Bellevue

Located in King County, Washington’s Eastside region, Bellevue is a city encompassing about 37 square miles, and is home to an estimated population of over 154,000, making it the fifth-largest city in Washington. 

The city of Bellevue was first settled in 1863 and incorporated in 1953. In its early days, the land now occupied by present-day Bellevue had vast open areas which were transformed into berry farms, orchards, and vegetable patches by the early settlers, who made a living by providing produce to the growing city of Seattle. By 1900, the area was home to roughly 400 full-time residents. The opening of the car ferry service aboard the Leschi in 1913 signaled a major turning point for the greater Bellevue area, providing better access and paving the way for the city’s growth during the first decades of the century. 

Today, Bellevue is a vibrant and dynamic city that serves as a primary tech and retail hub in Washington’s Eastside region. The city has seamlessly transitioned from its suburban status to a thriving metropolis during the past several decades, as more and more skyscrapers grace the downtown district skyline. 

And yet even with its robust business environment, Bellevue still manages to retain a laid back, small-town atmosphere, with serene tree-lined neighborhoods, a vast network of scenic trails, and over a hundred parks. The city’s name itself, “Bellevue,” is very fitting, in fact – it’s French for “beautiful view.”

Schools in Bellevue

Most public schools in Bellevue are served by the award-winning Bellevue School District, although certain sections of the city are within the boundaries of other school districts such as Renton School District, Lake Washington District, and Issaquah School District. 

The main public high schools in the city are Newport High School, Bellevue High School, Sammamish High School, and Interlake High School. Additionally, there are two choice lottery high schools, Big Picture School and International School.

Bellevue elementary schools include Three Cedars School, Bellevue Christian School, and several Montessori schools. 

The city is also home to Bellevue College, the third-largest higher education institution in the state after Washington State University and University of Washington.  

Bellevue real estate

Those planning to relocate to Bellevue will be able to choose from many family-friendly neighborhoods offering a perfect balance between a relaxing, subdued lifestyle and big city amenities, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options just a few minutes away.

The city also borders Lake Washington and is home to over 100 parks, giving residents easy access to a variety of water sports, recreational opportunities, and relaxing walks surrounded by gorgeous scenery.

The real estate options in Bellevue are as diverse as the city itself. There’s a wide array of choices that can accommodate any type of lifestyle, from sprawling waterfront estates to hilltop townhouses, stylish single-family homes to luxurious high-rise condominiums, and everything in between.  

Activities and attractions in Bellevue

Bellevue offers an unparalleled combination of outdoor destinations and modern amenities, offering the best of both worlds for visitors and residents. Beyond its picturesque environment is a city teeming with world-class attractions, vibrant shopping centers, lively entertainment venues, and restaurants serving mouthwatering cuisine.

Here are some of the many exciting activities, events, and places you can discover in Bellevue:

• Those who love spending time outdoors will feel right at home in Bellevue, as the city has more than 100 parks. Take your kids to Bellevue Downtown Park to explore the walking trails or have fun at the expansive play area. Surround yourself in nature at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, a picturesque urban sanctuary with more than 50 acres of restored woodlands, cultivated gardens, and vast wetlands. These are just two of the many wonderful parks you’ll find in Bellevue!
• Exploring the city on foot is definitely a fun experience on its own. You can enjoy a self-guided tour by following the Downtown Bellevue Art Walk to get a glimpse of more than 120 public artworks and visit some of the most popular spots around the city, along with a few hidden treasures along the way. 
• Known as the fashion mecca of the Pacific Northwest, Bellevue boasts a vibrant assortment of incredible shopping destinations featuring a near-endless variety of brands and categories. If you’re looking forward to a well-deserved day of retail therapy, a trip to Bellevue’s downtown district will take you to an amazing array of high-end boutiques, specialty stores, vintage retailers, and more. For more on Bellevue’s shopping destinations, visit this page. 

Looking for the best selection of luxury homes in Bellevue, WA? Get in touch with me today by calling 425.209.5638, or leave a message here.