Living In Bellevue, Washington
Living In Bellevue, Washington
Living in Bellevue, Washington. If you are thinking about moving here and living in Bellevue, Washington, let us give you an idea of what it’s like living in “Seattle East.”
Geography & Location
Bellevue is located just across Lake Washington from Seattle, with the two cities connected by the iconic I-90 and SR-520 bridges. To the east of Bellevue, you’ll find the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, giving residents easy access to hiking, skiing, and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Bellevue’s location between the mountains and Lake Washington offers stunning views, and the city’s geography creates distinct neighborhood types, ranging from dense urban areas to quiet, wooded suburbs. You’ll find downtown Bellevue boasting an impressive skyline with high-rise buildings, while areas like West Bellevue and Bridle Trails are known for their expansive green spaces and larger homes.
Housing in Bellevue
Bellevue offers a variety of housing options depending on the lifestyle you’re looking for.
- Downtown Bellevue: Known for its sleek high-rise condos and luxury apartments, downtown is ideal for those seeking a vibrant urban environment. Many of these buildings come with modern amenities like rooftop lounges, gyms, and concierge services.
- West Bellevue: One of the most prestigious areas, neighborhoods like Medina, Clyde Hill, and Hunts Point are home to exclusive, high-end real estate, often with large, waterfront properties overlooking Lake Washington.
- East Bellevue: This area offers more suburban living with family-friendly communities. Here, you’ll find single-family homes, townhouses, and some newer construction developments.
- Suburban Neighborhoods: If you’re looking for a quieter environment with larger lots, places like Bridle Trails or Lakemont offer more traditional suburban living. These areas are filled with green spaces, trails, and beautiful parks.
Things to Do in Bellevue
Bellevue may be known for its tech-heavy, high-educated populace, but there’s plenty to do here for everyone. Whether you’re into shopping, nature, or the arts, the city has something to offer.
- Bellevue Downtown Park: This 21-acre park offers a peaceful green space in the heart of the city, with walking paths, fountains, and beautiful views of the skyline.
- Bellevue Square Mall: One of the region’s premier shopping centers, you’ll find luxury retailers, popular restaurants, and entertainment options here.
- Meydenbauer Bay Park: This scenic waterfront park on Lake Washington is great for picnics, kayaking, and relaxing by the water.
- Bellevue Botanical Garden: For nature lovers, the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a must-see, offering 53 acres of gardens, wetlands, and woodlands to explore.
- Wilburton Hill Park: Known for its sports fields, playgrounds, and trails, Wilburton Hill Park is perfect for outdoor activities and weekend getaways.
- The Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM): BAM is known for its contemporary visual arts, crafts, and design exhibitions, making it a cultural hub for the city.
- Tech Industry and Corporate Hubs: Bellevue is home to numerous tech companies, including Microsoft’s campus in Redmond (just minutes away), Amazon offices, and various startups, making it a prime location for tech professionals.
Nearby Areas
Bellevue is ideally located near several sought-after neighborhoods and cities:
- Issaquah: Located to the east near Lake Sammamish, Issaquah offers a more suburban vibe, with easy access to hiking and outdoor recreation.
- Redmond: Famous for being home to Microsoft, Redmond has grown into a vibrant community with its own downtown, outdoor spaces, and high-tech vibe.
- Kirkland: Known for its beautiful waterfront along Lake Washington, Kirkland offers a charming downtown, art galleries, and a slower-paced lifestyle.
- Medina, Clyde Hill, and Hunts Point: These areas along the shores of Lake Washington are home to some of the most luxurious and exclusive real estate in the Pacific Northwest.
To the North, you’ll find Redmond, the area first made famous (and popular) when Microsoft built their sprawling campus there a few decades ago. Following along the lake will bring you to Kirkland, WA and then Bothell.
Exclusive, luxury real estate neighbhorhoods near Lake Washington include Medina, Clyde Hill and Hunts Point.
Many people who live in Bellevue commute to Seattle, WA and vice versa.
For those who prefer the rural life, folks end up living in Monroe, WA or Woodinville, WA and commute into Bellevue, WA for work.