Sammamish, Washington, is a city located in King County, just east of Seattle. The city is known for its natural beauty, with Lake Sammamish and the Snoqualmie Valley bordering the city. The city’s population was 67,455 as of the 2020 census.

One of the main attractions in Sammamish is Lake Sammamish, which offers a variety of recreational activities such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The lake is also home to several parks, including Lake Sammamish State Park, which features hiking trails, picnic areas, and a beach. In addition to the lake, Sammamish is surrounded by several other parks and green spaces, including Soaring Eagle Regional Park and Beaver Lake Park.

Sammamish is also known for its excellent schools, with the Issaquah School District serving the city. The district has consistently been ranked as one of the top school districts in the state, with several of its schools receiving national recognition. Overall, Sammamish is a thriving city that offers a high quality of life for its residents, with easy access to both urban and natural amenities.

Geographic Location

Sammamish is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. It is situated on a plateau, bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east. Sammamish is located 20 miles east of Seattle, and is a part of the Seattle metropolitan area.

The city covers an area of 19.1 square miles, with a population of 67,455 as of the 2020 census. Sammamish is known for its beautiful surroundings, with stunning views of the Cascade Mountains to the east and Lake Sammamish to the west.

Sammamish is also known for its mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F throughout the year. The city has a mild Marine West Coast or an oceanic climate, with an average annual precipitation of 38 inches.

The city is home to several parks and natural areas, including Pine Lake Park, Beaver Lake Park, and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. These parks offer residents and visitors a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.

In addition to its natural beauty, Sammamish is known for its excellent schools and high quality of life. The city has a strong economy, with a high concentration of technology companies and a thriving small business community. Overall, Sammamish is a vibrant, growing city that offers its residents a high quality of life and a wide range of amenities.

History and Development

Sammamish is a city located in King County, Washington, United States. The city has a rich history that dates back to over 13,000 years ago when Native American people, including the Duwamish and Snoqualmie tribes, inhabited the shores of Lake Sammamish.

In the late 1800s, the area was largely uninhabited by humans until Martin Monohon became the first permanent non-Indian settler on the Sammamish Plateau in 1877. For much of the next century, the region was mostly woods, chicken farms, dairy farms, and lake.

The city’s development began in the 1970s when the Sahalee Country Club was established, and the Lake Washington School District opened a new high school in the area. In the 1980s, the construction of the East Lake Sammamish Trail began, which helped to boost the city’s development further.

Sammamish was officially incorporated in August 1999, and since then, it has been steadily growing and developing. Today, the city is known for its beautiful natural scenery, excellent schools, and high quality of life. It is home to numerous parks and trails, including the Lake Sammamish State Park, Beaver Lake Park, and Soaring Eagle Regional Park.

Furthermore, Sammamish is a member of the Eastside and is a part of the Seattle metropolitan area. It is situated 20 miles east of Seattle and is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east. The city’s population was 67,977 as of July 1, 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing cities in the state.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Recreation

Sammamish, Washington is renowned for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is surrounded by breathtaking forests, lakes, and mountains, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Parks and Trails

Sammamish boasts a wide variety of parks and trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the city’s natural beauty. The city’s parks and trails are well-maintained and offer a range of activities, including hiking, biking, and birdwatching. Some of the most popular parks and trails in Sammamish include Pine Lake Park, Beaver Lake Park, and Soaring Eagle Regional Park.

Lake Sammamish

Lake Sammamish is a beautiful freshwater lake that stretches for over 7 miles. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking and sunbathing on the lake’s sandy beaches. Lake Sammamish State Park is located on the lake’s southern shore and offers a range of amenities, including a boat launch, picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Outdoor Activities

Sammamish is a gateway to outdoor exploration. The city serves as a gateway to the Cascade Mountains, providing access to hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy golfing, horseback riding, and hot air balloon rides in and around Sammamish.

Overall, Sammamish, Washington is a nature lover’s paradise. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, the city is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the great outdoors.

Demographics and Community

Sammamish is a city located in King County, Washington, with a population of 66,532 as of 2021. The city is known for its affluent community and high-quality of life. According to Data USA, the median household income in Sammamish is $195,648, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Sammamish has a diverse population, with 65.5% of residents identifying as White, 26.1% as Asian, and 3.2% as Hispanic or Latino. The city has a relatively high foreign-born population, with 20.8% of residents being born outside of the United States, which is more than 1.5 times the rate in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Metro Area.

The city has a well-educated population, with 75.9% of residents holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher, which is significantly higher than the national average. The city is also known for its low crime rate, making it a safe place to live and raise a family.

Sammamish has a strong sense of community, with many local events and activities throughout the year. The city has a number of parks and recreational areas, including Lake Sammamish State Park, which is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries, museums, and performing arts venues.

Economic Landscape

Business Environment

Sammamish, Washington boasts a thriving business environment, with a diverse range of industries. The city’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and supportive business climate make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike. The city’s economy is driven by a mix of small businesses, mid-sized corporations, and large enterprises.

According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, Sammamish has seen the job market increase by 2.6% over the last year, and future job growth over the next ten years is predicted to be 84.3%, which is higher than the US average of 33.5%. The city’s sales tax rate is 10.0%, which is higher than the US average of 7.3%. However, the income tax rate for Sammamish is 0.0%.

