Sammamish

Sammamish is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It sits on the eastern shore of Lake Sammamish, in the Seattle metropolitan area, roughly 18 miles southeast of downtown Seattle and several miles northeast of Bellevue. The terrain is mainly hilly, part of the Sammamish Plateau, with neighborhoods that rise above the lake and connect to surrounding communities.

Historically, the area was inhabited by the Sammamish people, a Coast Salish group, before nonnative settlement began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The community remained rural for many decades and incorporated as a city in 1999 to gain local governance and services.

Sammamish is governed by a mayor and city council, with municipal services such as police, parks, and public works provided directly or through regional arrangements. Elections are nonpartisan. The city emphasizes residential development, parks, and trails, and hosts a variety of local businesses that serve residents and visitors.

Demographically, Sammamish has grown rapidly as a residential suburb of the greater Seattle area. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of about 65,000. The local economy is driven largely by services, retail, and commuting to employment centers in nearby cities. Most of the city is served by the Issaquah School District, with a small portion historically associated with neighboring districts; the district is a frequent consideration for families moving to the area.

Transportation options include access to major highways such as Interstate 90 and State Route 520, along with King County Metro bus service. Regional transportation planning and development have shaped growth and commuting patterns in recent years.