Lake Sammamish

Welcome to Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish, Washington – Community Overview & Real Estate Guide

Renowned for its pristine waterfront, exceptional schools, and proximity to major tech employers, Lake Sammamish offers a sophisticated Pacific Northwest lifestyle that attracts high-earning professionals, families, and luxury homebuyers. Located on the Eastside just 20 miles east of Seattle, the area blends natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and suburban elegance with convenient access to innovation hubs like Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah.

Overview of Lake Sammamish, WA

Stretching 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, Lake Sammamish is a freshwater lake with a maximum depth of 105 feet and a surface area of 8 square miles . It lies east of Lake Washington and west of the Sammamish Plateau, stretching from Issaquah in the south to Redmond in the north . Residents enjoy effortless access along East Lake Sammamish Parkway and 228th Avenue, outdoor recreation at Lake Sammamish State Park's 512 acres with almost 7,000 feet of waterfront , and the 11-mile East Lake Sammamish Trail connecting to regional bike and pedestrian networks . Whether your vision is a private waterfront estate, a modern luxury home, or an upscale condo in tech-adjacent neighborhoods, Lake Sammamish's real estate market delivers exceptional value and long-term appreciation.

From exclusive waterfront estates to luxury hillside homes and modern condominiums, Lake Sammamish pairs natural splendor with world-class schools, tech industry access, and exceptional quality of life—delivering a lifestyle of refined comfort, outdoor adventure, and enduring real estate value.

Location & Connectivity around Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish lies in the heart of Washington's Eastside, just 20 miles east of Seattle, and is internationally recognized for its natural beauty, tech industry proximity, and luxury waterfront living. The communities surrounding the lake—Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah—are linked by Interstate 90, SR-520, and the scenic East Lake Sammamish Parkway. Day-to-day mobility is primarily by car, with growing options for cycling on the East Lake Sammamish Trail, public transit via King County Metro and Sound Transit, and convenient access to major employment centers.

For regional and long-haul access, travelers use Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), direct highway links to Seattle, Bellevue, and beyond, and the recently adopted Sammamish Transit Plan (March 2024) which guides future transit improvements . The City's Transportation Master Plan, adopted December 2024, provides a strategic framework for the next 20 years, supporting growth, mobility options, safety, and sustainability .

Lake Sammamish combines seamless regional connectivity with refined Eastside living—scenic lakefront drives, extensive trail networks, convenient tech campus access, and efficient air links make it an exceptional base for a luxury Pacific Northwest lifestyle.

Lake Sammamish Real Estate Market Trends (2025)

Lake Sammamish's real estate market reflects the region's status as a premier Pacific Northwest destination, with a strong mix of waterfront estates, luxury single-family homes, and upscale condominiums. As of mid-2025, the median home sold price in Sammamish was $1,695,000, up 1.3% from last year, with a median price per square foot of $627 . The market is highly competitive—homes receive 4 offers on average and sell in around 5 days . Of the 82 homes sold or pending in June 2025, 55% sold under asking, 34% at asking, and 11% over asking . Prices vary by location: the 98075 zip code (premium areas) shows median prices of $2.0M, up 4.5% year-over-year , while West Lake-Sammamish waterfront properties command $1.6M median with $811 per square foot . The area's proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and top-rated schools continues to support strong investment performance.

Methodology & Notes: Sammamish median sale price ($1,695,000) and $627/sq.ft. from June 2025 market data . Rental data reflects 2025 averages: 1BR apartments average $2,797, while overall median rent ranges from $2,728 to $3,995 depending on size and location . West Lake-Sammamish waterfront properties show $811/sq.ft., up 11.5% year-over-year . Yield estimates vary by property type, location proximity to lake/tech campuses, and school district boundaries. 83% of households are owner-occupied , creating limited rental inventory and strong long-term appreciation potential.

Lifestyle around Lake Sammamish

Life around Lake Sammamish blends waterfront serenity with tech-industry vitality. Located on Washington's Eastside just 20 miles from Seattle, the area's communities—Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah—offer award-winning schools, farm-to-table dining, outdoor recreation, and scenic trails framed by lake waters and Cascade views. Interstate 90 and SR-520 anchor movement between cities, while the 11-mile East Lake Sammamish Trail and extensive park networks invite active, nature-immersed days.

