Highlands | Shannon Quan Real Estate Agent

Living in Highlands

Peaceful residential area with greenery, strong community ties, and close access to Kirkland amenities.

Kirkland’s Serene Wooded Sanctuary

Located northeast of the downtown core, this area is best known for its "rural ambiance," providing residents with a sense of serene, wooded seclusion that feels worlds away from the urban hustle, despite being only minutes from Kirkland’s thriving business districts.

EXPLORING THE MICRO-MARKETS

The Highlands is a strictly residential enclave that transitions from quiet, leafy streets to more accessible transit-oriented zones.

The Residential Core (North & Central)

This is the heart of the neighborhood, consisting of well-established single-family homes tucked into a dense evergreen canopy.

Vibe: Quiet, private, and deeply connected to nature.
Key Feature: Meandering lanes and hidden cul-de-sacs that evoke a sense of discovery and curiosity.
Real Estate: Primarily mid-century ramblers and meticulously maintained 20th-century homes on large, private lots.

The South Highlands Corridor

Positioned near the I-405/NE 85th Street interchange, this area serves as the neighborhood's gateway to regional transit.

Vibe: Active, modern, and highly convenient for commuters.
Key Feature: Proximity to the upcoming Stride BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) station and the Cross Kirkland Corridor.
Real Estate: A high-demand area for medium-density townhouses and small apartment buildings that cater to young professionals and individuals.

Local Lifestyle Essentials

The Highlands is one of the most strategically connected neighborhoods for professionals working in the regional tech economy.

Motorized Transit and Highway Access

I-405 Access: Direct access to the freeway ensures a 10–20 minute commute to Bellevue or Redmond.
Stride BRT: The southern portion of the neighborhood is within a half-mile of the NE 85th Street station, allowing residents to bypass freeway congestion.
Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC): This 5.75-mile paved trail serves as the neighborhood's western border, providing a non-motorized route directly into downtown.

Families in The Highlands benefit from the elite Lake Washington School District, despite there being no schools physically located within the neighborhood.

Peter Kirk Elementary: The primary anchor for Highlands youth, consistently ranked in the top 10% of schools in Washington.4
Kirkland Middle School: Located right next door to Crestwoods Park, providing a rigorous academic and social environment.
Lake Washington High School: Highly rated for its advanced academics and 90% reading proficiency rates.

The Highlands is a stable, tight-knit community of established professionals and families.

Population: Approximately 2,500 residents.

Median Age: 39 years old.

Median Household Income: Approximately $174,005 (1.5x the regional average).

Education: Highly educated population, with over 68% of residents holding a Bachelor's degree or higher.

Workforce: 94.9% "white-collar" professionals, predominantly in management and technology.

Residents enjoy immediate access to the high-end dining of Norkirk and Downtown Kirkland.

DERU Market: Located just minutes away in neighboring Norkirk, this is the neighborhood’s "third place" for scratch-made cakes and farmhouse-to-table meals.
Cactus Kirkland: A short drive away for innovative Southwestern and Mexican dishes in a vibrant setting.
Kirkland Urban: Residents are ideally positioned to utilize the high-end QFC, Shake Shack, and Tutta Bella just down the hill.

Residents enjoy a curated shopping experience just moments away in the downtown core.

Park Lane: A Mediterranean-inspired "living street" perfect for unique holiday gifts and boutique finds.
Clementine: A two-story boutique for high-end domestic gifts and custom furniture, located within walking distance of the neighborhood's edge.

Highlands
Market Snapshot

Stable and established, striking a delicate balance between "rural ambiance" and immediate city accessibility. The Highlands is prized for its hidden lanes and large evergreen canopy. Proximity to major regional transit hubs ensures continued interest from professionals seeking long-term upside.

$1.7M

Average Home Price

Average Days on Market

2.8k sqft

Typical Home Size