This vibrant and diverse city offers beautiful views of Lake Washington, a thriving tech industry, and plenty of outdoor activities. Although moving to Kirkland can’t be a bad choice, there are plenty of things you need to consider before the move. As you start the relocation process, make sure you’re familiar with all this city can (and can’t) offer.
Pros of Moving to Kirkland – All the Reasons to Make This City Your Home
This lovely city is located on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, just a stone’s throw from Seattle – but it has a lot to offer on its own. Kirkland’s livability score, according to Area Vibes, is 82, which means it’s ranked better than 92% of areas in the country.
It’s known for its scenic beauty and thriving arts scene, but it also makes an excellent place to raise a family. The public schools are excellent, and there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep your little ones busy. Overall, Kirkland’s proximity to Seattle allows access to urban amenities, but this place still has a small-town feel.
However, just because this place is great for families doesn’t mean it isn’t also a terrific place for young professionals and empty nesters. Beautiful scenery with access to hiking, biking, and water sports, general safety, an abundance of job opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene can bring plenty of relocation benefits for many.
Best of the Kirkland’s Neighborhoods
Although often deemed as Seattle’s suburb, Kirkland’s much more than that. It’s a vibrant city with a variety of interesting areas. However, if you wish to make this city your home, finding the right neighborhood must be a part of your relocation day preparations. Here are our top three choices:
Juanita
One of Kirkland’s most populous and expansive residential areas is Juanita. Among numerous locations, you can enjoy plenty of different recreational activities, Juanita Bay Park and the adjoining Juanita Bay Beach are the most well-known. This neighborhood is situated on the north shore of Lake Washington. It offers residents a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life with its tranquil beaches and wooded walking trails. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Juanita can be the perfect place for you.
Holmes Point
Holmes Point is one of Kirkland’s most northern communities. Here, you can enjoy some of the region’s most stunning parks and waterfront residences. Additionally, although it’s tucked away on Lake Washington’s shoreline, it’s only fifteen minutes from Downtown by car. This neighborhood is made for nature lovers who love lush green spaces and wish to be close to hiking routes, picnic spaces, and exceptional gardens.
Moss Bay
Moos Bay’s history dates back to the late 19th century, making it one of Kirkland’s oldest neighborhoods. Moss Bay hosts a diverse, energetic community with modern landmarks, big-city amenities, and a shoreline that rivals neighboring cities like Bellevue and Seattle. This neighborhood is regarded as being vibrant and conveniently situated. As a result, it has some of the best eateries, stores, boutiques, and amenities in the city.
Of course, there are many places you can call your home, such as charming Norkirk, with picturesque streets and a tight-knit community, or Finn Hill, with miles of lakeshore and an abundance of green spaces. Before you move to a new city, check the video below for more long-distance relocation tips on beautiful places to choose from:
Kirkland Can Be Mecca for Those Looking for a Job
This city is home to the third-largest engineering center for Google and has a sizable Google campus. Additionally, Kirkland is a member of the Innovation Triangle, a collaboration between the city and the surrounding towns of Bellevue and Redmond with the goal of luring technology- and innovation-intensive enterprises to the region. Therefore, there are plenty of work opportunities for young professionals coming from the tech field.
Still, the technology sector isn’t the only one booming here. The healthcare industry is also growing rapidly, and there are several hospitals and clinics in the area that are hiring for all kinds of positions. Residents have access to well-paying jobs in sectors such as banking or transportation, as well.
When it comes to the city’s economy, note that Kirkland’s unemployment rate is 2.8% as of September 2022, which is lower than both Washington’s and the national average. At the same time, if you plan to get movers from California to Seattle and surrounding regions, don’t forget that you’re not obliged to pay income taxes in the State of Washington. It can be quite beneficial for ex-Californians.
What Are Kirkland’s Biggest Employers?
When organizing a move, you would want to find out what are the biggest employers before you get long-distance moving services and find a new home. When it comes to this city, here’s a list of the largest companies in the area:
- Evergreen Healthcare,
- Google, Inc,
- Tableau Software,
- The City of Kirkland,
- Kenworth Truck Co,
- Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems.
This place is home to some of the world’s most reputable companies. If finding a job in tech, data visualization, travel, or the energy field is on your to-do list, you’ll find plenty of options in this picturesque Pacific Northwest city.
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You Should Be Prepared for a High Cost of Living
The general cost of living in this city is 58% higher than the national average – which is expected if you consider the high quality of life it offers. So you don’t make a relocation mistake and move to a place you can’t quite afford, you need to find out what are the biggest expenses.
