Is Kirkland Actually Worth It? The Honest Pros and Cons of Living Here in 2026
Kirkland is one of the most expensive cities in Washington State, so it makes sense that people ask is it actually worth it to live here?
I'm Veronica Morss, your Kirkland and Eastside real estate broker. I've called Kirkland home for more than 15 years, and in that time I've lived in nearly every pocket and neighborhood the city has to offer. I know this place inside and out, so I want to give you a realistic, no-fluff look at what it's really like to live here, including the good and the not-so-good, before you decide to make a move.
Let's start with the cons.
The Cons of Living in Kirkland
1. Higher Home Prices Than the Rest of Washington
Let's get the white elephant out of the room first: pricing. Home prices in Kirkland run about 140–150% above the national average. Most recently, average single-family homes have been running around $2.8 million, with a median price of about $2.5 million in the 98033 zip code, which is the more prominent area code. Move over to 98034 and you're still looking at a median price of roughly $1.5 million.
It's not cheap. But people pay the price because it truly is a beautiful city to live in.
2. The Weather and Winter Rain
If you're not from Washington, the "it rains here half the year" reputation is a bit of a fib, but there's some truth buried in there. Our summers are genuinely beautiful, and that's a huge part of why people stay. June is hit or miss, but July, August, and September are usually gorgeous without getting too hot. Early October often still brings warm days with the leaves turning, giving you that perfect, warm fall feeling.
November through May, though, is a lot of gray. It's not pouring rain constantly. It’s more like frequent sprinkling with the occasional storm day. My advice for anyone relocating from out of state: for your first year or two, book a sunny getaway in February. Palm Springs, Scottsdale, wherever, I suggest you plan it ahead of time, because by the time February rolls around, you'll want to see some sunshine. That said, it's not drastic. We don't get the brutal winters you'd see in the Midwest.
3. Traffic and Congestion
Kirkland has grown a lot. More companies and homebuilders have moved in, which means more people commuting to Bellevue and Seattle. During typical business hours, you will hit some traffic, and it's only increasing as the area continues to grow.
4. Increasing Density and Mixed-Use Development
Back in my day, Kirkland had more of a quaint, small-town vibe. Today we're seeing a lot more construction including commercial buildings and mixed-use developments popping up throughout the city. If you're trying to avoid density, there are still pockets outside of the downtown core that are quieter and more private. But know going in that Kirkland has been a growing city, racking up awards and headlines, and that growth naturally brings more permits and more multi-use buildings. Whether that's a con really depends on your personal preference.
5. Cost of Living
This one ties into home pricing a bit, but it deserves its own mention: groceries, gas, insurance, all of it runs higher here simply because of the overall cost of living in the area.
To recap the five cons: pricing, weather, traffic, density, and cost of living.
The Pros of Living in Kirkland
Now that we've gotten the cons out of the way, let's talk about why so many people, myself included, choose to call this place home.
1. Natural Beauty, Greenery, and Mountain Views
Washington State already has an abundance of green space and water, and Kirkland sits in this perfect spot with miles of waterfront. Depending on where you are in the city, you can take in lake views and mountain views at the same time. The northern side of Kirkland even has views of Mount Rainier! There are miles of trails and hiking close by. Honestly, until you see it in person, it's hard to fully explain. It's unlike any other area in the Pacific Northwest.
2. Connectivity to Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond
On a no-traffic day, you can get to downtown Seattle in about 18–20 minutes, and Bellevue in just 5–10 minutes. There are multiple routes to get around, including the 520 floating bridge. What I love most about Kirkland compared to a lot of other cities is that it's surrounded by other great communities including Bellevue to the south, Redmond to the east, Woodinville to the north, so if you want a change of scenery, you don't have to go far to find one.
3. Strong Local Job Market
Kirkland is well connected to major employers. Google has a large campus right in downtown Kirkland, and Microsoft, Meta, and SpaceX all have a nearby presence as well. That means you're not just connected to great cities, but to major job campuses too, which is a real plus if you'd rather cut down your commute.
4. Lake Washington Waterfront Lifestyle
We sit right on Lake Washington, with parks all along the water. Summer here means boating, kiteboarding, windsurfing and an endless list of things to do. The season also brings a full calendar of festivals: wine festivals, car festivals, and concerts in the park every week. This waterfront, summer lifestyle is honestly the trade-off that makes the winter worth it.
5. Mild Winters and Beautiful Summers
Kirkland's winters are mild. We don't get the harsh cold or heavy snow you'd see elsewhere. Yes, there's rain, but temperatures stay comfortable enough that you can still get outside, take walks, and enjoy the outdoors as long as you don't mind a little sprinkle. And the fall season here is genuinely beautiful, if that's your thing (it's mine).
So, Is Kirkland Worth It?
I could go on and on about what makes this place special, which is exactly why I still choose to live here. Beyond the pros and cons above, there's a boutique feel to the lifestyle. We’ve got tennis courts, pickleball courts, wonderful people, and a prime location. Really, it comes down to how you feel about pricing and weather, because there's still so much to do here even in the middle of winter.
If you've been thinking about whether Kirkland is the right place for you, I'd love to talk it through. Tell me what you love and what you don't, and I'll give you an honest take on where in Kirkland might be the best fit, or whether Kirkland is the right move for you at all. And if you're worried you might be priced out, reach out anyway. I can show you other nearby pockets that are more affordable while still offering that great Eastside lifestyle.
Still undecided? Watch my video where I go into each of these topics and more in depth to help give you a true local’s perspective on whether living in Kirkland is worth it.
Want to learn more about living in Kirkland? Check out our free guide at livinginkirklandwashington.com.
Ready to talk through your goals and find the right neighborhood for you? Get in touch with me at veronicamorss.com.
I'm Veronica Morss, your Kirkland and Eastside real estate broker, and I'm here to help you in 2026.
MEET VERONICA
As a Washington native, Kirkland expert, and award-winning agent, Veronica Morss brings unmatched local insight and a client-first mindset to every real estate transaction. With a proven track record in multimillion-dollar negotiations, she blends deep neighborhood knowledge with the latest marketing strategies to help buyers, sellers, and investors succeed across the competitive Greater Seattle market. Supported by eXp Realty’s global reach, Veronica combines hyper-local expertise with world-class resources to deliver exceptional results, especially within the luxury segment. Her commitment to creative solutions, cutting edge strategy, and white glove service makes her a trusted advisor throughout every stage of the real estate journey.
Veronica Morss, Real Estate Broker
206-853-3491