I like Robert Luecke's answer except I'd put a large part of Rose Hill at 4 depending on proximity to freeway and noise factors.

Susie,

Because of its location and schools, all of Kirkland is great. Kirkland is within Lake Washington School District which has won many awards through the years. With its public waterfront parks, proximity to Seattle entertainment and jobs, and great access to Eastside jobs, it is like buying in real estate mecca.

Because you want newer and are purchasing up to $650,000, that will dictate your target location. I have a Home Finder Service that you can access from my website under Search for Properties / Local Solution Provider. It is map interfaced, so with that, you will get a very good idea of where propeties that meet your parameters are located.

Warmly,
Karen

Hi Susie,

If you want newer under $650,000 you can find homes in Rose Hill, especially North Rose Hill. This is a neighborhood located East of 405 and North of NE 85th St. Many builders have reduced prices substantially, so you could find a new home for that price. Quite a few homes have been built in that area in the last few years, so you would also be able to find a re-sale in your price range.

Bev

IMHO
Rating 1=upper 2= mid 3=low

West of market 1
Yarrow point 1
Downtown 1
Houghton 1 and 2
East of market 1 and 2
Highlands 2
Rosehill 2
Bridletrails 1 and 2
Juanita area View and Water 1 otherwise 2
Totemlake 3
Kingsgate 3

ShopProp a commission sharing firm

Susie
In the $650 price range for a newer home you will be able to choose from Rose Hill, Juanita, Totem Lake
and Kingsgate area of Kirkland. Which area is preferable to you depends on the amenities you are looking for and whether you prefer to be as close to Bellevue (freeway cummute) or other driving distances to work for you. Each area offers many amenities and communities. New construction in the area is beginning to sell out and most likely there is going to be a lag in new construction in the future because builders have not been purchasing as much land because of the past economy. I live in downtown Kirkland and have for the past 20+ years. I love being close to all the parks, water, shopping and entertainment and my commute to my Bellevue office is 10 mintues. I also represent buyers and would be happy to send you the available inventory.
Mary

Susie,
This is a difficult question to answer for Realtors because the answer is so objective. What is considered a "better area" differs from person to person. It depends on how to rate what amenities, etc. make up a good area. So, the neighborhoods that you choose to buy in will need to be selected by you - if you are interested in great school districts research schools online, if you want to be by parks & restaurants check out the neighborhoods close to that. The best way is to find some homes you like in Kirkland and spend a weekend driving around those areas to determine what feels "better" to you.

If you find any homes that fit your wants/needs/budget I would like the opportunity to help you. I specialize in buyers. The first step is getting a pre-approval letter...then you can focus your searches.

Good news on the real estate front: Interest rates are at a 52-year low, homes are now as affordable as 1997 levels (Affordability Index), consumer confidence is WAY up, and March home sale prices in King County went UP 5%! So, we could say in the next few months that March might be the long-awaited "bottom"!

Good luck and if you have any other questions I can help. Cheers!

Kirkland is a great area--good Lake Washington schools and great restaurants & shops. The neighborhoods which are most sought after are the ones closest to downtown--just north & south of the waterfront hub. $650k is enough to get you a good house in that area. If you need help looking let me know.