The City of Bellevue spans more than 31 square miles between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish. Widely known as the high-tech and retail center of the Eastside, it is surrounded by a skyline of gleaming hi-rises and offers the ultimate in shopping, dining, and cultural attractions all within easy strolling distance of popular hotels. While businesses boom Downtown, much of Bellevue retains a small-town feel, with thriving, woodsy neighborhoods and a vast network of green spaces and recreational facilities. The population is growing, and with that, becoming more diverse with more than 50 fluent languages spoken and schools consistently rated among the best in the country.
At the turn of the century, Bellevue prospered as a coal, logging, and farming community. It was after the completion of the first bridge across Lake Washington in 1940 that made Bellevue the recipient of an influx of new residents. Just in the past two decades, Bellevue has shed it “suburban” status and become a thriving metropolis. It’s gleaming downtown, which continue to grow dramatically, provides office space for thousands, as well as condominiums and apartments for those who want to live in an urban setting.
Not only a city of commerce, Bellevue also offers many compelling cultural draws. With more than 120 works of privately and publicly owned sculptures within the downtown area, the city hopes to nurture arts in the community. There are nearly 100 parks within the City of Bellevue. Features and amenities range and include indoor pools, lakefront beaches, community centers, golf courses, skate plazas, nature trails, indoor tennis courts, and a boat launch. Home to major weekend events, Bellevue is a hub for constant celebration!
FUN FACT:
The city’s name Bellevue is derived from a French term for “beautiful view.”
Homes for Sale in Bellevue
Bellevue, WA is a city with plenty going for it. It has a rich history, nature and parks are all around, businesses thrive, and there is a wealth of great amenities. Also known as “The City in a Park”, Bellevue is a place where scenic views of mountains go hand in hand with cultural attractions and modern living.
This city perfectly balances urban living and natural beauty and this has drawn in families, young couples, professionals, and retirees. Homes for sale in Bellevue are in great demand. Find out more about why so many are choosing this city home and see if Bellevue is the right place for you.
Overview of Bellevue
Bellevue lies between Lake Washington and the smaller Lake Sammamish, a location that gives it the perfect balance between suburban tranquility and proximity to big-city amenities. The city shares borders with the city of Redmond on the northeast, and to the south is Renton. Kirkland is to the north. This strategic location gives residents a wealth of additional options when it comes to shopping, dining, entertainment, and recreation.
The fifth-largest city in the State of Washington, Bellevue spans more than 33 square miles and has a population of around 152,800. The city has a growing population due to the city’s strong appeal to professionals looking for job opportunities in the technology, retail, and service industries. Bellevue attracts top talents from all around the world with several major technology companies headquartered here and in the surrounding cities. Among the major companies with a significant presence in the city are Apptio, Expedia Group, Smartsheet, T-Mobile, and PACCAR. Microsoft’s corporate headquarters is located in a neighborhood in Redmond. Over the past few decades, the city’s unstoppable growth has transformed its skyline with modern office towers and high-end condos. However, even though the city has rapidly evolved into a dynamic urban center, it has not lost its welcoming suburban feel.
New homes in Bellevue, WA, some of which are in exclusive neighborhoods have been built to accommodate the influx of new residents. There are also several upscale residential neighborhoods with luxury houses for sale in Bellevue, WA.
The city hosts seasonal events such as the Bellevue Arts Fair and Snowflake Lane to showcase the city’s dedication to arts, community, and celebration. You will find that there is a wealth of attractions near Bellevue, WA, including the Renton History Museum, the Seattle Art Museum, and the National Nordic Museum, just to name a few.
In short, Bellevue is a mid-sized city, small enough to maintain a sense of warmth and community but large enough to offer amenities and opportunities found in larger metropolitan areas.
