Kenmore, WA

Sitting right at the northern tip of Lake Washington, Kenmore has a distinctive lakeside character shaped by its working roots and aviation history. The community started in the early 1900s as a quiet sawmill outpost along the Sammamish River, but it is best known today as the home base for Kenmore Air. Watching yellow and green floatplanes take off and touch down on the water is an everyday sight for locals. It remains one of the busiest commercial seaplane bases in the country, giving residents a quick, scenic flight up to the San Juan Islands or Victoria for a weekend trip.

Getting outside along the water is simple, especially with spots like Log Boom Park right on the shoreline. The park features a long viewing pier, a beach area, and calm waters for launching kayaks and paddleboards. Kenmore is also a major draw for cyclists and runners thanks to the Burke-Gilman Trail, which runs straight through town. You can hop on your bike and follow the paved path west toward Seattle or east toward Bothell and the Woodinville wine country without dealing with traffic.

Much of the community's daily energy revolves around the downtown area and Town Square. A favorite local spot is the Hangar, a warm gathering hall with a large fireplace, comfortable seating, and fast Wi-Fi where neighbors work remotely, read, or catch up over a cup of coffee. Right outside on the plaza, the city hosts weekly summer farmers markets, outdoor movies, and holiday festivals, making it an easy place to connect with neighbors and get involved locally.

Just south of downtown sits Saint Edward State Park, one of the biggest recreational perks of living in Kenmore. Spread across hundreds of wooded acres along Lake Washington, the park is crisscrossed with hiking and mountain biking trails that wind through lush forest down to peaceful rocky beaches. At the center of the grounds, a restored 1930s seminary operates as the Lodge at St. Edward Park, a boutique hotel where you can grab dinner or craft drinks after an afternoon on the trails.