Welcome to Sammamish, WA
Nestled on the Sammamish Plateau between Lake Sammamish and the Cascade foothills, Sammamish offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty and modern suburban living. This thriving community has become a magnet for families and professionals seeking excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and easy access to Seattle’s tech corridor while maintaining a peaceful, small-town atmosphere.
📍 Sammamish, WA at a Glance
- Population: 67,455
- Location: 20 miles east of Seattle, bordered by Redmond to the north and Issaquah to the south
- Incorporated: 1999
- Known For: Top-rated schools, pristine parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods
🔗 Dive Deeper into Sammamish
💸 Cost & Budget
🏘️ Housing & Lifestyle
🚍 Utilities & Transportation
🏙️ City Comparisons
🎯 Special Content
🔍 In-Depth Relocation Overview
🗳️ Politics & Civic Life
Sammamish leans moderate with a mix of progressive and conservative viewpoints, reflecting its diverse professional population. The city maintains a strong tradition of civic engagement, with active neighborhood associations and well-attended city council meetings. Local politics focus primarily on maintaining quality of life, managing growth, and preserving green spaces.
🚓 Crime & Safety
Consistently ranked as one of Washington’s safest cities, Sammamish boasts crime rates well below state and national averages. The city’s violent crime rate is approximately 75% lower than the national average, making it particularly attractive for families. The Sammamish Police Department maintains strong community partnerships and emphasizes proactive policing strategies.
🍽️ Dining & Entertainment
While primarily residential, Sammamish offers diverse dining options including Pine Lake Ale House for craft beer enthusiasts, Dough Zone for authentic dumplings, and Big Fish Grill for upscale American cuisine. The city’s entertainment scene centers around outdoor activities, community events at Sammamish Commons, and the nearby Sahalee Country Club. For broader entertainment options, residents often venture to neighboring Redmond or Bellevue.
🏛️ Local Government
Sammamish operates under a council-manager form of government with seven elected council members and a professional city manager. The city government is known for its fiscal responsibility and transparent operations, maintaining strong reserves while investing in infrastructure and community amenities. City services receive high marks from residents for responsiveness and efficiency.
🚍 Transportation
While Sammamish is primarily car-dependent, King County Metro provides bus service connecting to major employment centers. The city features an extensive network of trails and bike lanes for recreational cycling. Most residents commute via State Route 520 or Interstate 90 to reach Seattle and Bellevue, with average commute times ranging from 25-40 minutes depending on destination.
🏘️ Housing & Real Estate
Sammamish’s housing market features predominantly single-family homes, with median home prices around $1.2 million. The city offers various neighborhoods from established communities like Klahanie to newer developments near Sammamish Town Center. Property values have remained strong due to excellent schools, low crime, and proximity to major tech employers. Rental options are limited but growing with new townhome and apartment developments.
🌳 Parks & Outdoor Life
With over 1,000 acres of parks and open space, Sammamish is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Beaver Lake Park offers hiking trails and swimming, while Pine Lake Park provides beach access and picnic areas. The East Lake Sammamish Trail spans 11 miles for walking and cycling. Soaring Eagle Regional Park features 12 miles of trails through 600 acres of forest, perfect for mountain biking and trail running.
💼 Job Market
While Sammamish itself is primarily residential, its proximity to Redmond and Bellevue provides access to major employers including Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Amazon. The median household income exceeds $180,000, reflecting the concentration of tech professionals and executives. Local employment opportunities exist in education, healthcare, and retail, with many residents working in technology, finance, and professional services.
🧑🏫 Education
Sammamish is served by two highly-rated school districts: Lake Washington and Issaquah. Skyline High School and Eastlake High School consistently rank among Washington’s top schools. The city also hosts several distinguished private schools including Eastside Catholic School and The Bear Creek School. With over 60% of adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher, education is a community priority.
🌞 Climate & Weather
Sammamish experiences a mild Pacific Northwest climate with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average summer highs reach the mid-70s, while winter temperatures typically range from 35-45°F. The city receives about 40 inches of rain annually, mostly between November and March. Summer months from July through September offer spectacular weather with minimal rainfall, perfect for enjoying the area’s abundant outdoor amenities.
💬 Community Sentiment
Residents consistently praise Sammamish for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and natural beauty. Common concerns include traffic congestion during peak hours and the high cost of living. The community maintains a strong sense of pride in preserving the city’s character while managing growth. Neighborhood Facebook groups and community forums reflect active engagement and a collaborative spirit among residents.
✨ Why People Are Moving to Sammamish
Sammamish continues to attract families and professionals seeking the perfect balance of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility. With its top-tier schools, exceptionally low crime rates, and abundant green spaces, the city offers an unparalleled quality of life just minutes from Seattle’s booming tech economy. For those who value education, safety, and outdoor recreation while maintaining career opportunities in one of America’s most dynamic job markets, Sammamish represents the ideal Pacific Northwest lifestyle.