Downtown Kirkland vs. Juanita Village (Seattle, Bellevue: condos, house, neighborhoods)

[mbw4162]

Hi! I am relocating to Kirkland this summer. When I was there for interviews, I explored downtown Kirkland and loved the walkability of it. I hear Juanita Village is a nice area too, does anyone have any opinions or insight they would like to offer in regards to pros/cons of those locations? I'm a young professional in my 20s and am would love to be able to walk to shops and bike around the area.

Thanks!

[homesinseattle]

Hey there, Juanita Village with the beach park close is more laid back, chill vibe. There are a shops, cafes, places to walk. You'll find much more of those though, more people, more action, in Downtown Kirkland.

[Kayela]

Juanita Village is a nice, chill place with easy access to the lake, but you'll probably find yourself going elsewhere for activities, plus the neighborhoods around it are pretty family-oriented, not really what I would chose as a 20-something who likes to get out fairly often. DT Kirkland just has a lot more going on, more stuff to walk to, more amenities, better access to the lake, plus it's that much more convenient to DT Bellevue and Seattle.

[Blondebaerde]

Originally Posted by mbw4162

Hi! I am relocating to Kirkland this summer. When I was there for interviews, I explored downtown Kirkland and loved the walkability of it. I hear Juanita Village is a nice area too, does anyone have any opinions or insight they would like to offer in regards to pros/cons of those locations? I'm a young professional in my 20s and am would love to be able to walk to shops and bike around the area.

Thanks!

Good for you, if you've made it in (somewhere). Wise choice. Between there and Mercer Island, I found a house (when looking, years ago) there first at my price point. I couldn't be moved out absent dynamite and dobermans on the loose, nowadays.

I live one mile north of downtown Kirkland, arbitrary center being corner of Central and Lk WA Blvd. I do believe the historic center might have been 7th and Market...I'm not hip enough on the history. Clearly some (buildings of interest) at that junction, though. Homes west of Market are stellar property. East, call it 1st through 6th N-S, are Norkirk and the gentrification is near-done. They've been leveling old shacks for years and putting in McMansions. Mine is a renovation, I do suppose...home of 30-something couples with 2.2 children, they say.

There is no comparison A to B that you asked for, okay? One downtown is a gorgeous albeit pretentious place, especially now through Thanksgiving when the weather is tolerable. Weddings at the gazebo. Public dock and also park seating on the grass. Walk along the lake boulevard. Festivals, spirit, everything else from cars to wine to.... Lot of dumb stores and more than 7 hair parlors on my last unofficial count. Best Greek food on Earth, not bad Thai. Starbucks, one of the all-time great locations. A "lane" with cute shops they're threatening to close off to cars on weekends (= not a bad idea). Sometimes a place to park, if you know where, but plan ahead regardless. Oh, and Dr. V____, my optometrist. I like her, too. A massive plaza about to open, verdict's out on that. Not too terribly far from my house so I have high hopes.

The latter is a couple streets of admittedly-useful restaurants and a few shops, with condos overhead. Nothing bad about it, it's just a bit ...chilly. Around the corner is some more action I like, like the man-barber (hot straight razor shave and haircut, $50). The donut place that costs too much and is run by teen girls, apparently. Mongolian Grill. A Wal Greens. A tolerable Mexican place, and my favorite local conveyor sushi (so-so quality, as-expected) with friendly staff.

Live near the former. Tons of new condos going up.