Moss Bay is the neighborhood most people mean when they say downtown Kirkland: the waterfront parks, marina, restaurants and shops along Lake Washington, plus the condos and homes on the hills just above. It is the most walkable part of Kirkland and one of the most walkable places on the Eastside. Updated September 2026.
The short version
- Walk to Marina Park, Peter Kirk Park, the waterfront and dozens of restaurants.
- Housing is mostly condos and townhomes near the water, with older and newly rebuilt single-family homes on the surrounding hills.
- Served by the Lake Washington School District; confirm exact school boundaries by address.
- Commutes run 15 to 25 minutes to downtown Bellevue or Microsoft in typical traffic, longer to Seattle across SR-520.
Who Moss Bay fits
- Professionals and couples who want to walk to dinner and the lake.
- Downsizers trading yard work for a condo with a view.
- Relocating buyers who want a lock-and-leave home while they learn the region.
Commute from Moss Bay
| Destination | Typical drive |
|---|---|
| Downtown Bellevue | 15 to 25 min |
| Microsoft Redmond campus | 15 to 25 min |
| Downtown Seattle via SR-520 | 25 to 45 min |
| EvergreenHealth (Totem Lake) | 10 to 15 min |
What to know before you buy
- Condo buildings vary widely in reserves, rental rules and pending assessments; review the association documents early.
- Water-view premiums are real and view corridors can depend on neighboring lots; confirm what is protected.
- Parking and guest parking are limited downtown; check what comes with the unit.
- Summer weekends are busy on the waterfront; visit on a Saturday before committing.
Nearby neighborhoods to compare
If Moss Bay is over budget or you want more yard, compare Juanita for lakefront parks with more space, or Bridle Trails for large lots near Bellevue. See the full Kirkland guide for schools, prices and commutes.
Talk it through
Book a 30-minute call with Justin Cicero, Managing Broker, a Kirkland resident since 2005, or send your details.