Living in Sammamish Washington - EVERYTHING You Need to Know
What is Living in Sammamish Washington Like?
Sammamish, Washington, is a beautiful city located just east of Seattle and part of the Seattle metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 66,000, it's the perfect blend of city and small-town living. Sammamish is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and abundant outdoor activities. The Cascade Mountains surround the town, and those living in Sammamish are just a short drive away from numerous recreational opportunities such as hiking, skiing, and camping.
One of the most popular attractions in Sammamish is Pine Lake Park, which offers a wide range of recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. Another must-visit destination is Beaver Lake Park, which has miles of trails for hiking and biking, a playground for children, and numerous picnic areas.
Sammamish is home to a robust and diverse economy with various industries. The city's primary industry is technology, with companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Google having a significant presence in the area. Sammamish also has a thriving retail and service industry, with many shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses.
The cost of living in Sammamish can be considered high compared to other cities in the United States, with housing being the most significant expense. However, the city's strong economy and numerous job opportunities make it an attractive place to live. Sammamish offers a high quality of life, with excellent schools, abundant parks and outdoor spaces, and a vibrant cultural scene.
With its stunning scenery, abundant recreational opportunities, and thriving economy, living in Sammamish might be the perfect decision for you and your family. Keep reading to learn more about Sammamish neighborhoods, schools, cost of living in Sammamish, and get answers to some FAQs about living in Sammamish, Washington, to see if moving to and living in Sammamish, Washington, is the right decision for you!
Skip Ahead to:
1. The Moving to Sammamish Washington Team
2. What is the Cost of Living in Sammamish Washington?
3. Living in Sammamish Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
4. Best Neighborhoods in Sammamish Washington
5. Public Schools in Sammamish Washington
6. Top Destinations & Attractions in Sammamish Washington
The Moving to Sammamish Washington Team
Let our team of trusted professionals help you buy or/and sell a home in Sammamish, Washington. To connect with a local expert/real estate professional in Sammamish, Washington, CLICK HERE. To start receiving emails with homes that match your criteria anywhere in Washington, CLICK HERE and sign up for Listing Alert. With a little info on what, where, and how much, you'll get newly listed homes matching your criteria sent to your inbox as they hit the market. This can give you a big leg up in your home search.
The first step in the home-buying process is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson is an experienced mortgage broker and can help you get the best financing option for your home purchase. Not quite ready yet? Todd can help you put together a plan to get you there. Whether you're thinking a few months or a year or more if you want to buy a home, reach out to Todd and he can help. CLICK HERE to email Todd and set up a call to get the process started or just call him at 971-275-2465.
Todd Davidson
Mortgage Broker
What is the Cost of Living in Sammamish Washington?
If you're exploring a move to Sammamish, Washington, or any place, the cost of living would be a significant factor in your decision-making. I calculated the REAL cost of living in Sammamish, Washington, by factoring in today's costs for housing (rent and own), utilities, food, transportation, healthcare, and other necessities to live. To live in Sammamish, Washington, and rent, you would need to make $58,000 a year. To live in Bellevue, Washington, and buy a home, you would need to make $111,000 a year. Rental amount is based on current low end cost of studio or one bedroom, purchase is based on recent low end sales of a three bedroom and monthly payment with 20% down.
Living in Sammamish Washington Tips/Info/Blog Posts
23 FAQs A REALTOR GETS ASKED > CLICK HERE
18 MORTGAGE FAQs > CLICK HERE
NEW BLOG ALERT SIGN UP > CLICK HERE
WANT TO KNOW WHEN A HOME MATCHING YOUR CRITERIA GETS LISTED? SIGN UP FOR LISTING ALERT > CLICK HERE
MORTGAGE INFO > CLICK HERE
FREE HOME OWNERSHIP GUIDE > CLICK HERE
Top Neighborhoods in Sammamish Washington
When moving to Sammamish, Washington, one of the most important factors to consider is choosing the ideal neighborhood. This city is home to several remarkable communities that feature top-notch schools, stunning parks, and an abundance of activities to discover. Below are just a handful of the exceptional neighborhoods in Sammamish, Washington, that you may want to explore:
Trossachs
Trossachs is a master-planned Sammamish community known for its beautiful views of Lake Sammamish and the Cascade Mountains. The neighborhood has a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The area has several parks, including Trossachs Park, which features a playground and a basketball court, and Soaring Eagle Regional Park, which has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. For dining options, Trossachs residents can head to The Village at Providence Point, which has several restaurants and cafes. Kids in the Trossachs neighborhood attend public school at Cascade Ridge Elementary, Beaver Lake Middle School, and Skyline High School. If living in Sammamish, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Klahanie
