Kirkland

Located on the eastern shores of Lake Washington, just north of Bellevue, Kirkland is endowed with a strong sense of community. This bustling city features a cozy downtown with boutique shopping, art galleries, and dining. Kirkland is also known for its distinct neighborhoods each with its own unique character and stunning distant views of the Emerald City skyline. It is also one of the best cities for STEM jobs, including major employers Google, Tableau Software, and is originally the home to Costco.

Kirkland has been described as a “Pacific Northwest beach town,” and is very walkable, which attracts everyone from young families to retirees. Plus, if you crave the big city vibe, you’re right next door to Bellevue.