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The charming and modern city of Kirkland is located in King County, Washington. The city boasts one of the most spectacular downtown districts in the state. It sits on the east side of Lake Washington with an estimated population of 45,740 wonderful residents. Kirkland is a suburb of Seattle and the eighth largest city in the county. Kirkland puts the emphasis on quality of life, education, natural resources, business development and the arts.
Kirkland is a town for all, where small businesses and corporate headquarters exist side-by-side. Kirkland real estate provides an ample variety of housing, exciting entertainment, great schools, convenient shopping, active community programs and civic services. Businesses are offered the best of both worlds, with desirable office space and easy access to major transportation routes.
~History of Kirkland
Originally belonging to Native Americans, Kirkland real estate experienced its first English settlers in the 1860s. By the end of the 1880s, so many people had settled that a number of boat-building, farming and logging communities were established.
Peter Kirk came to the area in 1886 seeking iron to help expand his family Moss Bay steel company. Seeing an opportunity to build a town near the water front that would be an important freshwater port to the sea and help support prospective mills as well, Kirk partnered with Leigh Hunt because he was not an American citizen at the time. They quickly established the Kirkland Land and Development Company and bought acres of land by the thousands. Soon the construction of Moss Bay Iron and Steel Works began. The town was named Kirkland in 1888. The steel mill was complete in 1892, but because of the panic of 1893, it was closed before it ever produced any steel. Despite financial issues and numerous other obstacles, Kirk was determined not to give up, and in 1905, Kirkland was finally incorporated with 532 residents.
~Education in Kirkland
Students that live in Kirkland real estate attend public schools in the Lake Washington School District. There are 14 elementary schools, four middle schools and three high schools that serve the Kirkland area. There are also many private schools to choose from. The district is dedicated to providing a quality education for all students. They provide all students a safe and happy learning environment. For higher learning there is Northwest University and Lake Washington Technical College.
~Things to See and Do
There are many public parks with great amenities in Kirkland. The outstanding parks system is regionally known. During summer afternoons, you can enjoy Lake Washington. It's filled with bicyclists, roller bladers, joggers, walkers and the occasional motorist coming from Marina Park. Although Kirkland boasts its extensive set of waterfront parks, it is also proud of the many neighborhood parks with public pools, open space, walking trails, ball fields, ball courts and playgrounds. The largest park in Kirkland is Bridle Trails State Park, offering over 20 miles of scenic trails that wind through the forest. Two other great parks are Juanita Bay and Yarrow Bay Wetlands.
Around Kirkland's waterfront there are limitless recreational opportunities and awesome views. Regularly, cruise ships depart from downtown Kirkland to explore the lake shores. You will also find the city's connection to the arts culture more distinct on the waterfront. The 400-seat Kirkland Performance Center, a community theater, hosts some of the biggest names in entertainment like choral performances, live theater and ballet. Other great places to enjoy the arts are Studio East and Kirkland Arts Center. Kirkland also has a great reputation for its public art collection and local galleries.
In the downtown area, dozens of quaint boutiques can be found along Central Way, Lake Street and Park Lane. Also among Kirkland's shops, you can enjoy the many great restaurants. The biggest attraction of food is fresh seafood but there are also restaurants serving food of all nationalities. If you want to taste all of them at one time, then, on the third weekend in September, don't forget to visit the annual TASTE festival held on the downtown waterfront. It is great for family entertainment. You will enjoy food, music, art, games, and a parade.
All these great offerings make Kirkland real estate the perfect place to set roots.
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Kirkland Demographics:
Population = 45,740
Med Household Income =
$60,332
Med Home Vale =
$412,600
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