Jan. 5, 2006 - Building Permits & Neighborhood info - Kirkland

Here's a great tool! 

If you click on the Kirkland Neighborhood Map in my favorite links to the right, you will find a great map of the way Kirkland breaks down its neighborhoods.  The map is INTERACTIVE!.  If you click on a neighborhood, you will be able to see all of the approved and pending building permits in each neighborhood.

While these are the actual neighborhood names, when you are looking at homes for sale under the property search link on the right, most real estate agents will break down the communities differently.  The "Market" neighborhood is commonly referred to as "West of Market".  Norkirk is called "East of Market".  Moss Bay and the SW corner of Norkirk is usually referred to as "Downtown".  Juanita North and South are combined and called Juanita.  Lakeview and Central Hougton are combined and called Hougton except at the southernmost point of Lakeview where you have Carillon and Rose Point.  Totem Lake is Totem Lake, Highlands is Highlands, Bridle Trails is Bridle trails and I'm not sure what they call Everest :-) Some agents call parts of Lakeview, West Bellevue, but most Kirkland residents do not want to be called Bellevue.

When choosing a home, note that there is a train that can be noisy at times if you live very close to it and the 405 runs straight through Kirkland.  Great access for getting around, but you probably don't want to live right up on it.  Check noise levels when the road is wet.  Also, Downtown living is great!  But it can be noisy in the summer if you live too close to the bars and restaurants.  Of course EVERY house sells.  If the noise level doesn't bother you, properties with higher noise levels will give you more home for your money or better schools for your children at a price you can afford.  Just make sure the property is appropriately discounted for the noise factor.

I live East of Market. Heaven!!  Great views of Lake Washington, Mt. Rainier and Downtown Seattle and relatively affordable compared to West of Market and some other areas with views.