborhood offers single-family homes, excellent schools (including Inglemoor High School), and proximity to nature with the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary nearby.
  • Moorlands: Known for its quiet, residential streets with a mix of single-family homes and townhomes. Moorlands offers easy access to local parks and the Burke-Gilman Trail.
  • Westgate: A family-friendly neighborhood featuring single-family homes and apartments. Westgate is close to shopping centers and offers easy access to major highways.
  • Kenmore Terrace: Primarily single-family homes with a suburban feel. Kenmore Terrace provides a peaceful environment while still being close to amenities like the Kenmore Town Center.
  • Linwood Heights: Offers stunning views of Lake Washington with spacious single-family homes. Linwood Heights is a great option for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle.
  • Horizon View: A developing neighborhood featuring a mix of single-family homes and townhomes.
  • Sheridan Beach: A waterfront neighborhood with a mix of single-family homes and condos.  Sheridan Beach provides direct access to Lake Washington and excellent water views.

Advice for Local Home Buyers

Kenmore, Washington has relatively high home prices for a reason. This area offers beautiful scenery with easy access to the “big city” amenities of Seattle and other surrounding cities. This attracts home buyers and increases demand for housing.

If you’re planning to buy a home in Kenmore, you’ll benefit from some advanced planning and preparation. Start by looking at recent home sales in the area where you buy, to get a better sense of how far your dollar goes.

If you’re going to use a mortgage loan to buy a home in Kenmore, try to get pre-approved before entering the market. Having your financing squared away ahead of time allows you to move swiftly when the right property comes along, while submitting a strong offer.

Last but not least, try to adopt the proper mindset when shopping for a home. As we’ve discussed, the Kenmore real estate market tends to experience low inventory levels relative to buyer demand. So you want to negotiate accordingly when making an offer.

Thinking of Buying a Home in Kenmore, WA?

If you’re ready to get into the Kenmore housing market, set yourself up for success by teaming up with local mortgage experts. At Sammamish Mortgage, we can help you get the loan process started so you can begin house hunting with confidence. Check out our live mortgage rates, get pre-approved, and reach out to Sammamish Mortgage today.

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