The small community of Kirkland, located on the shores of Lake Washington and a short drive from downtown Seattle, is fast becoming known as the jewel of the Northwest. Marinas, waterfront parks, a variety of wonderful restaurants, shops and fine galleries are the focal point of this small town. Lake Washington stretches 20 miles. A freshwater lake, it offers exceptional recreation opportunities and is home to several large boat marinas. One can sail from Lake Washington into Puget Sound and eventually into the Pacific Ocean.
     The climate is mild year around. Although Seattle is located in the same latitude as Newfoundland on the Atlantic coast, the prevailing winds are part of the Japanese current from the Southwest. In the summer months, the cool air comes down from a high pressure area near the Gulf of Alaska. The Puget Sound Basin is protected by the Olympic Mountains from heavy rain and high winds from the Pacifc in the winter. To the east, Seattle is shielded by the Cascade Mountains and the winter cold of the mid-continent. Summer days are long - 16 hours of daylight in mid-summer. Summer months, July / August / September, are warm but seldom hot.
     The afternoon temperatures average 70 degrees and the nights are cool, averaging 50 degrees. Winter temperatures are also mild with a daily range anywhere from 27 degrees to a maximum of 55 degrees.
     Currently, there is no State income tax. Residents pay a state sales tax of 7.5% to 8.6% based on an additional variable fraction of a per cent levied by each town or unincorporated area. No sales tax is levied on food or prescription drugs.

Yes, it rains in Seattle, but not nearly so much as in New York, Houston, or Miami. In fact, the rain measures out at about 38 inches annually here compared to 40 inches in New York and 59 inches in Miami. In actuality, cloudbursts of heavy rain are rare in the Seattle area. Average monthly percipitation figures for Seattle based on a 30 year period, show that 72 percent of our rainfall is recorded from October to March. All in all, our precipitation spreads itself out rather nicely.

Kirkland is fast becoming known for its many fine galleries showcasing a wide variety of artistic expressions and public sculptures located throughout the city. Monthly art walks featuring revolving shows and artist receptions are held every second Thursday evening year around.
     In addition, there are many fine restaurants. A wonderful library was recently completed and a new performing arts center has a full schedule of performances. The Parks and Recreation Department sponsers concerts on the waterfront all summer along with a children's arts series.
     The beaches that stretch along Lake Washington are for popular spots for swimming, sun bathing, volleyball and fishing.

Area Stats