There is a reason King County (renamed for Martin Luther King Jr.) is the most populous county in Washington: it’s diverse, vivacious, and beautiful. Located in Western Washington, King County is a thriving (and growing!) city set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning farmland and mountains in the country. It’s not a bad place to be employed, either; King County was named in Forbes magazine’s 2019 list of “America’s Best-In-State Employers.” It’s the heart of the tech industry in the Pacific Northwest, with giants like Boeing, Amazon, and Microsoft offering hundreds to thousands of jobs. There is everything when it comes to residential choices, from large single-family homes to sleek modern apartments. King County residents love the dichotomous nature of being able to get outdoors and go on a hike or head to a cool coffee shop — all right in their backyard.
What to Love
- Suburban yet urban aesthetic
- Technology job opportunities
- Diverse population
- Steady pace of life
People & Lifestyle
The King County community is a diverse one; it’s very welcoming and accepting of all types of people. The population enjoys a fine balance of outdoor recreation, nightlife, and low-key day activities like visiting wineries and breweries. All ages live in the county and find it comfortable and exciting.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
There is plenty to eat in the King County area.
Cafe Juanita has a sleek dining room with a wonderful wilderness view, and the chef uses all organic and sustainable products for their Italian fare.
The Herbfarm has seasonal and thematic nine-course meals paired with local wine and is housed in a quaint, charming inn. Craving delicious, authentic South Indian fare? Head to
Kathakali Indian Cuisine for traditional dishes with an urban twist. Get Wagyu beef and other incredible steaks at
John Howie Steak, a high-end steakhouse and wine club.
Canlis Restaurant is a fine-dining destination that’s been around since the 1950s and offers Pacific Northwest fare in a mid-century modern setting. If you’re a fan of Italian cuisine, have an excellent meal of handmade pasta and wine in the cozy yet chic dining room at
Altura. Another great Italian option is the rustic and delicious
Spinasse.
The Metropolitan Grill serves some of the greatest steak in town in a beautiful restaurant with an upscale ambiance.
We can’t round out the list without the
Pike Place Market stalls, an iconic spot for both food and shopping. If you’re looking to support independently owned joints,
The Pink Door is a quaint spot dedicated to fresh, local seafo
od and ingredients. Matt’s in the Market provides seasonal specials with views of the bay. For comfort food, swing by JuneBaby, which celebrates Southern cuisine. For more shopping opportunities, take a stroll by The Bellevue Collection and The Shops at The Bravern.
Things to Do
There is an endless list of exciting things to do in and near King County. Take advantage of one of the best
winery areas in the country as well as distilleries like
Woodinville Whiskey. Some of the best events are the biggest; the
Bellevue Arts Fair, hosted by the Bellevue Arts Museum, takes place over the course of four days in the summer and showcases over 300 inspiring artists.
Redmond Derby Days is a two-day summer carnival with rides, games, food and more. The biggest music and art festival is
Kirkland Summerfest, which takes place on the stunning waterfront of Lake Washington every summer.
Lunar New Year Celebration is a great event that takes place every year and celebrates an important day in Asian culture.
Schools
King County has several highly rated schools and educational facilities of note, including:
- Eastlake High School, Public, 9-12
- Lake Washington High School, Public, 9-12
- Roosevelt High School, Public, 9-12
- Kirkland Junior School, Public, 6-8
- Hamilton International Middle School, Public, 6-8
- Tyee Middle School, Public, 6-8
- Pine Lake Middle School, Public, 6-8
- Alki Elementary School, Public, PK-5
- Bennett Elementary School, Public, PK-5
- Cascade Ridge Elementary School, Public, K-5
- Grand Ridge Elementary School, Public, K-5
- Henry David Thoreau Elementary School, Public, K-5
- Rosa Parks Elementary School, Public, K-5
