So you finally made the decision to move to Bellevue, Washington! Congratulations on your first step to becoming citizens of the city that USA Today voted the second-best place to live in America!
Bellevue living is great because it’s one of the few places that merges the homeliness of a small town with the affluence of a tech center. Its lush green spaces and quaint neighborhoods will make you forget that you are in a big city.
You may be asking: what county is Bellevue in? The answer is King County, Washington. Bellevue is French for “beautiful view” and it lives up to that name.
Wedged between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, this city offers citizens and visitors the best of three worlds: the buzz of a high-tech city, the tranquillity of country trails and the comfort of beaches within walking distance.
It’s one of the best cities in Washington state for families, and offers many fun things to do.
Trying to decide where to live in Bellevue WA? Nearly all of the city’s neighborhoods would meet and exceed anyone’s expectations, as they are the best places to live in King County WA. There are 24 neighborhoods in Bellevue, and to help you settle on one, we here at T-square Properties have compiled this list.
Here are our picks for the best neighborhoods in Bellevue, based on factors that are most important to families.
#1. Somerset
Somerset sits 1000 feet atop Somerset hill. This elevation gives residents a great view of Seattle, Olympic mountain and Lake Washington. Its proximity to routes I-90 & I-405 means easy access to work, shopping & entertainment centers.
It has Coal Creek Natural Area and Cougar Mountain trail system nearby. There are four elementary, four middle, and two high schools in Somerset, among them distinguished public schools.
The median income in Somerset is $132,161, while median Rent is $2,519.
#2. Enatai
Enatai offers the most of both city and country living. Close to Lake Washington, it has easy access to Interstates 190 and 1405, and is minutes from Bellevue Downtown and less than 15 minutes from downtown Seattle.
Most homes are single-family units, with some recently-built multi-family homes and condos. It is a close-knit community with influential neighborhood associations.
The median household income is $83,235 and the median rent is $1,482. Since 2002, the district has undertaken and completed the rebuilding of its 18 schools.
#3. Bridle Trails
If you love horses, Bridle Trails is where you want to be. The area is heavily wooded, with 28 miles of trails running through the Bridle Trails State Park. Though predominated by single-family lots, on 148th Avenue NE, a short distance from Microsoft’s campus, there is a strip of apartments and condos.
Bridle Trails is a ten-minute drive from Overlake, a booming tech center, and has many outlying communities. Schools include Cherry Crest Elementary School, Odle Middle School and Sammamish High School.
The median household income is $109,486, and the median rent is $1,886.
#4. Meydenbauer
The neighborhood is named after Meydenbauer Bay, an inlet of Lake Washington. It lies close to Downtown Bellevue, which means quick access to amenities and entertainment. Meydenbauer has several public beaches, a city marina, the Meydenbauer Yacht Club and a ferry service to Seattle.
Most homes are condos or single-family units, and strong neighborhood associations help preserve the area’s character. Median household income and median home value is $125,502 and $798,100, respectively.
The median rent is $1,818 and there are three elementary, two middle, and one high school in the area.
#5. Lakemont
Lakemont sits between Bellevue City and neighboring Issaquah City, though most of it lies in the former. It lies on the North face of Cougar Mountain and is a mix of single-family and multi-family homes, with planned/luxury communities on the slopes of the mountain.
Lakemont is ten minutes from Factoria Mall and Newcastle Shopping area, and minutes from Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. It has five elementary, five middle and three high schools. Residents also have access to the Issaquah School District.
Median household income is $163,075, and median rent is $1,070.
#6. Tam O’shanter
This is a golf course community on the edge of Lake Sammamish in Northeast Bellevue. Homes here are a mix of new luxury developments, small/large mid-century homes, single/multi-family units and condos. There is a zip line where residents can play or exercise, and regular events are held by the homeowners’ association.
It is 15-45 minutes to the Eastside or Seattle, and a short distance from Bretton Wood. Both Tam O’shanter and Bretton Wood share Bennett Elementary, one of the best schools in the state of Washington.
Median household income is $120,536 and median home value is $599,600, while the median rent is $2,229.
#7. Newport Hills
Newport comprises four distinct communities, some of which face the waterfront, while others lie adjacent to route I-405. Because it serves as a migratory corridor for wildlife, it has naturally scenic views, along with the natural wilderness of the Coal Creek Natural Area.
Residents can choose between the Bellevue School District and the Renton School District, with four elementary, two middle, and three high schools in the neighborhood itself. Homes here are a mix of single/multi-family homes and condos.
Median household income is $115,846, median home value is $534,733 and median rent stands at $1,835.
#8. Eastgate & Factoria
These are located along I-90 and its intersection with I-405. The area has a mix of office and retail spaces, with multi-family communities joining single-family neighborhoods. Factoria Marketplace has a variety of retail services, entertainment places and restaurants.
There is easy access to all of Bellevue via the Eastgate Park & Ride transportation hub. Some of Bellevue’s best schools are found here, such as Puesta Del Sol Elementary School (which offers immersion in Spanish) and the award-winning Newport High School.
Also, there are many continuing education centers and degree-awarding institutions in the area, plus Bellevue City’s Zip Line.
#9. Woodbridge
Woodridge is another community with great view of Lake Washington, Downtown Bellevue and Seattle. The homes are carefully designed to avoid the uniformity of tract housing and maximize the hillside view.
Woodridge has its own community swimming pool. Woodbridge has easy access to Downtown Bellevue, and Factoria Marketplace, as well as, routes I-405 and I-90.
#10. West Lake Sammamish
The neighborhood of West Lake Sammamish faces Lake Sammamish and Phantom Lake. In addition to its waterfront houses, there are homes with panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains. Despite all the shoreline activities, biking and walking trails, West Lake Sammamish retains much of its small-town appeal.
That’s the end of our list, although it’s by no means exhaustive. There are many other nice Bellevue neighborhoods that we have not mentioned, but these are simply our picks for the best family neighborhoods.
You should not worry too much about choosing a neighborhood for your family. When it comes to living in Bellevue WA, you can hardly make a wrong choice. You just have to go ahead and make the move!
If you’re looking to buy an investment property in Bellevue, consider taking a look at our Bellevue Property Management services.