Discovering Bellevue, WA
The largest of the Eastside cities, Bellevue offers the most significant downtown skyline, high-end shopping and dining, as well as Lake Washington access and the third largest institution of higher education in the state.
Living in Bellevue
The third largest city in the greater Seattle area, Bellevue is the Eastside’s home to a growing city skyline and high end shopping and dining, perfect for those looking for a taste of bigger city living but in a bite-sized chunk. Named after the French saying “Belle Vue” (or “beautiful view”), Bellevue’s views of Lake Washington and Downtown Seattle to the West, and the Issaquah Alps and Cascade Mountains to the East, offer a picturesque setting to live, work and play on the Eastside. While Bellevue makes a great place for families, it is also the favorite spot of the young adult crowd on the Eastside for it’s nightlife and ease of access to both Seattle and outdoor recreation down the I-90 corridor.
If you’re just getting to know Seattle’s Eastside, check out parts One, Two, and Three of our Eastside Cities Comparison series for more information on things like climate, landscape, demographics and more.
Bellevue in Numbers
36.5
square miles
11
miles from Seattle
148k+
residents
Bellevue Fast Facts
Major Employers
Amazon, Salesforce, Smartsheet, Expedia and T-Mobile are just a handful of the top employers located in Bellevue.
Housing
As of September 2020, average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment in Bellevue was $2,901 per month according to apartments.com.
Education
Residents of Bellevue are serviced by the Bellevue School District. Bellevue is also home to Bellevue College.
Crime
Crime rates in Bellevue in 2018 were 1.5 times lower than the National average according to city-data.com.
Top Attractions in Bellevue
The Bellevue Collection With over 200 retailers at The Bellevue Collection offering a mix of high-end, hip, and eclectic shops and restaurants, there is something for everyone in Bellevue’s multi-block downtown shopping center.
Bellevue Downtown Park Centrally located in the heart of Bellevue, Bellevue’s Downtown Park is the perfect place to people watch, get some exercise, or grab a bite at one of the eateries on nearby Old Main Street.
Bellevue Arts Museum Located amidst the shopping and dining in Downtown Bellevue you’ll find the Bellevue Arts Museum. Dedicated to art, craft, and design, the Bellevue Arts Museum features rotating exhibitions, programs and events.
More Things to Do in Bellevue
Restaurants: Enjoy fine dining with a view at Daniel’s Broiler and Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, hit up a happy hour at Din Tai Fung or The Forum Social House, or head over to Resonate Brewing for a craft beer and artisanal pizza.
Parks and Trails: With over 2,700 acres of parks, trails, and open space, there is plenty of nature to explore amidst the largest city on the Eastside. The newly renovated Meydenbauer Bay Beach Park offers play structures, a sandy waterfront and Lake Washington access for a family day at the beach, and the Bellevue Botanical Garden is a must-visit with over 50 acres of gardens, woodland walking trails, and natural wetlands.
Events: With summertime comes a slew of events to Bellevue’s Downtown core. The Bellevue Arts Fair, Bellevue Family 4th, and Summer Movies in the Park bring food and fun to Bellevue Downtown Park. Come winter, the magic of the holiday season is brought to Bellevue Way through the spectacular nightly Snowflake Lane celebration. Bellevue is also home to two lively Farmers Markets.
Moving to Bellevue
Ready to call Bellevue home? Check out the below resources to help you get started!
Helpful Links
Check out these helpful links for getting started on your move to Bellevue:
Facebook Groups to Join
Getting plugged-in to your new community doesn’t have to be hard. Make new connections, find childcare resources, and ask questions of current residents in these active local Facebook groups:
Discover the Eastside 