Before getting packing services and relocating, the first and most obvious expense you’ll need to consider is housing. According to PayScale, the median home price is around $870,000, which is more than double compared to the national median home price! Unfortunately, rent prices are just as high. If you want to rent an apartment, know that the median rent goes up to $2,650.
Therefore, if you’re relocating to a new city alone and looking for affordable housing, you should be prepared to move into a smaller home. Even better, you should consider getting a roommate and saving up by not living on your own. It’s the best financial decision for many, considering utilities, transportation, and groceries don’t come cheap either.
The City Offers Good Transportation Options but Is No Stranger to Traffic Jams
This scenic city offers convenient transportation options. It has its own public transit system, the King County Metro, as well as access to Sound Transit light rail and commuter trains. The city is also bike-friendly, with scenic bike lanes and plenty of parking for bicycles. On the other hand, if you wish to get car shipping services so you can travel by car, note that the city has several major highways running through it and plenty of parking options.
Still, in addition to its thriving cultural scene, the city also has a bustling and growing business community, resulting in heavy traffic throughout the city. There have been efforts to address this issue, such as the expansion of public transportation options. However, commuters should still plan for extra time due to potential traffic delays.
Education Options Are Also on a High Level
According to Niche, Northwest University is among the five best universities in the Seattle area, so you don’t make a mistake if you choose this city when relocating for college. This university offers a number of degrees in fields such as business administration, education, and psychology.
One of the things that makes Northwest University unique is its focus on global citizenship – graduates of this university go on to work all over the world in a variety of different capacities. This city is also home to Lake Washington Institute of Technology, which is perfect for students who are looking for a hands-on approach to learning.
On the other hand, if you’re relocating with kids, you’ll be happy to know that this city offers many high-quality public and private schools to choose from. According to Great Schools, Benjamin Franklin Elementary School is the best-rated public elementary school, while that title goes to International Community School when it comes to middle and high school. Make looking into them a part of your relocation checklist.
Entertainment Options You Can Enjoy After the Move
Kirkland’s a vibrant city with a rich culture, full of natural beauty, green spaces, shops, restaurants, and parks. Therefore, after long-distance movers help you move and settle, make sure you:
- Explore local parks and outdoor spaces, such as Juanita Beach Park or Saint Edward State Park,
- Attend events at the Kirkland Performance Center, a performing arts venue in downtown Kirkland,
- Visit some of Kirkland’s famous coffee shops, like Café Veloce or Caffé Ladro,
- Take part in Kirkland’s annual events, like the Kirkland Summerfest or Kirkland Uncorked Food & Wine Festival,
- Participate in outdoor activities, like kayaking on Lake Washington or hiking at Bridle Trails State Park,
- Visit the Nordic Heritage Museum and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Scandinavia and the Pacific Northwest.
For more amazing places to visit and things to do after you get cross-country movers to help you move, take a look at the following video:
FAQ
Are people moving from San Francisco to Kirkland?
Although it’s not a clear trend, there are some individuals and families who are choosing to move to the Seattle metro area for various reasons, such as a lower cost of living, more space, and a less hectic pace of life. Additionally, major tech companies have their headquarters in the region, which may be drawing some professionals to move to a new state and choose the city.
Are people moving from Los Angeles to Kirkland?
Although many tend to move from Seattle to California and move to Los Angeles and other cities in the Golden State, there is also a growing trend of people moving from California to Washington. This could be due to the higher average salaries and lower cost of living in Washington, as well as the draw of tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft. However, it appears that this city is still a hidden gem for those planning to move out of Los Angeles.
Are people moving from Seattle to Kirkland?
There has been a recent trend of people relocating from Seattle to the nearby Kirkland. This is due to a combination of factors, including the increasing cost of living in Seattle, the growing job market in Kirkland, and the desirable location and amenities offered by the city. Additionally, many people are drawn to this city for its small-town feel and sense of community.
If You’re Ready to Move, Get Help From the Best Long-Distance Moving Company
After weighing all of the options and deciding that this city should be your next destination, note that hiring movers is the best choice for a smooth and stress-free relocation. These companies have the experience and resources to properly pack and transport all of your belongings, saving you time and energy. Additionally, they offer many additional services that can help you move efficiently and in no time. So, if you’re ready to make a long-distance move, don’t hesitate to enlist the help of a professional cross-country moving company. It will ultimately help you focus on settling into a new home with numerous exhausting relocation-related tasks.
