Sammamish

About Sammamish

Sammamish is a midsize city in Washington's King County, sitting atop a plateau between the Snoqualmie Valley and Lake Sammamish. Its unique name is a combination of the Native American words "samena" for "hunter," and "mish" for "people." Rich in culture, Sammamish offers an urban lifestyle with the perks of a distinctly suburban character.

The History of Sammamish

For most of its modern history, the Sammamish Plateau was a part of the unincorporated King County. In the late 19th century, the area's first settlers arrived. By the 1930s, three resorts had been constructed, attracting visitors who were in search of a quiet, idyllic escape from the busy city. Even though it was a vacation destination, it remained mostly rural until the 1970s. In the latter half of the 20th century, Sammamish welcomed suburban development and many new homes, shopping centers and schools.

The early 1990s saw several failed efforts to join neighboring cities or incorporate independently. It wasn't until 1998 that voters approved incorporation, and the city was officially incorporated in 1999.

Living in Sammamish

Sammamish has grown significantly in recent decades, but it has still managed to preserve the small-town feel that many locals are so fond of. Community-focused events like Concerts in the Park, Sammamish Days and Nights Jazz Music and Shakespeare in the Park offer plenty of opportunities to get to know your neighbors and enjoy culture in your hometown. There are also several large parks and recreational facilities in Sammamish, including Beaver Lake Park, Ebright Creek Park and Pine Lake Park. It's also home to the East Lake Sammamish Trail, which connects to a larger regional trail network and is popular among hikers and runners.

The city also offers many recreational activities and programs, especially for young residents. The Eastlake Little League, YMCA and local Boys & Girls Club are just a few of the popular local organizations.

Sammamish Schools

Sammamish public schools belong to either the Issaquah or Lake Washington school districts. The majority of the city's schools are very highly-rated and include specialized campuses like the Tesla STEM High School and the Renaissance School of Art and Reasoning. You can also find a few private schools in the area.

Resources for Moving to Sammamish

Here's some handy information to make your move to Sammamish a little bit easier:

• Utilities: Puget Sound Energy, the Northeast Sammamish Sewer & Water District and Sammamish Plateau Water are the primary utilities providers in the area.
• Garbage and Recycling: Most homes in Sammamish receive curbside collection for both trash and recycling.
• Transportation: King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit both offer public bus service throughout Sammamish and many neighboring cities.
• Pets: All cats and dogs older than 8 weeks of age must be licensed with the county.

Sammamish Housing

Homes in Sammamish are typically very expensive, and the city's median home price is well above the national average. Because of the community's high desirability, demand for housing has driven prices higher and higher. However, this could be a good sign if you're looking to make a good long-term investment. Many Sammamish homes are on spacious lots with lush, grassy yards, but you can also find compact apartments and low-maintenance town houses.