There's no shortage of extraordinary neighborhoods in King County, but one of the most sought-after is the lakefront community of Sammamish. This picturesque enclave is renowned for its lush green spaces, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, which makes it an ideal place to raise children. With its strategic location less than 30 minutes from the vibrant cities of Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond,
Sammamish offers residents the perfect balance of rustic living and easy access to urban amenities.
Below, we explore family life in Sammamish, showcasing the top schools, parks, and attractions and why it's one of Northwest Washington's most sought-after communities.
The Location
Located 30 minutes east of Seattle and 45 minutes west of the 1.7 million-acre
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Sammamish is a haven for families seeking a blend of suburban tranquility, access to modern urban conveniences and breathtaking rural adventures.
Extending for nearly eight miles along the eastern shoreline of its namesake lake, Sammamish, called "the plateau" due to its elevated geographical setting. This setting provides stunning panoramas of the natural surroundings, including Lake Sammamish, the Cascade Mountains, and even Mt. Rainier. This unique topography contributes to its charm and offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking trails to well-maintained parks and waterfront activities.
Families seek out Sammamish for the aesthetics of the city's neighborhoods. Thanks to its semi-rural setting, these communities have more in common with a small-town lifestyle than a big-city suburb. They foster a welcoming and connected environment.
Top schools in Sammamish
Education is a critical component of Sammamish's enduring appeal and family-friendly lifestyle. Even homebuyers without children flock to the community for its unwavering commitment to education, its positive impact on home values, and how it fuels a tight-knit community spirit amongst area neighborhoods. Sammamish is home to numerous exemplary public and private institutions that support area youth and foster academic, athletic and holistic excellence.
Public schools
Both the Lake Washington School District and Issaquah School District serve the city of Sammamish. Both districts rank among the top five in Washington and provide area students with exceptional opportunities at all levels of learning.
Lake Washington School District
The northern half of Sammamish is within the prestigious
Lake Washington School District, which is renowned for its academic excellence and community engagement.
The district's top Sammamish-based schools include:
Elementary schools
- Alcott Elementary School
- Blackwell Elementary School
- Carson Elementary School
- McAuliffe Elementary School
- Mead Elementary School
- Smith Elementary School
Middle schools
- Evergreen Middle School
- Inglewood Middle School
- Renaissance Middle School
High schools
- Eastlake High School
- TESLA Stem High School
Issaquah School District
Children in the southern portion of Sammamish attend the esteemed
Issaquah School District, known for its unwavering commitment to academic excellence and cutting-edge teaching methods.
The district's top Sammamish-based schools include:
Elementary schools
- Cascade Ridge Elementary School
- Challenger Elementary School
- Creekside Elementary School
- Discovery Elementary School
- Endeavor Elementary School
- Sunny Hills Elementary School
Middle schools
- Beaver Lake Middle School
- Pacific Cascade Middle School
- Pine Lake Middle School
High schools
- Issaquah High School
- Skyline High School
Private Schools
Sammamish also boasts a wealth of private school options designed to meet a variety of educational needs and preferences. From faith-based institutions to college-preparatory academies, the community offers something for everyone. Each institution brings a distinctive educational philosophy and approach, ensuring tailored learning experiences that cater to the diverse aspirations of Sammamish families.
The most notable private schools in Sammamish include:
Sammamish parks and recreation
One of Sammamish's most unique attributes is each of its 15 public parks offers an incredible array of recreational opportunities. These are not basic, city-owned expanses of grass. The parks boast a wealth of activities set amongst some of King County's most gorgeous natural settings.
A few of the most notable recreational areas include:
- Beaver Lake Park: Once a resort, this 83-acre park features access to Beaver Lake, forested trails, sports fields, playground and an off-leash dog park.
- Beaver Lake Preserve: This 73-acre preserve sits northeast of Beaver Lake Park and features several forested trails that connect to the 790-acre Soaring Eagle Regional Park.
- Big Rock Park Central: The 20-acre middle section of the trio of Big Rock Parks includes the historic 19th-century Reard House, the Heritage Garden, and the Treehouse viewing platform.
- East Lake Sammamish Trail: Though maintained by the county, this 11-mile trail from Redmond to Issaquah includes six Sammamish-based access points.
- Pine Lake Park: At a modest 19 acres, Pine Lake Park is one of the city's most popular recreational spots. It features a large playground, sports fields and a public dock on Pine Lake.
- Sammamish Commons: The anchor of the Sammamish's celebrated park system, this cozy, two-tier, 25-acre park is adjacent to Sammamish City Hall, the Sammamish Library, and the city's community and aquatic center.
Attractions for the whole family
Due to its semi-rural setting, most of Sammamish's best family-centered activities are outdoors. However, a family-friendly adventure is never far away, with Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond all within a 30-minute drive, and nearby gems such as
Issaquah even closer.
KidsFirst
Spend a delightful afternoon at Sammamish Commons Plaza with
free children's performances designed for toddlers to elementary school-aged kids. Thanks to Friends of the Sammamish Library and community sponsors, these events are open to the public every Tuesday at 1:00 PM from July 11 to August 22. Enjoy a variety of entertainment in a captivating park setting.
Northwest Railway Museum
The largest rail museum in the Pacific Northwest is just 15 minutes from southern Sammamish at the nearby Snoqualmie Depot in historic downtown Snoqualmie. The
Northwest Railway Museum features a live operating train with exhibits and excursions, including special events like Day Out With Thomas the Train, the Halloween Trains, the Santa Limited and the Yuletide Express, or train rides on vintage coaches. A mile to the south, The Railway History Campus offers even more exhibits, including the Train Shed Exhibit Hall and the under-construction Roundhouse Gallery.
Remlinger Farms
Fifteen minutes from Sammamish,
Remlinger Farms is a 350-acre family-owned and operated working farm with a focus on produce and animals. The farm hosts Northwest Washington's largest Harvest Festival every October, a Country Fair Fun Park from May to October, and concerts throughout the summer. Additional treats for the whole family include U-Pick fields, a full-service restaurant, a bakery and ice cream parlor, picnic areas, and a produce stand.
Ready to discover even more about Sammamish?
Are you interested in learning more about family life in Sammamish, including discovering the community's outstanding luxury real estate market?
Contact Margo Allan today and allow her extensive experience and expertise to be your guide to the best of Sammamish luxury real estate.
