Living in Sammamish as a Microsoft Employee: Pros and Cons

UNK UNK UNK UNK building

September 7, 2023

Sammamish, a city located in King County, Washington, is a popular choice for those who work at Microsoft’s Redmond campus. With a population of over 65,000, Sammamish is a thriving community that offers a high quality of life. However, the question remains: is it good to live in Sammamish if you work at Microsoft in Redmond?

One of the main advantages of living in Sammamish is its proximity to Microsoft’s Redmond campus. The commute time from Sammamish to Redmond is approximately 15 to 20 minutes by car, making it a convenient location for those who work at Microsoft. Additionally, Sammamish offers a peaceful and quiet environment, which can be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to living in Sammamish. While the commute time to Redmond is relatively short, the city is located further away from other major cities such as Seattle and Bellevue. This can make it difficult for those who enjoy the city life or want to be closer to other cultural and entertainment options. Additionally, the cost of living in Sammamish can be high, which may be a consideration for those on a tight budget.

Proximity to Microsoft’s Redmond Campus

Sammamish is a city located in King County, Washington, and is approximately 9 miles east of Microsoft’s Redmond Campus. The city is known for its beautiful scenery, excellent schools, and family-friendly community.

Living in Sammamish can be a great option for those who work at Microsoft’s Redmond Campus. The proximity to the campus allows for a relatively short commute, which can be a significant factor in quality of life.

There are several transportation options available for those commuting from Sammamish to Microsoft’s Redmond Campus. The most common modes of transportation include driving, carpooling, and public transportation. The city also has several park-and-ride lots that allow commuters to park their cars and take public transportation to the campus.

In addition to its proximity to Microsoft’s Redmond Campus, Sammamish is also home to several parks and recreational areas. These include Pine Lake Park, Beaver Lake Park, and Soaring Eagle Regional Park. These parks offer residents the opportunity to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.

Overall, living in Sammamish can be an excellent choice for those who work at Microsoft’s Redmond Campus. Its proximity to the campus, transportation options, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to call home.

Housing in Sammamish

Sammamish is a beautiful city located in King County, Washington. It is an ideal place to live for those who work at Microsoft in Redmond, as it is only a short drive away. In this section, we will explore the housing options available in Sammamish.

Rental Housing

For those who prefer to rent, Sammamish offers a variety of options. According to apartments.com, rent in Sammamish starts at about $1,348. Real estate website Zillow reports that the median rent in Sammamish is $3,300.

Homeownership

Homeownership is a popular option in Sammamish. The median home price in Sammamish is $1.3 million, according to Zillow. However, Sammamish offers a range of housing options, from townhomes to large estates, so there is something for everyone.

Commuting

One of the benefits of living in Sammamish is the short commute to Microsoft in Redmond. The drive takes approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic. Additionally, Sammamish is located near major highways, making it easy to get around the area.

Neighborhoods

Sammamish is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, each with its own unique charm. Some popular neighborhoods include Pine Lake, Trossachs, and Sahalee. Each neighborhood offers a range of housing options and amenities, such as parks, trails, and lakes.

Conclusion

Overall, Sammamish is a great place to live for those who work at Microsoft in Redmond. With a range of housing options, short commute times, and beautiful neighborhoods, it is no wonder why Sammamish is considered one of the best places to live in the United States.

Transportation and Commute

For those working at Microsoft in Redmond, transportation and commute are important factors to consider when deciding where to live. Sammamish is a popular choice for those who prioritize a comfortable living environment and a reasonable commute time.

Commute Time

The average commute time from Sammamish to Microsoft’s Redmond campus is around 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. This is a relatively short commute compared to other cities in the area. Additionally, Sammamish is located near major highways, making it easy to access other parts of the region.

Public Transportation

For those who prefer public transportation, there are several options available from Sammamish to Redmond. King County Metro operates several bus routes that connect the two cities, with an average travel time of around 45 minutes. Additionally, the Sound Transit Link light rail is currently under construction and is expected to connect Sammamish to Redmond and other nearby cities in the future.

Biking and Walking

Sammamish is a bike-friendly city with several bike trails and lanes that connect to Redmond and other nearby cities. For those who prefer to walk, there are several pedestrian-friendly areas in Sammamish, including parks and shopping districts.

Overall, transportation and commute are important considerations for those working at Microsoft in Redmond. Sammamish offers a reasonable commute time and several transportation options, making it a convenient and comfortable place to live.

Lifestyle and Amenities in Sammamish

Sammamish is a great place to live if you work at Microsoft in Redmond. The suburban city offers a high quality of life with a sparse suburban feel. Residents of Sammamish enjoy a variety of lifestyle amenities that make it a great place to call home.

Outdoor Activities

Sammamish is surrounded by natural beauty, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The city has over 50 miles of trails that are perfect for hiking, biking, and running. The trails connect to regional parks and other open spaces, making it easy to explore the outdoors. Lake Sammamish is also nearby, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities.

