Seattle, Washington, is not only a vibrant city but also surrounded by picturesque suburbs that offer a family-friendly environment. These suburbs provide a balance between city amenities and a peaceful suburban lifestyle. Here are the top 8 best Seattle suburbs for families, each with its unique charm and attractions.

Top 8 Best Seattle Suburbs for Families

  • Sammamish
  • Bellevue
  • Issaquah
  • Redmond
  • Kirkland
  • Bothell
  • Mercer Island
  • Woodinville

Sammamish

best-seattle-suburbs-for-families

With a median home price of $1.1 million, Sammamish is a highly sought-after suburb for families. This picturesque community offers an abundance of outdoor recreation options, thanks to its location near Lake Sammamish and numerous parks.

Families can enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing during the summer months, and skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Cascade Mountains during the winter. The schools in Sammamish, such as Skyline High School, consistently rank among the best in the state.

Commuting to Seattle is convenient with easy access to major highways, and residents can explore local dining options like Coho Café and Thai Ginger.

Bellevue

Bellevue is another popular suburb, boasting a median home price of $1.3 million. The city offers a fantastic quality of life with its proximity to beautiful parks, including the renowned Bellevue Botanical Garden and Mercer Slough Nature Park.

Families can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking. Bellevue is also known for its excellent schools, with institutions like Bellevue High School providing top-notch education. Commuting to Seattle is a breeze with convenient access to Interstate 90 and Interstate 405.

Local dining options such as Din Tai Fung and Bis on Main offer a variety of culinary delights.

Issaquah

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Issaquah offers a median home price of $800,000. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the abundant recreational opportunities, including hiking and mountain biking in Squak Mountain State Park and skiing at nearby Snoqualmie Pass.

Families can take advantage of the highly regarded Issaquah School District, which includes institutions like Issaquah High School. The suburb is well-connected to Seattle via Interstate 90, ensuring a reasonable commute time.

Local dining options like WildFin American Grill and Levitate Gastropub offer a diverse culinary scene.

Redmond

Known as the "Bicycle Capital of the Northwest," Redmond offers a median home price of $1.1 million. The city is home to numerous parks and trails, including Marymoor Park, which features an off-leash dog area, sports fields, and a velodrome.

Families can also explore the interactive exhibits at the Pacific Science Center's Willard Geer Observatory. Redmond boasts highly-rated schools like Nikola Tesla STEM High School, providing exceptional education.

Commuting to Seattle is convenient via State Route 520, and residents can enjoy local dining options such as Woodblock and Tipsy Cow Burger Bar.

Kirkland

Best Seattle Suburbs for Families

Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Kirkland has a median home price of $1.1 million. The suburb offers picturesque waterfront parks, including Marina Park and Juanita Beach Park, where families can enjoy swimming, picnicking, and water sports.

Kirkland is home to Lake Washington Institute of Technology, providing educational opportunities for residents. The suburb has easy access to Interstate 405, ensuring a smooth commute to Seattle.

Local dining options like Café Juanita and DERU Market offer a range of culinary experiences for families to enjoy.

Bothell

With a median home price of $700,000, Bothell is an affordable option for families looking for a suburb near Seattle. The city boasts a variety of parks, such as Blyth Park and North Creek Park, where families can engage in outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching.

Bothell is part of the Northshore School District, which includes acclaimed schools like Inglemoor High School. Commuting to Seattle is convenient via Interstate 405 and State Route 522.

Families can explore local dining options like Preservation Kitchen and Beardslee Public House.

Mercer Island

Located in the middle of Lake Washington, Mercer Island offers a median home price of $1.4 million. This idyllic suburb is known for its stunning waterfront views and abundant recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, and fishing.

Families can take advantage of the highly-ranked Mercer Island School District, which includes Mercer Island High School.

Commuting to Seattle is convenient via Interstate 90, and residents can enjoy local dining options like Bennett's Pure Food Bistro and Island Crust Café.

Woodinville

Best Seattle Suburbs for Families

Woodinville, with a median home price of $900,000, is a charming suburb renowned for its wineries and natural beauty. Families can explore the Sammamish River Trail, which offers walking and biking paths along the river.

Woodinville is part of the Northshore School District, providing excellent educational opportunities. The suburb has easyaccess to Interstate 405 and State Route 522, ensuring a convenient commute to Seattle.

Local dining options like The Herbfarm and The Barking Frog offer exquisite culinary experiences for families.