Relocating to Washington State?
Discover the perfect neighborhood for your new home. Explore detailed city guides, neighborhood insights, and market data to make an informed decision about where to live.
As your dual-licensed REALTOR® and mortgage lender, I help relocation buyers navigate the Seattle area with confidence and clarity.
King County Real Estate Market Conditions
Understanding the current King County real estate market is essential for relocating homebuyers. Our latest market data shows a buyer-friendly environment with increased inventory and stable pricing. Whether you're moving to Kirkland, Bellevue, Seattle, or surrounding areas, these metrics provide valuable insights into current market conditions and opportunities.
Data sourced from Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) - the official MLS for Washington State real estate transactions.
King County Real Estate Market Metrics
February 2026 Market Overview - Northwest Multiple Listing Service | Seattle Area Real Estate Data
Median Price
Residential & Condominium combined
Average Price
Year-over-year comparison
Active Listings
Buyer-friendly market conditions
Days on Market
Average time to sell
New Listings
Increased inventory
Residential Median
Single-family homes
Condo Median
Condominiums & townhomes
Top Area Median
Medina (Area 510)
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Explore Cities
Each city guide includes neighborhood insights, market data, schools, amenities, and lifestyle information to help you choose the right location.
Seattle, WA
Seattle is the vibrant heart of the Pacific Northwest, known for its tech industry, cultural attractions, waterfront beauty, and progressive community. Perfect for professionals seeking urban energy, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class amenities.
Urban Neighborhoods
Capitol Hill, Ballard, Queen Anne, Fremont, and more
Tech Hub
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and thriving startup ecosystem
Culture & Arts
Museums, music venues, festivals, and vibrant nightlife
Waterfront Living
Puget Sound views, parks, and outdoor recreation
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Seattle, WA
Pacific Northwest's vibrant urban center with tech industry, culture, and waterfront beauty
Population
~750,000
Median Home Price
$800K-$1.2M+
Top Employers
Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Boeing
Schools
Seattle Public Schools, highly rated
Kirkland, WA
Kirkland is one of Washington's most desirable communities, known for its waterfront charm, vibrant downtown, excellent schools, and strong job market. Perfect for families, young professionals, and anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Diverse Neighborhoods
From waterfront estates to family-friendly suburbs
Job Market
Tech hub with major employers and opportunities
Community
Active, engaged residents and strong community events
Lifestyle
Waterfront parks, restaurants, shopping, and culture
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Kirkland, WA
Located on the shores of Lake Washington, just 15 minutes from Seattle
Population: ~92,000
Median Home Price: $1.2M+
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Expedia
Schools: Highly rated K-12 schools
Bothell, WA
Bothell is a thriving Eastside community offering the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience. Known for its tech-forward culture, excellent schools, outdoor recreation, and growing downtown, Bothell attracts young professionals, families, and entrepreneurs.
Diverse Housing
New construction, established neighborhoods, and townhomes
Tech Hub
Growing tech sector with major employers and startup ecosystem
Community
Active, engaged residents and strong community events
Lifestyle
Parks, trails, restaurants, breweries, and outdoor recreation
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Bothell, WA
Located in the heart of the Eastside, just 20 minutes from Seattle and Bellevue
Population: ~45,000
Median Home Price: $900K-$1.1M
Top Employers: Google, Microsoft, Tech startups
Schools: Northshore School District, highly rated
Bellevue, WA
Bellevue is Washington's premier Eastside city, combining urban sophistication with natural beauty. Home to major tech companies, the #1 school district in Washington, and a thriving international community, Bellevue attracts professionals, families, and entrepreneurs seeking exceptional quality of life just 10 miles from Seattle.
Urban Sophistication
World-class amenities, impressive skyline, shopping at Bellevue Square
Tech Hub
Microsoft, T-Mobile, Amazon, and thriving startup ecosystem
Global Community
43% foreign-born, 50% multilingual households, diverse culture
World-Class Schools
#1 school district in Washington, top 120 nationally
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Bellevue, WA
Premier Eastside city, 10 miles from Seattle with world-class amenities
Population: ~156,000
Median Home Price: $1.4M+
Top Employers: Microsoft, T-Mobile, Amazon
Schools: Bellevue School District, #1 in Washington
Redmond, WA
Redmond is the innovation hub of the Pacific Northwest, home to major tech companies and a thriving startup ecosystem. Known for its excellent schools, outdoor recreation, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant community culture, Redmond attracts tech professionals, families, and entrepreneurs seeking a dynamic lifestyle.
Diverse Housing
Modern homes, luxury estates, and family neighborhoods
Tech Innovation
Home to Microsoft, Google, and thriving startup ecosystem
Community
Diverse, educated population with strong community engagement
Lifestyle
Parks, trails, tech culture, restaurants, and outdoor recreation
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Redmond, WA
Located on the Eastside, just 15 minutes from Seattle and Bellevue
Population: ~73,000
Median Home Price: $1.1M-$1.4M
Top Employers: Microsoft, Google, Amazon, tech startups
Schools: Redmond School District, highly rated
Issaquah, WA
Issaquah is a mountain valley community offering the perfect blend of outdoor recreation, top-rated schools, and suburban comfort. Located just 20 miles east of Seattle with direct I-90 access to Bellevue and Redmond, Issaquah attracts families seeking excellent schools, mountain lifestyle, and strategic location within a thriving community.
