North Juanita - Kirkland, WA

Originally home to the Duwamish tribe, the area around Lake Washington was settled in the 1860s, and the neighborhood of North Juanita was once just a vast stretch of farm land. A hundred years later, Juanita High School was born as the "Juanita Concept," which officially opened in 1971 and helped cement the areas family-oriented vibe. Today, a series of building projects has turned the once-wild landscape into a network of sleepy streets and homes.

Residents looking to escape their quiet little neighborhood for the night generally head south into South Juanita for a variety of ethnic dining options as well as wine, beer and sports.

Royal India, a chic little Indian restaurant, provides indoor or outdoor dining and features a well-deserved five-star rating. This dining establishment's starters include the royal India and vegetable delight plates that are perfect for sharing. After that, its up to you how many varieties of naan bread you want to try and whether to pair it with soup, salad or a full entree. Whatever you order, you can't leave without trying the amazing spiced chai. To top it all off, on Friday nights, this restaurant features live music and periodic shows such as belly dancing.

If you love curry, but prefer pot stickers to pakoras, it's no problem because Noppakao Thai features eight varieties of curry and a full menu of Thai favorites as well as specials like the asparagus prawns and the moonlight halibut. Marvel at the rich décor and beautiful aquarium as you enjoy Thai spices and sip hot tea.

There's also the Mezcal Grill, a Mexican restaurant with an excellent pollo en crema and a Mexican pizza that goes perfectly with one of the imported or domestic beers. This restaurant also provides a variety of mixed drinks, such as the classic mojito or tequila sunrise, and all the classic dishes from quesadillas to nachos.

If you're looking for drinks more than dinner, the Juanita Pub puts the game on and plays a variety of games to keep you entertained as you drink the night away. While the service can be a bit shaky at times, this "bro bar" draws crowds with drink specials and an upbeat, busy vibe.

For a classier setting, wine lovers can expect an extensive selection at Brix Wine Cafe. This cafe features everything from reds and pinks to sparkling wines and cocktails, and a menu that outlines the personality and flavor of each help you personalize your experience to your exact tastes. This vast selection of local and imported wines draws people in, but the impressive dinner menu and sophisticated décor keep guests lingering all evening.

North Juanita sits right off the 405, making it easy to get just about anywhere in the Greater Seattle area. The main thoroughfare connects the north and south in one straight line from cities at the top of Lake Washington to downtown Bellevue. It's primary a commuting route for anyone working in Bellevue or even Seattle.

This popular main line becomes a parking lot during rush hour however. Fortunately, several main surface streets guide residents south into downtown Kirkland or up north without touching the notorious 405. 100th Ave NE, for instance, feeds into 98th heading south, and then takes you straight through downtown Kirkland. It also heads north to connect residents with NE Bothell Way, another commuter favorite that runs through several little cities along the north end of Lake Washington.

Public transportation provides another option for avoiding the headache of traffic. Sound Transit or Community Transit buses travel throughout the greater Seattle area, and the nearby Kingsgate Park and Ride makes it easy to commute without your car. Another perk to taking the bus is that bus-only lanes and expressways let bus patrons blow past traffic in some of the most congested zones from the north end all the way into the heart of Seattle.

North Juanita sits between several parks, and just about any direction you turn, there's bound to be amazing scenery. From small and simple to large and popular, a full range of options for families and nature lovers are available near this community.

Head south with your kids and dogs in tow to Juanita Beach Park to enjoy beautiful views of Lake Washington, go swimming or stroll the boardwalks. Further south to the border of downtown Kirkland, discover Juanita Bay Park where you can walk through the marshy, green paradise of the neighborhood's water-loving bird population.

Head east to discover one of the areas most popular outdoor destinations, St. Edward State Park. Buy a Discover Pass for an annual $30 fee to enjoy all this park's amenities year-round, pay just $10 for a day pass. Families and dog owners alike love the wide open spaces and large playground, but most come to enjoy the park's many trails and the forest landscape they trace through. The trails lead to the shore of Lake Washington, where small beach areas allow swimming and views of Seattle. A trip here has all charms of a day in the mountains without the long drive. Steer clear of the weekends if you want to avoid the crowds, but even at its busiest, the trails of St. Edward are a great place to spend any afternoon.

Right next door to St. Edward's sits Big Finn Hill Park, which features 9.5 miles of trail that stretch and meander across 220 acres of green and woodsy landscaping, giving both hikers and mountain bikers a place to cut loose without having to drive into the mountains or plan a weekend trip.

To the North, Edith Moulton Park offers a quick escape from the city landscape. This relatively small patch of green is a charming place to lose yourself on a sunny day. With overhanging branches along its paths and gentle green hues everywhere, the park makes for a calming retreat.

In the residential neighborhood of North Juanita, one-bedroom apartments go for around $995 per month, though there aren't as many apartment buildings as there are condos and houses.

The overall cost of living in the Kirkland area is 44.3 percent higher than the national average, but only 29.2 percent above Washington State's average. Gas prices run approximately 1 percent above the national average in the Kirkland Area. Pitchers of beer at nearby establishments like the Juanita Pub run around $9.

Trader Joe's is the most popular grocery store in Totem Lake. Next door, Janell's Gluten-Free Market provides all the essentials but without the gluten. From baking supplies and locally made breads to a variety of gluten-free pastas, seasonings, snacks, chips and even microwave burritos — all reasonably priced. This locally owned business takes the hassle out of shopping when you're on a restricted diet.

In the same stretch of shops, you'll also find a Big 5 Sporting Goods with deals on everything from sportswear and shoes to weights and workout gear. Just down from there at Denny's Pet World, shoppers find an impressive selection of tropical and freshwater fish as well as a large variety of tanks, decorations and supplies to cover pretty much any tank dweller's needs. The rest of the store contains pet food, toys and other supplies for furrier friends.

Rather than heading east into Totem Lake, residents can also head north up 100th Ave NE to find a Rite Aid Pharmacy or shop at the Safeway. This stretch of shopping is made up mostly of fast food joints, but pet owners appreciate Juanita Hills Animal Hospital and deal seekers enjoy Forget Me Not Consignments. The latter, a family-owned clothing consignment store, offers a wide range of options for both genders and kids with excellent deals on gently used clothing and accessories.