Shopping and Dining

Sammamish has a variety of shopping and dining options that cater to all tastes and preferences. The city has several shopping centers, including the Sammamish Highlands Shopping Center, which features a variety of stores, restaurants, and services. The city also has several local restaurants that offer a range of cuisine, from casual to fine dining.

Cultural and Community Events

Sammamish is a diverse community that celebrates its culture and community through a range of events. The city hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Sammamish Farmers Market, which features local farmers and artisans. The city also hosts several cultural events, such as the Sammamish Lunar New Year Celebration, which celebrates the Asian culture and heritage.

Overall, Sammamish offers a great quality of life with plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy. Whether it’s exploring the outdoors, dining out, or attending community events, there’s always something to do in Sammamish.

Education and Schools

Sammamish is known for its excellent schools, making it a popular choice for families with children. The city is served by the Lake Washington School District, which has consistently been ranked among the top school districts in the state of Washington.

There are several highly-rated public schools in Sammamish, including Eastlake High School, Skyline High School, and Inglewood Middle School. These schools have received high marks for their academic programs, extracurricular activities, and overall student achievement.

For families seeking alternative education options, Sammamish also has several private schools, including the Overlake School and the Bear Creek School. These schools offer a variety of educational programs, including Montessori, Waldorf, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.

In addition to traditional K-12 schools, Sammamish is also home to a number of preschools and daycare centers, providing families with a range of options for early childhood education and care.

For those seeking higher education opportunities, the nearby city of Redmond is home to a campus of Lake Washington Institute of Technology, offering a variety of technical and vocational programs. Additionally, the University of Washington and Seattle University are both located within a reasonable commuting distance from Sammamish.

Overall, Sammamish offers a diverse range of educational options for families with children of all ages, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Healthcare Facilities

Sammamish has a few healthcare facilities that can cater to the medical needs of its residents. Here are some of the healthcare facilities that are available in Sammamish:

  • Overlake Medical Center is a hospital located in Bellevue, which is about 7 miles away from Sammamish. The hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and more. Overlake Medical Center has received high ratings from patients and is considered one of the best hospitals in the area.
  • Swedish Medical Center is a hospital located in Issaquah, which is about 5 miles away from Sammamish. The hospital provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, and more. Swedish Medical Center has received high ratings from patients and is considered one of the best hospitals in the area.
  • Sammamish Urgent Care is a walk-in clinic located in Sammamish. The clinic provides medical services for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. The clinic is open seven days a week and has extended hours on weekdays.

For more specialized medical care, residents of Sammamish may need to travel to nearby cities like Bellevue or Seattle. However, the healthcare facilities available in Sammamish can cater to most of the medical needs of its residents.

Safety and Crime Rate

Sammamish is considered one of the safest cities in Washington, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize safety when choosing a place to live. According to NeighborhoodScout, Sammamish is safer than 55% of U.S. neighborhoods. The city has a relatively low crime rate, with a violent crime rate of just 0.3 per 1,000 residents, which is significantly lower than the national median of 4.

Sammamish is also ranked as the safest place to live in Washington by SafeWise, with a rate of 0.3 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. This ranking is based on rates of violent crimes and property crimes per 1,000 residents. Property crime in Sammamish is also lower than the national average at 15.6 compared to 35.4 across the country.

Sammamish is a relatively safe place to live, with a violent crime rate of 7.9 compared to the national average of 22.7. The police are very visible and very responsive, according to a poll conducted by Niche, which makes residents feel secure and protected.

Overall, Sammamish is a safe city with low crime rates, making it a great option for those who prioritize safety and security.

Cost of Living

Living in Sammamish, WA can be quite expensive, with a cost of living index score of 210.8 compared to the national average of 100. This means that the cost of living in Sammamish is more than double the national average. The median home value in Sammamish is $1.3954 million, which is nearly four times higher than the US average house value of $338,100. However, the median income in Sammamish is also significantly higher than the national average at $181,464 per year.

According to Salary.com, the cost of living in Sammamish is 36.5% higher than the national average, with the largest increases found in transportation, food, and housing. While these costs may be high, there are many benefits to living in Sammamish, such as its proximity to Seattle and the beautiful natural scenery.

For those who work at Microsoft in Redmond, Sammamish is a convenient location to live as it is only about a 20-minute drive away. While the cost of living in Sammamish may be higher than other areas, the higher salaries in the tech industry can help offset these costs. Additionally, Sammamish offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community.

Overall, while the cost of living in Sammamish may be high, it is important to consider the benefits of living in this beautiful and thriving community.

Conclusion

Living in Sammamish while working at Microsoft in Redmond can be a great option for those who want to enjoy a suburban lifestyle while still having access to the city. Sammamish offers a great quality of life, with excellent schools, low crime rates, and plenty of outdoor activities.

While the commute may be longer than living closer to Redmond, Sammamish has a lot to offer in terms of amenities and community. The cost of living may be slightly higher than other areas, but the benefits of living in Sammamish can outweigh the costs.

Overall, it is up to the individual to determine if Sammamish is the right fit for them. It is recommended to visit the area and explore the community before making a decision.

You May Also Like…

0 Comments