Bridle Trails, Kirkland and Bellevue
A wooded, large-lot neighborhood straddling the Kirkland and Bellevue line around Bridle Trails State Park, with equestrian zoning, privacy and the highest lot sizes this close to the tech core. Typical range $1.8M to $4M+.
Acre lots, horse trails and a state park in the middle of the Eastside, ten minutes from Microsoft
—— Living in Bridle Trails
Bridle Trails is unlike anything else on the Eastside. Zoning on much of the neighborhood requires lots of roughly an acre, horses are still kept and ridden, and the 480-acre Bridle Trails State Park in the center has nearly 30 miles of trails. The result is a place that feels rural while sitting between downtown Kirkland, downtown Bellevue and the Microsoft campus, all within about ten to fifteen minutes.
Housing ranges from 1950s ranch homes on original acreage to substantial new construction, often on lots that were split where zoning allows. The neighborhood is divided by city and by school district, which is the first thing to sort out for any family looking here.
At a glance
Bridle Trails by the numbers
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| City | Kirkland (north and west), Bellevue (south and east) |
| School district | Lake Washington SD (Kirkland side), Bellevue SD (Bellevue side); verify by address |
| Feeder pattern | Kirkland side: Ben Franklin Elementary, Rose Hill Middle, Lake Washington High. Bellevue side: Cherry Crest Elementary, Odle Middle, Interlake High |
| Housing | Large-lot single-family, 1950s to new construction, equestrian properties |
| Typical 2026 range | $1.8M to $4M+; acreage and new builds higher |
| Lot sizes | Half acre to one acre and above in the equestrian zone |
| Microsoft (Redmond) | 10 to 15 min via 148th or Bel-Red Road |
| Amazon (Bellevue) | 10 to 15 min via 405 or 116th |
| Downtown Seattle | 25 to 40 min via 520 |
| EvergreenHealth (Kirkland) | 10 to 15 min via 405 or 124th |
| Overlake Medical Center | 10 to 15 min via 405 |
Inside the neighborhood
Streets and sub-areas of Bridle Trails
- North Bridle Trails (Kirkland): streets between 60th and 70th NE, Lake Washington schools, closest to downtown Kirkland
- East Bridle Trails (Bellevue): between the park and 140th, Bellevue schools, closest to Microsoft
- South Bridle Trails (Bellevue): toward NE 24th and Bel-Red, larger new builds, quick Bellevue access
- Park-adjacent streets: the highest premium for direct trail access and privacy
Who it fits
Is Bridle Trails right for you?
Bridle Trails is for households that want land, trees and quiet without giving up the commute. It is the most common answer when a relocating executive or physician says they want acreage but need to be at Microsoft, Overlake or Bellevue in fifteen minutes.
It is not a fit for anyone who wants sidewalks, a walkable coffee shop or a low-maintenance property. Lots this size mean landscaping, septic on some parcels, and trees that need managing.
Before you buy
What to know about Bridle Trails
- City and school district change street by street; we confirm both before any showing
- Some parcels are on septic and private wells; confirm sewer and water status early
- Equestrian zoning affects what you can build and whether a lot can be subdivided
- New construction on split lots has changed the character of some streets; drive the block at different times of day
Questions we get
Bridle Trails questions
Which school district is Bridle Trails in?
Both. The Kirkland portion is Lake Washington School District and the Bellevue portion is Bellevue School District. Some families choose the side of the neighborhood based on this alone.
Can I keep horses?
On lots in the equestrian-zoned areas, yes, subject to city rules on animals per acre. Many properties have barns and paddocks. We can confirm zoning for any specific parcel.
How is the Microsoft commute?
Ten to fifteen minutes to the Redmond campus via 148th Avenue NE or Bel-Red Road, which is why Bridle Trails is popular with senior Microsoft households.
Want to see Bridle Trails?
We can tour in person or by video, pull the current school assignment and price history for any street, and tell you honestly whether it fits.
Price ranges are typical 2026 asking prices for orientation; school assignments verified by address at time of offer. Data reviewed September 2026. Justin Cicero, Managing Broker, Real Broker, LLC. Back to the Kirkland guide.