Bellevue, WA
Population: 134,400
Named the #1 place to live and launch a business in America by CNNMoney in 2008, Bellevue is located just 10 miles east of Seattle. Bordered by Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, and overlooked by the snow-capped peaks of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, Bellevue is brimming with stunning natural beauty. Combine this feature with one of the best school systems in the country, buoyant business opportunities, a luxury retail and restaurant center, and a plethora of parks and recreational areas, and it’s clear that Bellevue truly is a sensational place to call home.
The Bellevue School District consistently ranks as one of the top districts in Washington. The school district serves students in Bellevue and the smaller surrounding communities of Clyde Hill, Medina, Hunts Point, Yarrow Point, and Beaux Arts, plus portions of Issaquah, Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond, and unincorporated King County. Five of Bellevue’s High Schools ranked in the top 100 in the nation by Newsweek in 2010, while their elementary and middle schools are also exceptional. Likewise, in 2015 U.S. News and World Report ranked the International School in Bellevue as the top high school in Washington and the 26th best high school in the country. Bellevue is also home to the higher education institutions of Bellevue College and City University of Seattle. Unsurprisingly, Bellevue has a highly educated population, with well over half of its adults holding at least a bachelor’s degree as of 2010.
Bellevue is also located in close proximity to several economic powerhouses. Aided by convenient proximity to Redmond (home of Microsoft and Nintendo), Everett and Renton (each the location of Boeing plants), and quick access to Seattle over the I-90 and 520 floating bridges, Bellevue has become a major economic and employment center boasting 143 headquarters and more than 140,000 jobs. The Bellevue Collection is located in the heart of Downtown Bellevue and has grown to become one of the largest retail, restaurant, and entertainment centers in the region.
When you want to unwind, Bellevue offers a number of neighborhood and community parks, including Downtown Park, a 20 acre oasis in the heart of downtown complete with a 240 foot waterfall, reflecting pond, a half-mile promenade, and gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier on clear days. Bellevue also boasts a number of beach parks, the Bellevue Botanical Garden, and several golf courses. For the exceptionally intrepid outdoor enthusiast, Bellevue’s Parks and Community Services Department maintains 96 total miles of trails meandering through extensive green belts. If you prefer cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, you can attend the theatre at Meydenbauer Center, or admire the exhibits at the Bellevue Arts Museum.
Bellevue’s highly desirable location and attractive amenities fueled the sale of 2,164 homes and condominiums in 2013 with an average sales price of $648,884 and 33 days on market. The least expensive was a $65,000 bank owned condominium; the most was a $6.1 million waterfront mansion.