Mountain Lifestyle
Direct access to Issaquah Alps with Tiger, Cougar, and Squak Mountains
Top-Rated Schools
Three high schools in Washington's top 25, premier destination for families
Master-Planned Communities
Issaquah Highlands and Talus offer modern amenities and thoughtful design
Strategic Location
20 miles from Seattle, direct I-90 access to Eastside employment centers
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Issaquah, WA
Mountain valley community, 20 miles east of Seattle with I-90 access
Population: ~40,000
Median Home Price: $800K-$1.2M
Top Employers: Costco HQ, tech companies, Eastside corridor
Schools: Three high schools in WA top 25
Sammamish, WA
Sammamish is Washington's premier affluent suburb, ranked #1 for safety and home to the highest median household income in the state. Located on the Sammamish Plateau just 20 miles east of Seattle, this family-focused community offers elite schools, larger estates, and a thriving youth sports culture that attracts high-net-worth professionals and families seeking exceptional quality of life.
Safest City in WA
Ranked #1 for safety in Washington State, offering peace of mind for families
Elite Education
Eastlake High School ranks #4-7 in Washington, top-rated school districts
Highest Income
Median household income of $227,273—highest in Washington State
Premium Lifestyle
Larger estates, master-planned communities, lake access, youth sports culture
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Sammamish, WA
Affluent suburb on Sammamish Plateau, 20 miles east of Seattle
Population: Growing rapidly (47% increase)
Median Home Price: $1.5M+
Median Income: $227,273 (highest in WA)
Schools: Eastlake High #4-7 in WA
Kenmore, WA
Kenmore is a hidden gem on Lake Washington, offering waterfront living at $300K-400K less than Kirkland while maintaining exceptional quality. Located just 15 miles north of Seattle with top-rated Northshore School District schools, this growing community of 24,670 combines small-town charm, lake access, affordability, and strategic proximity to Seattle, Bellevue, and tech corridors—ideal for families and professionals seeking value without compromise.
Lake Washington Waterfront
Waterfront lifestyle at $300K-400K less than Kirkland, with private dock access and lake views
Top-Rated Schools
Northshore School District with Inglemoor High School IB program and excellent elementary schools
Small-Town Feel
Population of 24,670 maintains intimate community while offering 25-35 min access to Seattle
Safety & Growth
Consistently ranked among WA's safest cities, 2.1% annual growth, 167% home appreciation over 10 years
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Kenmore, WA
Lake Washington waterfront community, 15 miles north of Seattle
Population: 24,670 (growing at 2.1% annually)
Median Home Price: $514K-$1M+
Median Income: $137,926
Schools: Northshore School District, Inglemoor High IB
Lynnwood, WA
Lynnwood is a thriving suburban community offering exceptional value with direct access to Seattle and Eastside employment centers. Known for its affordability compared to Kirkland and Bellevue, excellent shopping at Alderwood Mall, and convenient I-5/I-405 access, Lynnwood attracts families, commuters, and professionals seeking suburban comfort with urban convenience.
Affordable Suburban Living
Median home price $300K-400K less than Kirkland, diverse housing options
Strategic Location
Direct I-5/I-405 access to Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and tech corridors
Shopping & Amenities
Alderwood Mall, restaurants, parks, and growing Lynnwood City Center
Community Growth
Edmonds School District, growing population, transit improvements underway
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Lynnwood, WA
Affordable suburban community, 20 miles north of Seattle with I-5/I-405 access
Population: ~42,600
Median Home Price: $680K-$815K
Median Income: $87,610
Schools: Edmonds School District
Renton, WA
Renton is a vibrant South King County community offering exceptional value, diverse neighborhoods, and direct access to Seattle and Eastside employment centers. Known for its affordability, excellent schools, waterfront parks, and strategic location near major employers like Boeing and Amazon, Renton attracts families, professionals, and investors seeking suburban comfort with urban convenience.
Affordable Urban Living
Median home price $200K-300K less than Kirkland, diverse housing from townhomes to estates
Major Employment Hubs
Boeing, Amazon, Microsoft, and direct I-405/I-5 access to tech corridors
Parks & Waterfront
Gene Coulon Park, Lake Washington waterfront, trails, and outdoor recreation
Excellent Schools & Growth
Renton School District, diverse community, rapid development and investment
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Renton, WA
Vibrant South King County community, 15 miles south of Seattle with I-405/I-5 access
Population: ~110,000+
Median Home Price: $550K-$750K
Median Income: $92,000+
Schools: Renton School District
Compare Neighborhoods Side-by-Side
Select up to 4 cities to compare key metrics including pricing, schools, commute times, and lifestyle factors. This interactive tool helps you make informed decisions about which community best fits your needs and budget.
Select Cities to Compare
Select 1-4 cities above to see a detailed comparison
Compare pricing, schools, commute times, lifestyle factors, and more
More Cities Coming Soon
We're expanding our city guides to include Seattle and other popular Washington communities. Each guide will feature detailed neighborhood information, market data, and lifestyle insights.
Why Relocation Buyers Choose David Kowal
Local Expertise
Deep knowledge of Seattle area neighborhoods, schools, commute patterns, and community dynamics to help you choose the right location.
Financing Coordination
Align your financing with your relocation timeline. Pre-approval before you arrive, so you can move quickly when you find the right home.
Single Point of Contact
One trusted professional managing real estate, financing, and closing. No coordination gaps, no surprises—just smooth transitions.