Homes for Sale in Bellevue, WA
The city’s real estate market is highly competitive, with demand often higher than the available number of houses for sale in Bellevue, WA. This demand is driven by the city’s strong economy and desirability as both a residence and a place to work. The median home price of a home for sale in Bellevue is upwards of $1 million, with some of the more exclusive neighborhoods seeing much higher figures. The market tends to favor sellers, so if you’re looking at new homes in Bellevue, WA, be prepared to act quickly. Make sure to work with a local realtor to navigate the fast-moving market.
Historic Appreciation Rates
The real estate market has seen impressive appreciation rates over the last decade. The influx of tech workers has had a positive effect on property values. This appreciation has been fueled further by the city’s infrastructure improvements and ongoing urban development projects. Despite economic downturns in the previous years, property values have maintained steady growth, making houses in Bellevue a smart investment for homebuyers.
Available Property Types
You’ll find a variety of property types in Bellevue, ranging from luxury waterfront homes to modern condos and townhomes. Contemporary, mid-century modern, and traditional Pacific Northwest designs are some of the more popular architectural styles of homes in the city, but there is something for every taste and lifestyle.
Living in Bellevue
Life in Bellevue is a multi-faceted experience of luxury, convenience, and adventure. There’s everything here to make your vision of what life should be into a reality.
Getting Around
Traveling between Seattle and Bellevue is a breeze with two major bridges, the I-90 and the SR 520, connecting them. Downtown Seattle is very easy to get to, being approximately 10 miles or a 15 to 20-minute drive depending on traffic conditions. Additionally, the East Link light rail extension will soon connect Bellevue directly to Seattle and the broader Puget Sound area, offering an eco-friendly alternative to driving. It’s easy to commute to nearby cities or head out into the mountains for a weekend adventure as Bellevue is well-connected with major highways like I-405 and I-90. Public transportation is also available, with bus services and the expansion of the light rail making it increasingly convenient to get around without a car.
Another convenient transportation option to get around the city includes ride-share services like Uber and Lyft. However, Bellevue promotes walkability, especially downtown where the local shops, parks, and office buildings are. Here, you’ll find generous pedestrian paths and bike lanes.
Community lifestyle
Living in Bellevue means being part of a vibrant, diverse community. The city values sustainability, with green spaces and parks woven into the urban landscape. It’s also a family-friendly city, so there are many excellent schools and a wide range of activities in Bellevue, WA, for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re into hiking, shopping, or attending local cultural events, there’s an abundance of things to do in Bellevue, WA.
Things To Do
There’s never a dull moment in the city with a wealth of attractions and things to do in Bellevue, WA. Residents and visitors can experience the best of what city life offers, as well as outdoor adventures.
Shopping
The Bellevue Collection , which includes Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square, and Bellevue Place, offers an impressive array of high-end stores and boutiques. With over 200 shops, you’ll have your choice when it comes to shopping for luxury brands or everyday essentials. There are also around 50 dining spots, so you can have a full evening out or just pop into an establishment for a quick coffee or snack.
The Shops at the Bravern is where to go for upscale designer stores, such as Gucci, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton. Old Bellevue along Main Street, on the other hand, offers a more boutique shopping experience. Here you’ll find hidden gems with a variety of charming local shops, artisan goods, and specialty stores.
The Crossroads Shopping Center provides a family-friendly atmosphere with more day-to-day shopping options and services. As well as food courts, there are community activities like farmers markets and events featuring live music.
Dining
Bellevue’s culinary scene has exploded in recent years, and now there are a myriad of options from fine dining to casual eateries. You can enjoy cuisine from all over the world, whether you’re in the mood for Japanese food, some Italian cuisine, or a classic Pacific Northwest seafood dish.
Some hotspots we would recommend are:
- Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi – A Michelin-starred restaurant, Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi offers patrons rooftop views and luxurious culinary experiences.
- Seastar Restaurant & Raw Bar – This place is where to go for top-tier seafood dishes.
- Carmine’s – An upscale restaurant on 102nd Avenue, Carmine’s serves classic Italian dishes and fantastic wine to pair.
If you’re looking for a place to have a drink and unwind with friends, there are also some great bars in the area. Try these spots:
- 520 Bar & Grill – Good night and day, this place serves great drinks and good food. It’s also a lot of fun.
