Cheryl's Blog

Wellington Woods neighborhood in Kirkland

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Mon, 07 May 2007 12:55:51 -0500

Wellington Woods is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Kirkland. It is basically one long street lined with homes, backed by woods on both sides, with a sport court at the end of the street where the community stages a few neighborhood events each year.

The street is lined with cherry trees, which are absolutely beautiful in the spring. It is about 1 block from Kirkland Junior High, close to Peter Kirk Elementary school, and right around the corner from Crestwoods Park.

Since it is not a through street, a lot of people don't know about it. There are residents of all ages and stages of life. It is a particularly caring neighborhood for kids. I think it is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Kirkland!

Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:55:12 -0500

Tonight after showing a property, my husband and I went to downtown Kirkland for an evening out. We decided to try the Wilde Rover Irish Pub and Restaurant, which has a live band on Saturday nights. It was only 8:30 pm, so we avoided a cover charge.

The band "Weatherheads" started with a Beatles song at 9:30, and heated up to a slew of 60s & 70s rock‘n'roll favorites. In no time at all there were dancers getting in some aerobics out on the dance floor. It was a mixed-ages crowd, friendly, and I am so glad smoke free now.

They have excellent food, and when the weather gets nicer, a really pleasant outdoor eating area. This is one of the few remaining night spots with live music and dancing in downtown Kirkland, at 111 Central Way. This is a fun place to go if you want an evening out!

Kirkland Safeway Store

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 18:49:13 -0500

I really like shopping at my local Kirkland Safeway store, Live Search Local: Safeway Stores located at 12519 NE 85^th St, Kirkland WA 98033. It is actually located on Rose Hill, in Kirkland. I guess that I am partial to Safeway because I have learned their products, their specials, and their similar layouts in Safeway stores from Alaska to Arizona.

The employees at the Kirkland Safeway store nearly always call me by name during checkout. They usually ask me if I want help with my groceries out to the car. That is rare customer service these days.

Best of all, they are not pretentious. They offer good service at a fair price, which is what most people with bills and mouths to feed need. It is always nice to chat with one of the local high school kids on the way to my car.

If you are moving to Kirkland, I recommend giving this neighborhood grocery store a chance for your business.

Kirkland Junior High Jazz Band

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 18:37:52 -0600

Are you looking for a community that trains students to become good jazz and concert band musicians? Kirkland, in the Lake Washington School District, offers that choice.

As a parent volunteer for Kirkland Junior High and Lake Washington High School bands, I can truly say that I have enjoyed chaperoning, fundraising, and watching these musicians grow, from elementary band to seniors in high school. By the time these students graduate, they are very accomplished musicians.

Last weekend, the KJH Jazz Band performed at the Poulsbo Jazz Festival. They and many other school bands are already sounding like big bands of the past - with some outstanding improvisation. They are learning history, music, teamwork, performance, and musicianship.

If you want your child to receive a valuable public school music education, in addition to excellent academics, please check out the Kirkland community. At least attend one of the school concerts, if you get the chance!

Kirkland Junior High & Studio East Produce "Seussical" the Musical

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 20:55:12 -0600

Studio East and Kirkland Junior High PTSA presented "Seussical" the musical this weekend at the Lake Washington High School Cadle Theatre. These students performed at a much higher level than what I remember in my high school days.

Theatre, at its highest level, not only entertains, but also makes people think. Dr. Seuss takes on some very serious subjects, such as war, prejudice, vanity, social conformity, desertion, chaos and more. The students in the play displayed great perseverance through storms, snow days, no electricity, and illness. They began to realize that the story was important and that the show must go on, in spite of obstacles.

I really appreciate the efforts of the Directors, parent volunteers, the students themselves, and the neighbors who came out to see the final production. They all contribute to the identity of Kirkland as an arts community.

If you get the chance, please attend one of these productions in the future....you will be amazed at the high level of talent!

Staging Your Home

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:15:36 -0500

As an Accredited Staging Professional/Real Estate Agent, I can help Sellers generate additional buyer interest, and maximize their selling price in the least amount of time.

Statistics show that the average increase in Sale Price of an ASP Staged vs Non-Staged home is 6.9%. with 50% less time on the market. In a slower market, that will mean a faster sale. In a fast market, it will sell at a higher price.

To gain an edge in your marketplace, your listing must be priced right and look better than the competition!

Kirkland is a Family Friendly Community

Cheryl Middleton (Zip Realty) — Sat, 09 Sep 2006 19:07:39 -0500

If you are looking for a great place to live near Seattle, Bellevue, or Redmond, please consider Kirkland, Washington. I was born and raised in Seattle, and have lived in a number of its neighborhoods. From my experience, I think that Kirkland is the best place to live!

Kirkland has an historic town center, situated along the eastern shores of Lake Washington. It boasts a marina, public art & galleries, fabulous restaurants and shops, and all are within a short walking distance of the downtown core. It also has all the resources a family would want; a library, performing arts center, baseball field and team, skateboard park, public swimming pool, teen center, senior center, public farmers market, movie theatre, dance & acting studios, and many parks with access to the lake. The community has tempered growth by limiting building heights and maintaining a large number of public parks, all which add to the friendly feel.

Nearby is Juanita Beach Park, a huge swimming & public waterfront park along Lake Washington, connecting to a protected estuary, which is great for nature walks & dog walks. Juanita also has a brand new shopping area close to the parks.

The Lake Washington School District is ranked highly in Washington. Kirkland is a short commute across the Lake Washington 520 floating bridge to the University of Washington campus. It is also relatively close to the UW campus in Bothell, Bellevue Community College, in addition to many other schools.

Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, and Renton are all close commutes to Kirkland. There is frequent bus service to downtown Seattle, the UW Husky Stadium, professional sports stadiums, and to other eastside areas.

Kirkland has a wide variety of homes, from little houses built long ago to beautiful new mansions with views of Lake Washington and downtown Seattle. Condominiums are also prevalent, especially near the downtown and waterfront areas. There is housing available to people of all ages, incomes, and stages of life.

There are too many other gems in this community to mention. I hope that you will take a look at Kirkland if you are seeking a great quality of life!