If I Already Work at Microsoft Redmond, Should I Buy in Redmond, Kirkland, or Sammamish in 2026?

Short answer: Redmond usually wins if you want the shortest tested trip and 2 Line options near campus; Kirkland and Sammamish win when the specific home and its tested commute beat what you can get in Redmond. Lake Washington School District covers Kirkland and Redmond and about half of Sammamish, so verify each address.

Microsoft lists its corporate address as One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-7329. Sound Transit lists Redmond Technology Station at 3929 156th Avenue NE and Overlake Village Station at 2801 152nd Ave NE, both on the 2 Line.

Redmond vs Kirkland vs Sammamish for a Microsoft Redmond employee

Decision guide

Pin your actual building

One Microsoft Way is the corporate address. Your building, parking and entrance may differ, so test the route you will use. No drive times are claimed.

Sammamish needs a district check

LWSD describes itself as the public school district for Kirkland and Redmond and about half of Sammamish. A Sammamish address is not automatically in LWSD, so verify each property with district tools.

Rail is a Redmond-side option

The 2 Line serves Redmond stations including Overlake Village and Redmond Technology. If you plan to ride, walk from the specific home to the station and to your building before paying for proximity.

Compare like for like

Compare the same home type, condition and ownership costs across cities using sold comparables. This guide does not cite citywide medians or predict prices.

FAQ

Should a Microsoft Redmond employee buy in Redmond, Kirkland, or Sammamish?

Redmond often suits buyers who want the shortest tested trip and 2 Line access; Kirkland or Sammamish fit when a specific home and its tested commute beat Redmond options.

Is all of Sammamish in Lake Washington School District?

No. LWSD says it serves about half of Sammamish. Verify the exact address.

Which light rail stations are near Microsoft in Redmond?

Sound Transit lists Overlake Village (2801 152nd Ave NE) and Redmond Technology (3929 156th Avenue NE) on the 2 Line.

Does Kirkland have Lake Washington School District schools?

Yes. LWSD describes itself as the public school district for the cities of Kirkland and Redmond.

How do I compare commutes fairly?

Time the same arrival target to the same Microsoft entrance from each shortlisted home.

Build a property-specific shortlist

Bring your address checks and route notes to Peter Kim at Odigo Real Estate Club. Start with the evidence for each property, then compare the trade-offs that matter to you. No mortgage rates, citywide price statistics or guaranteed commute times are used in this guide.

Sources

• Microsoft Facts: https://news.microsoft.com/facts-about-microsoft/ , accessed November 6, 2026.
• St Redmond Tech: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stops-stations/redmond-technology-station , accessed November 6, 2026.
• St Overlake Village: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/stops-stations/overlake-village-station , accessed November 6, 2026.
• St 2 Line: https://www.soundtransit.org/ride-with-us/routes-schedules/2-line , accessed November 6, 2026.
• Lwsd District Map: https://www.lwsd.org/about/district-map , accessed November 6, 2026.
• Lwsd Attendance: https://www.lwsd.org/students-families/families/attendance-areas , accessed November 6, 2026.
• Redmond Neighborhoods: https://www.redmond.gov/891/Neighborhoods , accessed November 6, 2026.

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