Klahanie is a planned community located on the southern edge of Sammamish. The neighborhood is made up primarily of single-family homes, but there are also a few townhomes and apartments. Klahanie has several parks, including Beaver Lake Park, which features a large playground, soccer fields, and a swimming beach. The neighborhood also has a community center with a pool and tennis courts. Klahanie neighborhood kids attend Endeavour Elementary, Beaver Lake Middle School, and Skyline High School. If living in Sammamish, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Sahalee
Sahalee is a gated community located on the northeastern edge of Sammamish. The neighborhood is known for its two championship golf courses hosting several major tournaments. Sahalee is primarily made up of single-family homes, many of which are custom-built. The neighborhood has several parks, including Sahalee Park, which has a playground and a basketball court. For dining and shopping options, residents can head to the nearby Redmond Town Center, which has several restaurants and shops. Blackwell Elementary, Inglewood Middle School, and Eastlake High School are close schools in the area. If living in Sammamish, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Timberline
Timberline is a neighborhood located in the southern part of Sammamish. The neighborhood is made up of single-family homes, with a few townhomes and apartments sprinkled in. Timberline has several parks, including East Lake Sammamish Park, which has a beach, a playground, and a boat launch. The neighborhood also has a community center with a pool and a fitness center. For dining and shopping, residents can head to the nearby Issaquah Highlands, which has several restaurants and retail stores. Students in the Timberline neighborhood typically attend Creekside Elementary, Pine Lake Middle School, and Skyline High School. If living in Sammamish, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
Pine Lake
Pine Lake is a neighborhood located on the eastern edge of Sammamish. The neighborhood is primarily single-family homes, but a few townhomes and apartments are mixed in. Pine Lake has several parks, including Pine Lake Park, which has a playground, a swimming beach, and a boat launch. The neighborhood also has a community center with a pool and a fitness center. Pine Lake students typically attend Discovery Elementary, Pine Lake Middle School, and Skyline High School. If living in Sammamish, Washington, check with the Lake Washington School District to verify which schools your kids will attend.
If moving to Sammamish, Washington, and you'd like to buy a home in one of these fabulous neighborhoods, CLICK HERE to sign up for LISTING ALERT to be the first to know when a home matching your criteria gets listed for sale in Sammamish, Washington.
Public Schools in Sammamish Washington
Living in Sammamish, Washington, your children get to attend one of the best public school districts in the nation. The Lake Washington School District (LWSD) caters to over 31,000 students across 56 schools. Based on criteria such as academics, teachers, diversity, college readiness, and more, Niche.com has awarded the LWSD an overall grade of A+ and ranked it #3 out of the 252 school districts it ranked for the 2022-23 school year in the state of Washington. The district's high schools boast an impressive graduation rate of 93%, surpassing the national average.
The district is known for its academic excellence, as well as its commitment to innovation and student-centered learning. It offers a wide range of programs and services to support the diverse needs of its students, including advanced coursework, special education services, and extracurricular activities in areas like athletics, music, and theater.
Families often relocate to Sammamish, Washington, specifically for the school district renowned for providing an outstanding education. Your children will receive a top-notch education if you're fortunate enough to reside in this district.
Top Destinations & Attractions in Sammamish Washington
Relocating to Sammamish, Washington, and curious about what the city offers? You'll be pleased to learn that there are many activities to enjoy! Check out the following list of the most popular destinations, attractions, and events that you should consider adding to your to-do list if you reside in Sammamish, Washington:
Lake Sammamish: The lake is the sixth largest in the state of Washington and covers an area of approximately 8 square miles. The lake sits in the center of several Washington cities, Sammamish, Redmond, Kirkland, Bellevue, and Issaquah. It is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and other recreational activities.
Pine Lake Park: Pine Lake Park is a popular destination for outdoor recreation in Sammamish. The park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, a swimming beach, and a playground for children.
Sammamish Farmer's Market: The Sammamish Farmer's Market is held every Wednesday during the summer and early fall. The market offers fresh produce, artisanal food products, and crafts from local vendors.
Klahanie Park: Klahanie Park is another popular destination for outdoor recreation in Sammamish. The park offers hiking and mountain biking trails, a playground, and a picnic area.
Sammamish Commons: The Sammamish Commons is a community gathering place that hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations.
Sahalee Country Club: Sahalee Country Club is a private golf club in Sammamish that has hosted several professional golf tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the NEC World Series.
Soaring Eagle Regional Park: Soaring Eagle Regional Park is a 600-acre park located in Sammamish that offers hiking trails, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Beaver Lake Park: Beaver Lake Park is a 54-acre park located in Sammamish that offers hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a playground.
Sammamish Landing: Sammamish Landing is a park on Lake Sammamish's shores that offers picnic areas and a boat launch.
