Kirkland

With a population of over 45,000, Kirkland is a beautiful, mid-sized city nestled on the shore of Lake Washington's Moss Bay inlet. Among such neighboring cities as Bellevue to the south and Redmond to the east, Kirkland is the only city in the region that has maintained 25% of its 4 miles of waterfront for public use. The views from its parks and private residences over the lake to the Seattle skyline and the mountains—the Olympics, Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Baker—are spectacular.

If you're visiting, you'll be greeted by luxurious accommodations, from the Woodmark Hotel at Carillon Point to the nearby Bellevue Club Hotel. Kirkland brings out the artistic spirit in everyone, and the newly-constructed $4 million Kirkland Performance Center's 400-seat theater draws major arts and music events. There are also numerous art galleries, antique stores, and quaint cafes distributed throughout the city.

What else are people drawn to Kirkland for? The ever-popular Lake Washington School District, of course. With its 23 elementary schools, 7 junior high schools, and 4 high schools, approximately 24,000 students attend these highly respected schools. Kirkland is also known for its nearby state-of-the-art medical facilities, including Overlake Hospital in Bellevue, Evergreen Hospital Medical Center, Virginia Mason Clinic East, Evergreen Radiation Therapy Center, and the CPC Fairfax Hospital and Care Unit. Kirkland's many clean industries and employment opportunities are a big draw, as is its location—commute times average only 40-45 minutes to Seattle and 10 minutes to Bellevue.