Around The Block
Sammamish:
Although the official city of Sammamish is relatively new, people have always lived and enjoyed a close relationship with the outdoors here. Many of the city’s early settlers worked either in the local sawmill or logging camps, and in the mid-1900’s, both locals and visitors enjoyed Sammamish as a resort destination. These resorts were quiet cabins located near the area’s plentiful lakes, where visitors could play in the water during the day and come together to enjoy the dance floor at night. Sammamish saw all kinds of summer fun, from picnics to youth camps. In fact, actor Clint Eastwood famously taught lifeguard training lessons at Beaver Lake in 1953. After much debate and voting, Sammamish became incorporated in 1999, and the city’s growth rocketed from there. The first Sammamish city council recognized the need for increased investment in infrastructure that had previously been neglected. The turn of the century brought a sparkling new library, town hall building, and expanded roads. Today, Sammamish remains a suburban haven for those who are looking for endless recreational opportunities, right in their backyard.
What To Expect:
People who move to Sammamish tend to stay a while, and for good reason.
Sammamish is consistently a great place to live, and it receives its rightful recognition. Money Magazine recently rated Sammamish the ninth best neighborhood in America, based on the economy, diversity, public education, cost of living, crime rates, and more. Nestled conveniently between the city and the mountains, this young city offers easy access to Seattle’s tech giants to the west and incredible hiking trails to the east. Most people drive their own cars, and commute thirty minutes on average.
The Lifestyle:
Where the residents are seriously good neighbors.
It is rare to find a city that cares this much about its communities, but that’s what makes Sammamish so special. The area’s public schools are well-known for being ultra-competitive in both academics and sports. In fact, Sammamish schools invest over $3,000 more per student than the U.S. average. A brand new library hosts community events and the Farmers Market that sells fresh flowers and produce during the summer months. New residents usually set down roots and get involved, which helps to build an even stronger sense of community; neighbors have enough time to get to know one another.
Unexpected Appeal:
Outdoor adventures, all year round.
People who are attracted to this growing city are the kind who don’t pay attention to the weather -- they swim, bike, and hike regardless of the season. The balmy summer months see every outdoor activity imaginable, including lake swimming, bird watching, waterskiing, and boating. Beaver Lake Park is a well-maintained getaway that is really more of a paradise than a public park. It offers everything you might need: clean public restrooms, baseball fields, a dog park, and a big sheltered picnicking area. Locals report that the lake water actually gets warm in the summer months! When the temperatures drop, Sammamish residents run for the hills (to ski, of course). Snoqualmie Pass is only an hour east of Sammamish by car. The Summit at Snoqualmie offers activities like snow tubing, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing in addition to skiing and snowboarding. After one season, you might find that it’s worth it to pick up a season pass; you’ll want to go back again and again.
You'll Fall In Love With:
An open invitation to dive right in.
It’s really no wonder that Sammamish residents love their neighborhood; it’s where the PNW feels like home, surrounded by friendly neighbors and endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Go on, dig in. Bring the family. We promise you won’t be disappointed.
• All pictures and content provided by Compass