THE EASTSIDE ADVANTAGE: Innovation by the Lake
With a 100-year legacy tied to water, industry, and innovation, Kirkland began as a bold steel venture, earning it the nickname “The Pittsburgh of the West.” Over time, waves of entrepreneurs transformed the city, giving rise to a thriving hub for technology, commerce, and culture.
From its early days in manufacturing to its role as a former headquarters of Costco and its close ties to the Super Bowl-winning Seattle Seahawks, Kirkland has always attracted ambition. Today, it continues to evolve as a base for tech leaders like Google and Tableau Software, while Bellevue, its dynamic neighbor to the south, complements the scene with corporate campuses, upscale shopping, and culinary depth.
These Eastside communities attract significant international interest and business investment, including from China and beyond. And yet, for all their growth and economic power, Kirkland and Bellevue retain the distinctive village charm and safety defining such charismatic American waterfront communities as La Jolla, California and Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Anchored by Lake Washington and just a short drive from Seattle, the area offers more than career opportunity—it offers a lifestyle. Whether you’re sampling fresh Northwest produce at the Juanita Public Market, dining at James Beard-recognized restaurants, or sunbathing in one of the many shoreline parks, the Eastside invites exploration.
Just a few miles east in Woodinville, Washington’s oldest winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle, hosts concerts and wine tastings in a picturesque setting. Bellevue’s malls and gallerias offer a culinary passport, with global dining destinations like Din Tai Fung drawing visitors from across the region.
This is a place where you can kayak in the morning, attend a gallery event in the afternoon, and finish your day with world-class cuisine. Thanks to a temperate maritime climate and a thriving business ecosystem, Kirkland and Bellevue continue to rank among the most desirable communities in the Pacific Northwest.