Lake Sammamish's lifestyle blends Pacific Northwest natural beauty with tech-driven prosperity—waterfront recreation, exceptional schools, extensive trail networks, and seamless access to Seattle and Bellevue create an exceptional, family-friendly place to call home.

Amenities around Lake Sammamish, WA

Lake Sammamish offers a world-class mix of amenities—from award-winning healthcare and luxury shopping to waterfront recreation, top-rated fitness centers, and family-friendly services. Below, you'll find key highlights that enhance everyday living and support the area's reputation as a premier Eastside lifestyle destination.

Schools & Preschools around Lake Sammamish

Families around Lake Sammamish are primarily served by the Lake Washington School District (LWSD), a community of world-class schools nestled between Lake Washington and the Cascades serving Kirkland, Redmond, and Sammamish . LWSD is the second-largest district in Washington State, with over 30,000 students in 57 schools . The district includes 34 primary schools, 12 middle schools, 9 high schools, and 2 alternative schools , plus respected private and Montessori options.

The district's vision, "Every Student Future Ready: Prepared for College, Prepared for the Global Workplace, Prepared for Personal Success," guides their work . LWSD has 29 neighborhood elementary schools, plus four choice elementary schools providing optional schooling alternatives and meeting specific needs and interests . In August 2012, LWSD moved the freshman class into its four high schools and converted junior highs to middle schools (grades 6–8) . Always confirm current attendance zones, transfers, and program availability before enrolling.

District: Lake Washington School District (LWSD) — 2nd largest in Washington with 30,000+ students in 57 schools . Tip: Attendance zones, transfers, and specialty programs can change—always verify boundaries, openings, transportation, and admissions requirements directly with each school or district. LWSD high schools are transitioning to 6-period schedules starting 2025-26 school year .

Investment Potential in Lake Sammamish, WA

Lake Sammamish stands as one of the Pacific Northwest's most prestigious luxury real estate markets, surrounded by affluent communities including Sammamish, Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah. The area attracts diverse buyers from local professionals to international investors, drawn by its blend of suburban charm, proximity to tech giants, and natural beauty . Home values in the area have shown steady growth, with Bellevue seeing 13% year-over-year increases and Sammamish showing 7% annual appreciation . Forecasts suggest 3% to 6% increases in home values for 2025, with waterfront properties commanding significantly higher premiums .

Why Lake Sammamish? The market remains competitive despite economic uncertainty, with median single-family home prices in Sammamish reaching $1.8 million as of August 2024, and premier waterfront properties fetching between $5 million and over $10 million . The area benefits from proximity to major tech employers including Microsoft's Redmond headquarters, Amazon's expanding Bellevue presence, and Nintendo of America . Combined with top-rated school districts, natural recreational opportunities, and limited waterfront inventory, Lake Sammamish offers exceptional long-term appreciation potential for luxury real estate investors.

The Lake Sammamish market offers compelling advantages for luxury real estate investors. Properties typically receive offers within four days of listing and often sell about 5% above list price , demonstrating exceptional buyer demand. Waterfront properties remain among the region's most desirable, with direct lake access homes often selling at premiums from $5 million to more than $10 million . The area benefits from strong economic fundamentals, including major employers like Microsoft and Amazon providing job security and attracting skilled workers to the region .

Key Investment Highlights:

• Over the last ten years, Sammamish experienced home appreciation rates of 124.66%, averaging 8.43% annually, placing it in the top 20% nationally
• Limited waterfront inventory drives premium pricing, with high demand especially for properties with private docks and lake access
• Redmond condos saw dramatic 83% year-over-year price increases, particularly in neighborhoods like Idylwood with views and outdoor access
• Predicted annual profit potential of approximately 3.5% for real estate investments in Sammamish
• Strong buyer competition expected through 2025, particularly for prime waterfront properties as mortgage rates stabilize

Whether targeting waterfront estates, luxury single-family homes, or high-appreciation condos in tech-adjacent neighborhoods, Lake Sammamish delivers exceptional investment returns backed by limited supply, affluent demographics, and proximity to the Pacific Northwest's leading employers. The market is expected to maintain its position as one of the Eastside's most sought-after locations with steady price appreciation and continued strong demand through 2025 and beyond .