Kirkland Downtown

It’s mostly terrific, so don’t mess it up.
The City of Kirkland has done a pretty good job managing growth in recent years, keeping high rise development on the outskirts of downtown and maintaining low profile construction closer to the lake. There is a lot of public open space downtown, at Marina park, and along Lake Washington Blvd, and it’s pedestrian friendly. The shops and restaurants are good, and the views are terrific. This is a good town for walking. Runners love the strip along the lake, bicyclists too.
Then there’s the traffic and parking situation. Traffic can get unpleasant at commute times as lots of drivers detour from 405 through downtown Kirkland to head north. There is a mix of street and paid private lot parking, but it’s getting more and more competitive with high density housing being added, and more visitors.

Quaint with lots of shops, a nice park, and right by the water. Very scenic and pleasant to spend part of your day.