Sammamish

Twice named one of the best small towns in America, Sammamish is close enough to the Pacific Northwest’s great tech and urban centers. But in values and lifestyle? It’s distinctly suburban. In lieu of glass towers, Sammamish has emerald fairways, thick groves of evergreen trees, fantastic schools, and proximity to a wide variety of lake activities. The city’s 65,000-strong population love it here, it’s really no surprise why Sammamish is sometimes referred to as America’s friendliest city.

Sammamish’s story starts along the shores of Lake Sammamish, where Indigenous communities thrived long before settlers arrived in the late 19th century. What began as a rural lakeside retreat grew into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most sought-after communities, gaining city status in 1999. Today, Sammamish is one of the wealthiest cities in the country, not only in affluence, but also in quality of life, natural beauty, and community spirit.

Tucked between the shimmering waters of Lake Sammamish and the lush Cascade foothills, homes for sale in Sammamish typically command multimillion-dollar price tags. The city’s geography also shapes the market offerings.

The median price for single-family homes and townhomes hovers around $1.7 million, while luxury estates— ranging from contemporary retreats with panoramic lake views to grand residences in secluded, wooded enclaves— can exceed $5 million. A vast majority of Sammamish, WA real estate is composed of single-family residences (about 84%), while townhomes and condos make up the rest of the market.

Sammamish is a city shaped by thoughtful growth, with most homes built in the last few decades. More than 95% of the housing stock was constructed after 1970 reflecting the city’s evolution from quiet retreat to desirable enclave. Over half of these homes were built between the 1970s and the 1990s, while 32% of the homes in Sammamish were built since 2000. Older homes can also be found in the form of mid-century properties.

Architecture

Sammamish’s architectural landscape tells a story of both heritage and modernity. Early 20th-century Craftsman homes remain a cherished part of the city’s real estate landscape. But as the city grew, Northwest Contemporary designs became de rigueur in Sammamish, particularly in newer developments. At the luxury end of the market, modern estates push the boundaries of design, incorporating sleek, minimalist aesthetics, sustainable materials, and state-of-the-art technology.

Where to live in Sammamish

One of the most unique things about Sammamish is its terrain. It sits on the Sammamish plateau— relatively high and hilly ground— and slowly descends and flattens as you venture closer west to Lake Sammamish.

This geography has inadvertently shaped Sammamish, WA real estate. The flattest areas, near the lake, are home to waterfront properties with private docks and direct water access. And as you go higher up the plateau, the housing stock changes to hillside estates with fantastic views of the lake and the surrounding areas.

Some of the most notable neighborhoods in Sammamish are:

• Sammamish Ridge Estates: An exclusive lakeside enclave featuring just 12 custom Northwest Contemporary homes, each set on an expansive lot for ultimate privacy. Residents here enjoy private waterfront access and a designated boat slip at the community marina, making it an ideal retreat for those who love life on the water. It also boasts direct access to the East Lake Sammamish Trail.

• Klahanie: One of Sammamish’s most established and family-friendly communities, Klahanie sits on a forested plateau and is known as one of Pacific Northwest’s very first planned communities. Homes for sale in this part of Sammamish are separated into smaller neighborhoods, such as Ashley Park and Lake Pointe. As a result, you get a variety of architectural styles and sizes, all of which enjoy access to a bevy of amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities.

• Sahalee: Built around the world-class Sahalee Country Club, Sahalee is, without a doubt, one of the city’s most prestigious gated neighborhoods. Located along the northeastern shore of Lake Sammamish, the community’s residential core is Sahalee Estates, where luxury homes for sale fetch for $1.2 million to over $3 million. Outside Sahalee Estates, the housing stock expands to include vintage properties from the 1980s and 1990s, some of which sit overlooking the lake and are highly valued.

• Inglewood: Located south of Sahalee and east of Lake Sammamish, Inglewood perfectly captures the essence of Northwest living. Set on the lakeside, among towering evergreens, this neighborhood features a mixture of mid-century and modern homes, many with expansive lots and lush landscaping. Once upon a time, Inglewood almost became its own town but was eventually absorbed by Sammamish. Home prices here range from $900,000 to over $5 million.

• Pine Lake: A picturesque lakeside community southeast of Mint Grove, Pine Lake is also just minutes away from downtown Sammamish. The market here is characterized by spacious homes, private docks, and expansive decks designed for entertaining. At its heart is Pine Lake and the 19-acre Pine Lake Park, which provides additional swimming, fishing, and picnic opportunities.

• Mint Grove: A storybook neighborhood where timeless charm meets modern living, Mint Grove offers Craftsman-style homes and modern farmhouses set along tree-lined streets. Lush gardens, nearby parks, and access to top-rated schools make Mint Grove a top choice for families who value character, community, and a strong connection to nature.