For people looking to enjoy the convenience of living near a big city without actually having to live in an urban setting, the greater Seattle area has countless options.

Where we choose to live is dictated by so many things — work location, finances, families, and the kind of lifestyle we want to live.

When searching for your ideal home, knowing what each community can offer its residents makes choosing your final destination that much easier.

Here’s an overview of what Kenmore, WA has to offer.

How It All Started

In the mid-1800s, the town that is now known as Kenmore, WA was nothing more than a forest.

The forest was owned by several investors, including the inventor of Remington guns, Philo Remington. Remington eventually sold some of the property to his son-in-law Watson Squire, whose first focus was building a water tower. That water tower ended up being a big draw to people looking for an area to settle.

It was John and Annie McMasters who named the town Kenmore, as an homage to their hometown of Kenmore in Canada. Having migrated to Puget Sound in 1889, the family had leased land from Squire. After settling down in the area, McMasters took over the mill in the early 1900s.

In those early days the town of Kenmore, WA was mainly inhabited by those associated with the mill. Bunkhouses, a cookhouse, a manager’s house, and a few shacks were the only buildings in addition to the mill.

In 1913, Bothell Brick Road was opened, drawing more people to the area.

After World War I, when the Puget Mill Company began offering small pieces of land for people to build homes on, the town began to grow. By the early 1920s, a bridge had been built over the river, a general store was opened and the first service station was in business.

Over the next 70 years, Kenmore WA saw a slow but steady population increase, culminating in the town being incorporated as part of King County in 1998.

Kenmore at a Glance

Today, Kenmore has a population of nearly 24,000 people, and the demographics of the people living there are quite diverse.

The average age is 39 years old, indicating a large number of young professionals and families. However, you can find everyone from university students just starting out to retirees who are enjoying a slower pace of life.

Nestled just north of Seattle in King Country, Kenmore, WA is centrally located between I-5 and I-405 along SR 522. This makes it an incredibly convenient home base for those who work in industries like technology, aerospace, and post-secondary institutions.

Ease of accessibility is also a big draw for those considering living in Kenmore, WA, with the town being accessible by car, boat, bus, seaplane or bike.

Known for being a walk-friendly community, people living in Kenmore have plenty of opportunities to leave the car at home and explore on foot.

Outdoor Living for Everyone

People in the Pacific Northwest often have the benefit of abundant nature right at our doorstep, and Kenmore, WA delivers in this regard.

The community offers nearly eight miles of shoreline along Lake Washington, Swamp Creek, and the Sammamish River.

Kenmore offers residents and visitors access to many open spaces that include picnic areas, play structures and sports fields. There are currently seven parks in the city and starting in 2022 there will be even more recreation improvements.

For more details on area parks, information can be found right here.

The Pacific Northwest is known for our majestic and expansive state parks, and those in Kenmore can make good use of Saint Edward State Park right in their own backyard. With over 300 acres to explore, the crown jewel of the park is Saint Edward Seminary which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

For those who like to explore trails and paths, the Burke-Gilman Trail spans 20 miles. Used primarily for biking, running, and walking, the trail. is appropriate for all skill levels and offers a mix of paved and off-road routes.

If water sports are more your speed, there’s a boat launch on the north shore of Lake Washington — the only one in the area.

Arts, Culture, and More

Known for its highly walkable downtown area, Kenmore, WA has plenty of arts and culture.

The Northshore Performing Arts Center acts as a cultural hub for the community, offering a mix of educational programs and various performances. With 600 seats, this is a frequent gathering space for residents.

For those looking to immerse themselves in local history, the History Path at Log Boom Park offers insight into how the town began all the way through to where the town is headed in the future.

Kenmore City Hall is home to the Arts of Kenmore Gallery, a local non-profit organization committed to creating opportunities for local artists and creating accessible art experiences that the entire community can enjoy.

Top Tier Education Options

As part of the Northshore School District, Kenmore offers three high schools, six middle schools and 20 elementary schools.

Boasting a 95% graduation rate, Northshore School District offers students a wide variety of programming, including several STEM and arts-focused before-and-after-school programs.

Bastyr University is not only the city’s largest employer, but it also offers students the opportunity to study at one of the top universities for natural health sciences along with a world-class research institute.

Located centrally between the University of Washington Seattle campus and their satellite campus in Bothell as well as Cascadia Community College, Kenmore’s central location and accessibility make it a good option for students looking to settle in the area.

Making Kenmore, WA Your Home

As you can see, Kenmore, WA has so much to offer whether you’re a young student new to the area, a busy professional raising a family, or a retiree looking for a slower pace of life.

Visit our newest townhome community Balbirnie Park located in Kenmore, WA.