Living in Kirkland, WA: A Local Expert’s Guide to Every Neighborhood
If you’re considering buying a home in Kirkland, Washington, or relocating to the Greater Seattle area, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where in Kirkland to live. While it’s often talked about as one city, Kirkland is really a collection of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own lifestyle, price point, and day-to-day feel.
I grew up in Kirkland, have lived here for more than 15 years, and have personally lived in nearly every neighborhood I’m about to walk you through. Today, I lead Veronica Morss Real Estate, and I’m known as a go-to resource for everything Kirkland—from real estate strategy to the nuances that don’t show up on a listing sheet.
This guide is designed to give you an honest, practical overview of Kirkland’s neighborhoods, the local real estate market, and what it’s truly like to live here.
Kirkland Zip Codes: 98033 vs. 98034
Kirkland is primarily made up of two zip codes: 98033 and 98034.
98033 is often considered more desirable due to its proximity to Downtown Kirkland and the waterfront. That said, 98034 has seen significant growth and transformation in recent years, making it increasingly attractive—especially for buyers looking for more value or newer development.
2025 Kirkland Real Estate Snapshot
98033 – Residential Homes
Median sales price: $2.2M (up nearly 5% year-over-year)
Percent of list price received: 98.8%
Average days on market: 26 days (up 44% from 2024)
98033 – Condos
Median sales price: $1.215M (up 5.7% year-over-year)
Percent of list price received: 98.4%
Average days on market: 35 days (up 16.7% from 2024)
98034 – Residential Homes
Median sales price: $1.3M (up 1.6% year-over-year)
Percent of list price received: 100.5%
Average days on market: 23 days (up 109% from 2024)
98034 – Condos
Median sales price: $490K (flat year-over-year)
Percent of list price received: 98.5%
Average days on market: 38 days (up 90% from 2024)
Kirkland Neighborhood Guide
Bridle Trails
Bridle Trails is one of Kirkland’s most unique neighborhoods. Centered around Bridle Trails State Park, it’s known for its equestrian presence, wooded surroundings, and large lots—something that’s increasingly rare this close to Seattle.
Despite feeling tucked away, Bridle Trails offers easy access to both I-405 and SR-520, making it possible to reach Seattle in 15–18 minutes with no traffic. Downtown Kirkland is just 5–10 minutes away, and Bellevue is easily accessible without getting on the highway.
Nearby amenities include: Pro Club Bellevue, Grass Lawn Park tennis courts, a driving range, Fred Meyer, and everyday conveniences.
Hidden gems: Thirsty Hop (beer, wine, sushi) and Downpour Coffee.
Home prices: Expect higher price points here. A 2,000 sq ft home typically starts around $2.8M, with larger homes (3,000+ sq ft) ranging from $3M–$5M.
Houghton
Houghton is a smaller neighborhood located west of I-405, offering excellent walkability while still feeling residential. It’s incredibly close to Downtown Kirkland and the Google campus, and commute times to Bellevue can be as short as 6–8 minutes with no traffic.
Residents love the access to Lake Washington Boulevard, the Kirkland Corridor Trail, and nearby grocery options like Metropolitan Market.
Home prices: A 2,000 sq ft home typically starts around $2.5M, though townhomes and smaller homes under $2M can still be found.
Rose Hill
Rose Hill is divided into North and South Rose Hill and offers easy access to I-405 and Redmond. It’s a residential area that’s close to shopping and everyday conveniences like Costco, Safeway, and Starbucks.
One thing to note is the large power line corridor along 128th Ave NE. Parts of Rose Hill are also undergoing redevelopment with mixed-use projects, which should significantly enhance the area over time.
Home styles and pricing:
Cottages (1,200–1,500 sq ft): $1.3M–$1.5M
2,000 sq ft homes: around $1.8M
Larger homes: $3M+
Downtown Kirkland
Downtown Kirkland—and nearby pockets like Moss Bay—represent the heart of the city. This is the most walkable area, offering waterfront parks, dining, shopping, and marina access.
Moss Bay, in particular, provides a quieter residential feel while still being steps from downtown amenities.
Local favorites include: PCC, QFC, Thruline Coffee, Volterra, Pop Champagne Bar, Purpose Boutique, and DERU (don’t skip the chocolate cake). A true hidden gem is the QFC wine bar inside the grocery store.
Home prices: Condos range from $500K to several million, depending on size, age, and views. Single-family homes come with smaller lots and higher price points.
East of Market
East of Market is primarily residential, with some homes perched on hills offering lake views. Lots tend to be modest in size, and the neighborhood is made up mostly of single-family homes.
Home prices:
Cottages: around $1M
Typical homes: $2.5M+
Larger homes: generally under $5M
West of Market
West of Market is widely considered one of the most desirable areas in Kirkland. Homes here are close to the water, many with southwest exposure, and some are directly on Lake Washington.
Residents enjoy walkability to Downtown Kirkland, Heritage Park, tennis courts, and Waverly Beach Park.
Home prices:
Cottages: around $1.2M
Larger or newer homes: $5M+
Waterfront homes: significantly higher
Highlands
Located just east of East of Market, the Highlands feel more residential and less walkable to downtown, but still close to city amenities. There are athletic fields and parks nearby, and North Highlands can offer better value.
Home prices:
2,000 sq ft homes: $1.5M–$2M
Median price (last 6 months): $1.8M
Juanita
Juanita offers a fantastic mix of lifestyle, convenience, and value. It’s just 5–10 minutes from Downtown Kirkland and home to Juanita Beach Park, a summer farmers market, and standout dining like Café Juanita.
Nearby shopping includes QFC, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and easy access to Evergreen Hospital.
Home prices vary widely:
Smaller condos: $300K+
Waterfront condos: around $1.2M
Single-family homes under 2,000 sq ft: under $1.5M
New construction homes: up to $3.4M
Finn Hill
Finn Hill shares a similar lifestyle to Juanita but feels more residential. Some homes sit on hills with views of Lake Washington or even Mount Rainier.
The west side of Finn Hill is a bit farther from highways and shopping, but still very livable. Saint Edward State Park is a major highlight, offering forested trails, beach access, and a lodge with dining.
Home prices: Many homes are still available under $2M, though waterfront properties command higher prices.
Kingsgate & Totem Lake
Totem Lake has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, transforming into a vibrant hub with shopping, dining, and easy access to Woodinville wine country.
Nearby amenities include Whole Foods, Sephora, Trader Joe’s, and more.
Home prices:
2,000 sq ft homes: $1M–$1.3M
Common styles include split-level homes and older condos
Watch the Full Kirkland Neighborhood Video
If you want to see a live walkthrough of the maps and specific homes for sale in each area, watch my full Kirkland Neighborhood Walkthrough video on YouTube, where I go even deeper into what it’s like to live in each area.
If you have questions about a specific neighborhood, are considering a move, or would like tailored recommendations, feel free to email me at veronica@veronicamorss.com or DM me on Instagram. I’m always happy to help you navigate Kirkland with clarity and confidence.
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