Juanita, the community on the northwest comer of Kirkland, is an economically diverse area where million-dollar homes mix with apartments and subsidized housing. Relative housing bargains can still be found in this neighborhood. Juanita Beach Park is a popular summer-time recreational area.

Bridle Trails is a Kirkland neighborhood surrounding a 482-acre wooded preserve. Here more than 400 horses live on 1-acre minimum lots. At the opposite end of town is Totem Lake. Large retail centers, medical buildings and car dealerships dominate the landscape of this neighborhood. Rose Hill, in between Totem Lake and Bridle Trails, offers some reasonably priced older homes tucked away on quiet neighborhood streets.

Kirkland residents enjoy ballet, live theatre and choral performances at the Kirkland Performance Center, along with many excellent restaurants.