Bellevue is the 5th largest city in Washington State. It’s also regularly labeled as one of the best places to live. Surrounded by lovely parks and recreational waterfronts, Bellevue lives up to its name, French for “beautiful view”.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy being in Bellevue for many reasons. However, as with every bustling city, Bellevue has its downsides. T-Square Properties has made this list to help you decide if moving to Bellevue, WA is right for you.
Pros of Living in Bellevue, WA
1. Weather
Bellevue is blessed with a moderate climate. This translates to having little snow in the winter, and extreme weather is practically non-existent. On the other hand, there are plenty of rainy days in the summer. July and August are the warmest months in Bellevue while December and January are the coldest. Those looking for more mild climate might consider moving to Bellvue, WA.
2. Employment and Economy
Young professionals are often drawn to Bellevue since it’s home to several big employers such as the Bellevue School District, Bellevue College, and Overlake Hospital Medical Center. Popular businesses like Boeing, Microsoft, and T-Mobile also have operations here. The technology industry is booming in this city, with plenty of companies starting offices here.
3. Transportation
In Bellevue, the transportation system is also superior, with plenty of options to move around. There are light rail commuter lines, biking lanes and buses. In fact, ride-sharing is encouraged in this city. Another unique but efficient mode of transportation in Bellevue is a water taxi.
4. Housing Market
If you’re planning a move to Bellevue, there are many areas to choose from that offer different lifestyles. For those who prefer a country style of living, you can choose to live in the Bridle Trails neighborhood where woods and pastures are abundant.
If you’re more into contemporary city life, you can opt to live in a mixed-area setting where shops and offices are combined for accessibility and convenience. These neighborhoods include West Bellevue and a vibrant Downtown area.
Furthermore, neighborhoods in Bellevue are safe & diverse.
5. Business-Friendly
A highly-educated workforce combined with a superior quality of life makes downtown Bellevue, Washington ripe for startup businesses. It’s particularly friendly to the technology business sector, making this city a compelling location for entrepreneurs.
It is also a great place to buy an investment rental property. Click here to read more about property management in Bellevue, Washington.
6. Part of 100 Best Places to Live
Earning the 10th spot on a list of 100 cities, Bellevue scored high in terms of livability. Thanks to its quality and public schools, diversity, walkability, and a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, Bellevue is consistently voted as one of the best cities to live in. Culture-wise, Bellevue also has a wealth of art and music venues, festivals, and museums available to nourish your cultural needs and interests.
7. Cuisine
When it comes to dining experiences, Bellevue ranks at the top. Whatever your cravings are, there’s bound to be something for you. If you are fond of going on gastronomic adventures and exploring global cuisines, Bellevue is the place to be, as there are plenty of choices to choose from. There’s also a range of options for every budget. You can try fancy dining places, food trucks, food stalls, coffee shops, and local restaurants that cater to families.
If you prefer to cook on your own, Bellevue also has popular local farmers’ markets where you can have your pick of organic ingredients. The Bellevue Farmers’ Market aims to provide support to local family farms. You can stock up on delectable local honey, cheeses, and meats. They also offer an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
8. People
Another great thing about staying in Bellevue is its diversity and friendly population of about 147,599 people. Additionally, most residents in Bellevue have earned a college degree or higher.
9. Cultural Entertainment
As mentioned earlier, residents located in Bellevue can enjoy multiple green spaces in the area. In fact, there are over 30 parks to choose from, along with Bellevue botanical gardens, beaches, and golf courses.
You’ll never run out of things to do, whether you’re in the mood to shop or eat or see a cultural performance. There are numerous exhibits and programs you can check out at Bellevue Arts Museum. There is also a lot of natural beauty to enjoy.
Parks located in Bellevue:
- Bellevue Downtown Park
- Chandler Park
- Clyde Beach Park
- Evergreen Park
- Ivanhoe Park
- Hidden Valley Sports Park
Other Attractions:
- Lake Sammamish
- Bellevue Botanical Garden
- Kidsquest Children Museum
- The Bellevue Collection
- Bellevue Zip Tour
Cons of Living in Bellevue, WA
1. Traffic
Traffic congestion can be frustrating to residents in car-centric Bellevue. Luckily, you can choose to bike or walk to your destination since Bellevue’s transportation options are plentiful. If you work in or near the Seattle area, you’re in luck; the commute from Bellevue, Washington to the Seattle metropolitan area is only a few miles.
The natural environment also makes the walking option more attractive. Residents can also take advantage of the excellent transit system in the city.
2. Overcrowded Schools
Since the population of Bellevue is quite large, while they have excellent schools they can be overcrowded and competitive. District officials, however, have provided solutions and implemented a maximum for general education classrooms.
Thus, overcrowding is being managed by officials who are always working to address this issue as the population grows year after year.
3. High Cost of Living
With plenty of major businesses and progressive development going on, the Bellevue cost of living is naturally quite high. As a more upscale city, rent and house prices can be more expensive than in other cities.
However, Bellevue offers plenty of free things to do so it does not cost a lot to entertain yourself around the city.
These are some of the benefits and drawbacks of Bellevue, WA. This list is not extensive and nothing can replace the experience of discovering the interesting things this city has to offer.