- Central Bar and Restaurant – This establishment adds a dash more sophistication to fun times out with friends.
Outdoor Recreation
Residents here enjoy access to more than 100 parks, ranging from serene lakeside spots to hiking trails in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. There are scenic trails and beautiful waterfront views both residents and vacationers can enjoy. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, playing sports, picnicking with family, or just enjoying the fresh air, outdoor recreation is always within reach. Popular outdoor spots include:
- Mercer Slough Nature Park
- Cougar Mountain
- Bellevue Botanical Garden
- Enatai Beach Park
- Newcastle Beach Park
- Coal Creek Natural Area
Walking trails and canoeing are some of the most popular activities to do at Bellevue, WA’s Mercer Slough Nature Park features 320 acres of wetlands and miles of trails. Cougar Mountain, on the other hand, is for those who enjoy hiking, with numerous trails here of varying difficulty levels from family-friendly hikes to more challenging excursions. Additionally, with Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish so close, paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, and other water activities are all close at hand.
For those keen on golf, the city has 3 main options. The public options are the 18-hole championship Bellevue Golf Course and the nine-hole short-game course Crossroads Par-3 Golf Course. For a more exclusive golfing experience, Tam o’Shanter Golf and Country Club provides members with a beautiful clubhouse as well as other amenities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball courts, and a private pool.
Schools
Bellevue’s excellent schools under the Bellevue School District rank among the best in the state.
When it comes to elementary schools, schools like Cherry Crest Elementary School and Somerset Elementary School are highly regarded. There are many more that come with strong reputations for the education they provide. Middle schools are represented by schools like Odle Middle School and International School which despite its name is a public school.
International School is also ranked No. 1 when it comes to high school options, but other esteemed schools include Interlake Senior High School and Newport Senior High School. All have excellent graduation rates and provide very strong preparation for higher learning.
If you prefer to go private, there are excellent options including Eastside Christian School and The Overlake School just to name a couple.
With a strong emphasis on quality education, Bellevue is a location where families can expect the best education for their children.
Local Events
Bellevue hosts a variety of annual and seasonal events to bring the community together with fun celebrations. These events also increase awareness of businesses and local initiatives.
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Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair – An annual event typically held in July, the Bellevue Arts Museum Arts Fair takes place over three days and features artists, craftspeople, and food vendors.
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Bellevue Beats & Bites Music Series – Held every year during summer, this event is a series of live music performances that take place in multiple locations throughout Bellevue.
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Bellevue Magic Season – Opens in late November each year, the Bellevue Magic Season is a winter celebration that has fun and entertainment for the whole family: ice skating, a holiday market, and a festive light display.
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New Year’s Eve Celebration – Downtown Bellevue becomes alive with festivities and various activities that include live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display at midnight.
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Bellevue Farmers Market – Usually held at Bellevue Presbyterian Church, this is a weekly market open through October and offers locally grown fresh produce, artisan goods, and local crafts.
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Crossroads Farmers Market – Held typically during warmer months, the Crossroads Farmers Market features a variety of local products such as flowers, food, and produce.
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Bellevue Cherry Blossom Festival – A weekend-long celebration in spring, this is an event celebrating Japanese and Japanese-American culture with food, performances, and activities.
Find the Perfect Home in Bellevue
A dynamic and attractive city, Bellevue, WA, offers scenic landscapes, epic outdoor adventures, and fun water activities as well as excellent schools and exceptional neighborhoods. With its forward-looking tech scene, close-knit communities, and the blend of urban amenities and natural beauty, it’s a place that many would love to call home.
If you’re in the market for a new home and a new lifestyle, take a closer look at Bellevue. Work with our team of real estate experts at The Brazens Windemere Real Estate. Our team can help you find the perfect home in the perfect location.
Call us at 425.454.4141 for a personalized consultation or send us a message here and let’s begin your journey to this wonderful city.