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Kirkland Neighborhood Spotlight: Finn Hill

Written by Merit Homes | Jul 28, 2026 12:03:39 AM

WHY FINN HILL IS ONE OF KIRKLAND'S TOP NEIGHBORHOODS

When people think of Eastside living, they often picture lively downtown waterfronts, tech campus skylines, and bustling retail districts. But, just a few minutes north of Downtown Kirkland lies Finn Hill. This is a lush, elevated neighborhood where beautiful tree canopies, popular parks, and top-rated schools meet seamless urban access.

Home to approximately 15,500 residents, Finn Hill offers a established, residential feel without sacrificing proximity to major Eastside employers, top amenities and professional services, or recreational activities.

At a Glance: Finn Hill, Kirkland, WA

    • Neighborhood vibe: Tucked away, natural scenery, community-oriented
    • School District: Lake Washington School District (LWSD).
    • Highlights: Direct access to acres of beautiful parks and trails, quick access to Lake Washington and surrounding, and accessible commutes to major employment hubs.

Effortless Connectivity to Major Employment Hubs

One of Finn Hill’s biggest draws is its strategic location. Residents enjoy easy access to I-405, SR-520, and major back routes, keeping daily commutes straightforward whether heading into the office or meeting friends for dinner.

Nearby Amenities:

  • The Village at Totem Lake ~ 3 Miles
  • EvergreenHealth at Totem Lake ~ 3 Miles
  • Downtown Kirkland Waterfront ~ 4 Miles
  • Lake WA/ Google Campus
  • Redmond/Microsoft Campus ~ 9 Miles
  • Downtown Bellevue ~ 12 Miles
  • Downtown Seattle ~ 17 Miles

Whether popping over to the Village at Totem Lake for Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, retail shopping, and movie nights or commuting to tech campuses across Bellevue and Redmond, Finn Hill puts everything within easy reach.

Top-Tier Schools in Lake Washington School District

Finn Hill is served by the highly acclaimed Lake Washington School District (LWSD). Neighborhood schools are known for strong academic performance, active PTA communities, and fun extracurricular programs:

    • Elementary Schools: Carl Sandburg Elementary & Henry David Thoreau Elementary
    • Middle School: Finn Hill Middle School
    • High School: Juanita High School (know for the Cambridge Program)

Endless Outdoors: Parks, Trails & Waterfront Access

If you love spent time outdoors, Finn Hill feels like a private backyard preserve. The neighborhood is anchored by some of the Eastside's most impressive park networks:

Big Finn Hill Park

Spanning over 220 acres, this community  favorite features miles of wooded multi-use trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking, alongside baseball diamonds, soccer fields, and playgrounds.

St. Edward State Park

Adjacent to Finn Hill, this 319-acre state park sits right on the shores of Lake Washington. Hike down winding forest trails to the water, enjoy expansive picnic lawns, or spend an evening dining at The Lodge at St. Edward Park.

O.O. Denny Park & Juanita Beach

For lake access, O.O. Denny Park offers quiet beach views, old-growth trees, and scenic stream trails along Denny Creek. Just down the hill, Juanita Beach Park provides swimming areas, paddleboard launching, and seasonal Friday farmers markets.

VERA by Merit Homes

For buyers seeking brand-new construction in this accessible location, Merit Homes is proud to introduce VERA, our newest Urban Series community completing this August!

Located right in the heart of Finn Hill, VERA is an exclusive 5-home enclave designed specifically for modern Eastside lifestyles, blending our signature Northwest Contemporary design with attainable luxury and functional layout efficiency.

Home Features at VERA:

    • Spacious Layouts: 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Bathrooms | 1,628 - 1,889 sq. ft.
    • Architectural Style: Signature Northwest Contemporary exterior styling with warm timber accents and expansive windows for maximal natural light.
    • Designer Finishes: Premium kitchen appliances, custom cabinetry, tiled bath finishes, and light-filled open-concept main levels.
    • Built for Modern Living: EV-ready attached garages, low-maintenance fenced yards, and select floor plans offering main-floor dens ideal for working from home.

Experience Finn Hill for Yourself

With completion estimated for August, homes at VERA offer a fantastic opportunity to move into a brand-new home in one of Kirkland’s most established neighborhoods.

Interested in learning more or scheduling a private walkthrough? Contact our Sales Manager today to discover available floor plans and reserve your new home at VERA by Merit Homes!

Contact Merit Homes, a Kirkland Luxury Home Builder

If you are interested in owning a luxury, Northwest Contemporary Style home in Kirkland, there's no better builder than Merit homes. Contact us today to learn more about our available homes and schedule a tour.