Sammamish
Ranked #11 Best Place to Live in the U.S. — top schools, strong job market, outdoor lifestyle, and neighbors who have time for each other.
by Amber Eckert
First-time visitors to Sammamish are usually struck by the beautiful backdrop of green, rolling hills — and that feeling never goes away. Bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west, Redmond to the north, Issaquah to the south, and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east, this growing suburb is beloved by families, outdoor enthusiasts, and professionals who value a high quality of life. The people drawn here are the kind who don't let the weather decide their plans — they swim, bike, and hike year-round.
Balmy summer months bring every outdoor activity imaginable: lake swimming, waterskiing, boating, and bird watching. Beaver Lake Park feels more like a private paradise than a public park.
Sammamish regularly earns top national recognition — and the data backs it up. U.S. News & World Report ranked Sammamish #11 Best Place to Live in the U.S. for 2025-26, with the #3 job market in the country and the #8 Safest Place to Live ranking. That's a remarkable combination, and it reflects what people who live here already know. Most residents commute to major employers in Seattle, Redmond, and Bellevue — including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta — while enjoying a quieter, more spacious pace of life at home.
People & Community
Sammamish residents tend to be active, engaged, and committed to where they live. The community invests heavily in its schools, parks, and civic life, and that investment shows. Families settle in for the long haul; new residents get pulled into the rhythm quickly. The pace is suburban but not sleepy — there's always a school sport, community event, or trail to be on.
Lakes, Parks & Trails
Lake Sammamish State Park anchors the western edge with swimming beaches, boat launches, and a network of trails. Beaver Lake Park, Pine Lake Park, and Soaring Eagle Regional Park give residents serious outdoor access. The Sammamish River Trail and the East Lake Sammamish Trail are favorites for cycling and running. For dining, downtown Sammamish has matured into a respectable food scene anchored by neighborhood favorites.