Kirkland

Sitting north of Bellevue is the city of Kirkland. This suburb of Seattle sits on the northeastern shores of Lake Washington. Famous for its Seattle freeze, Kirkland, Washington is home to esteemed companies like Microsoft and Google. The city is one of the most affluent communities in the state.

Kirkland was the very first city on the Eastside in 1988. It is popular for its waterfront parks, shopping destinations, and art galleries. The region was named after Peter Kirk, a businessman from England. After acquiring a handsome amount of money from auctioning his properties, he bought land on the eastside of Seattle by the waters of Lake Washington. Kirk established a steel mill in the area in 1892.

However, Native Americans were the original first settlers of Kirkland. English settlers did not arrive till the late 1860s. These were the Popham and the MacGregor families in 1871. They lived close to the lake, south of the area that is now Kirkland's main downtown. The French, Church and the DeMott families settled north of this area followed by the Forbes family. They settled in the area that is now known as the Juanita Bay.

Communities started to form in the 1880s up until Peter Kirk arrived in 1886 pioneering a new industry in the area. Despite Peter Kirks' failed business efforts in turning Kirkland into the Pittsburgh of the West, the town continued to grow. It embraced shipbuilding as an important industry in the region during the 1900s. Over the years, it has become a bedroom community for urban commuters earning the nickname "Hub of the Eastside''.

Today, Kirkland is home to a population of around 90,000. This suburb offers a mix of urban suburban vibe with a thriving arts scene and fun outdoor activities. It features easy access to quick getaways from Seattle and Portland, Oregon. The city is home to many well-loved events - Kirkland Uncorked, Kirkland Oktoberfest, and Kirkland Summerfest.

Kirkland weather offers short and warm summers, rain falling mostly during the winter time and around 4 inches of snow per year. This relaxed neighborhood and close-knit community is centrally located to everything. It is a very safe and super walkable region in the Pacific Northwest attracting young families and retirees to the area. The school district is quite fantastic. Kirkland is a part of the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) with schools ranking among the best in Washington State.

Recreational activities are plenty, together with local destinations to explore. Waverly Park is the best area for windsurfing and swimming while Marina Park would be an ideal destination for picnics and family play. During the summer months, locals and tourists can try out kayaking and paddle boarding at the Woodmark Waterfront Adventures in Carillon Point. Incredible beaches and prime waterfront destinations are plenty in the
area.

Kirkland is bordered by Redmond on the east side, Bellevue on the south and Lake Washington on the west side. The northern area is where Woodinville, Bothell, and Kenmore are located. It is connected to the other Eastside cities via Interstate 405.

If you enjoy the outdoors, waterfront escapes and wineries, Kirkland is probably one of the best cities in Washington you should visit.

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