About Sammamish

With the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the looming grandeur of the Cascades to the east, Sammamish rests comfortably in the embrace of Washington state?s famous natural beauty. Home to 38,640 (*) people, the residential community is located on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, with Redmond to the north and Issaquah to the south. In a quest for self-determination, Sammamish incorporated as a city in August 1999. Since then the city has been busy building new roads, designing parks and creating other community infrastructure.

The name Sammamish is derived from two Native American Skagit words: Samena ? hunter and mish ? people. Historically an area of timber and agricultural activities, Sammamish now boasts many of the finest residential areas in the Puget Sound region set in an environment of green spaces, including wetlands and community parks. The area has long been considered to be excellent for families ? as evidenced by the substantial number of people under 18, the excellent school systems and the emphasis on organized youth activities.

The city of Sammamish has a small business community located at the Pine Lake and Inglewood shopping centers and along East Lake Sammamish Parkway to meet the needs of its residents. In addition, many home occupations are also located throughout the city.

The two primary business areas, Pine Lake and Inglewood run along the city?s main north/south arterial corridor, 228th Avenue. Most employees in the city are those who provide community services such as teachers, police and city workers, and those working in retail shops and restaurants. A possible third business area, Sammamish Commons located in between the two primary business areas is currently under a land use study. A public planning process led by a team of citizens and city land use consultants will help determine the proper zoning and future for the area based on goals and policies outlined in the city comprehensive plan.

Sammamish is a city with families who value the quality of life. The city takes pride in its stewardship of the natural environment, its sense of community and its vision as a family friendly, kid safe community. Sammamish is fortunate to have both the Lake Washington and the Issaquah School Districts within city limits. Both school systems are highly rated. Parents and educators are active with school programs within each school system.