Employment Opportunities

Sammamish offers a wide range of employment opportunities across various industries. The city’s top employers include Microsoft, Costco, and T-Mobile. The city’s economy is also driven by the healthcare, education, and retail sectors.

According to a report by the Seattle Times, nearly as many Sammamish residents work in management occupations, with a median salary of $155,000. That’s about $50,000 higher than the median for Seattle residents in management jobs.

Overall, Sammamish’s economic landscape is characterized by a diverse mix of businesses, a skilled workforce, and a supportive business climate. The city’s strategic location, strong job growth, and high median salaries make it an attractive destination for businesses and job seekers alike.

Education and Schools

Sammamish, Washington is known for its excellent education system, which includes both public and higher education institutions. The city is served by two school districts, the Lake Washington School District and the Issaquah School District, which oversee the operations of several elementary, middle, and high schools within the city.

Public Schools

For the 2024 school year, there are 15 public schools serving 11,825 students in Sammamish, WA. 83% of all K-12 students in Sammamish, WA are educated in public schools, which is slightly lower than the WA state average of 91%. However, Sammamish has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in Washington.

According to Niche, a website that ranks schools based on various factors, several public schools in Sammamish have a rating of 9/10 or above. These schools include:

• Margaret Mead Elementary School
• Discovery Elementary School
• Creekside Elementary School
• Inglewood Middle School
• Pine Lake Middle School
• Skyline High School
• Eastlake High School

Higher Education

Sammamish is home to several higher education institutions, including satellite campuses of Bellevue College and Lake Washington Institute of Technology. These institutions offer a variety of degree programs, including business, computer science, and healthcare. Additionally, the University of Washington, one of the top public universities in the United States, is located just a short drive away in Seattle.

Overall, Sammamish’s education system is highly regarded, with a focus on providing quality education to students from elementary school through higher education.

Cultural Attractions

Sammamish, Washington, has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its diverse range of attractions. Here are some of the cultural attractions that visitors to Sammamish should not miss.

Local Festivals

Sammamish hosts several annual festivals that celebrate the city’s cultural diversity. The Sammamish Farmers Market is one such event that attracts visitors from all over the region. This market features local vendors selling fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and other specialty items. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, and other entertainment.

Another popular festival in Sammamish is the Sammamish Days Festival. This event is a celebration of the city’s history and heritage and features live music, food vendors, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors can also learn about the city’s history by visiting the Sammamish Heritage Society Museum.

Art and Music Scene

Sammamish has a vibrant art and music scene that is reflected in its many galleries, studios, and performance venues. The city is home to several art galleries that showcase the work of local artists. Visitors can also attend art classes and workshops at these galleries.

Music lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Sammamish. The city hosts several concerts and live music events throughout the year, featuring both local and national acts. The Sammamish Symphony Orchestra is another popular attraction, offering a variety of classical and contemporary performances throughout the year.

Overall, visitors to Sammamish will find a rich and diverse cultural scene that reflects the city’s unique history and heritage. Whether you’re interested in local festivals, art, or music, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Real Estate Market

Sammamish has a competitive real estate market, with a median sale price of $1.3 million as of last month. The market has been trending upwards, with a 1.9% increase since last year. The median sale price per square foot is $560, which is an 8.7% increase since last year.

In January 2024, the median listing home price in Sammamish was $1.9 million, trending up 9.7% year-over-year. The Sammamish real estate market had 77 homes for sale in January 2024, a 9.4% decrease compared to December 2023.

Sammamish house prices are among the most expensive in Washington, with a median house value of $1,196,272. The real estate market is also among the most expensive in all of America.

It takes around 20 days for a home in Sammamish to sell, on average. The average sale time has decreased from 75 days in January 2023 to 43 days in January 2024.

Overall, the Sammamish real estate market is competitive and expensive, with prices trending upwards. However, the demand for homes in the area remains high, making it a desirable location for homebuyers.

Transportation and Accessibility

Sammamish is known for its well-maintained transportation infrastructure that provides easy access to the city’s many attractions. The city is located in King County, Washington, and is accessible by various modes of transportation, including buses, trains, and cars.

The East Lake Sammamish Trail is one of the most beloved features of the city’s transportation infrastructure. This scenic trail spans 11 miles, offering a perfect route for walking, jogging, and cycling enthusiasts. The trail provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The City of Sammamish is committed to improving its transit system to enhance mobility within the city and throughout the region. The city’s Transportation Planning team focuses on improving mobility through long- and short-range transportation planning and policy efforts. The team is currently working on the Sammamish Transit Plan, which aims to identify ways to enhance the city’s mobility and accessibility.

The city also offers Access Transportation services for residents who require specialized transportation services. Access Transportation allows residents to book, manage, and track most ride requests 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service requires residents to schedule a ride one to seven days in advance, and they can schedule their ride by 5:00 pm on the day before they need to travel.

Overall, Sammamish’s transportation infrastructure and accessibility make it an ideal destination for visitors and residents alike. Whether visitors prefer to walk, jog, cycle, or drive, the city’s transportation options provide easy access to the area’s many attractions.