Sammamish River Trail: The Sammamish River Trail is a 10-mile paved trail from Redmond to Bothell. The trail is popular for walking, jogging, and cycling.
Pros and Cons of Living in Sammamish Washington
Living in Sammamish Washington Pros
Scenic location: Sammamish is located in a beautiful area of the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by lakes, mountains, and forests. The natural beauty of the area is a major draw for many residents.
Strong sense of community: Sammamish has a strong sense of community and is known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Many residents feel a sense of belonging and pride in their community.
High-quality schools: The schools in Sammamish are highly regarded and consistently rank among the top schools in the state of Washington, making it an attractive place for families with children.
Low crime rate: Sammamish has a low crime rate compared to other cities in the region, making it a safe place to live.
Outdoor recreation opportunities: Sammamish is home to several parks, trails, and lakes that offer a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, biking, swimming, and boating.
Strong economy: Sammamish is located within the Seattle metropolitan area, which has a strong and diverse economy, providing its residents with access to a wide range of job opportunities.
Growing community: Sammamish is a rapidly growing community, which means that there are many new developments, businesses, and amenities being added all the time.
Living in Sammamish Washington Cons
High cost of living: Sammamish has a higher cost of living than many other cities in the region, including higher home prices and property taxes, making it difficult for some residents to afford to live in the area.
Traffic congestion: Sammamish is located in a rapidly growing area and is subject to traffic congestion, particularly during peak commuting hours, making it challenging to get around the area.
Limited public transportation: While some public transportation options exist in the area, including buses and a light rail line currently under construction, the public transportation system is less robust than in some other cities in the region.
Limited diversity: Sammamish has a relatively homogenous population with little diversity in race, ethnicity, and culture.
Limited shopping options: While there are some shopping centers and grocery stores in the area, Sammamish does not offer the same range of shopping options as larger cities. Residents may need to travel to nearby cities to find specific items or brands.
Seasonal weather changes: Sammamish experiences significant seasonal weather changes, with cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Some residents may find it difficult to adjust to the changes in weather and may prefer a more consistent climate.
FAQs About Living in Sammamish Washington
What is Sammamish known for?
Sammamish, Washington is best known for its beautiful natural surroundings, including Lake Sammamish and the surrounding mountains and forests. The area is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its hiking, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
What cities are nearby Sammamish, Washington?
There are a number of great cities within a 20 mile radius of Sammamish, Washington: Redmond, Issaquah, Bellevue, Kirkland, Woodinville, Renton, Newcastle, Mercer Island, Snoqualmie, Bothell, Seattle, Medina, Kenmore, Carnation, and Maple Valley.
What is the weather like in Sammamish?
Living in Sammamish, Washington, you can expect significant seasonal weather changes, with cold, wet winters and warm, dry summers. During the winter months, the average high temperatures range from 43°F to 50°F, and the average low temperatures range from 32°F to 36°F. The city occasionally experiences snowfall in the winter, but it is relatively rare and typically does not accumulate heavily. Summers are warm and dry, with average high temperatures ranging from 72°F to 78°F and little to no rainfall. Living in Sammamish, you'll get occasional hot streaks where temperatures get into the 80s and even the 90s. Sammamish receives around 36 inches of rain annually.
Does Sammamish Washington have good public schools?
Yes. Niche.com ranks the Lake Washington School District, #3 in the state of Washington. With high graduation rates and an A+ rating, kids who live in Sammamish, Washington, will get a good education!
Who are some large employers in Sammamish Washington?
If you're looking to move to Sammamish, Washington, you'll find many jobs in the surrounding cities of Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle, and many residents commute to these cities for work. Some top employers in the Sammamish area include Microsoft Corporation, with over 57,000 employees in the Puget Sound region, Amazon, with more than 50,000 workers in the Greater Seattle area, and Boeing, with over 70,000 employees in the Puget Sound region. Sammamish's proximity to major employment centers and a thriving economy make it an attractive place to live and work.
Is Sammamish Washington safe?
Living in Sammamish, Washington, you'll find it's incredibly safe. With property and violent crime rates that are much lower than the state and national average you should feel very safe. Safewise.com ranked Sammamish as the safest city in Washington for 2023.
I want to relocate to Sammamish. How do I make it happen?
You've come to the right spot if you're looking to move to Sammamish Washington. There’s a lot of information on this website to help including some helpful links below. If you want to ask questions, try our Facebook Group > Moving to Washington where we have broad group of locals to answer any question you might have. If you’re looking to buy a home in the Sammamish area, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first step. For Mortgage Info, reach out to me. I would love to tell you more about what living in Sammamish is like as well as help with your mortgage if you decide to purchase a home.