Welcome to Bellevue
An urban city in the heart of the Pacific Northwest
Nestled across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue is a bustling city that hosts the headquarters and satellite offices of some of the best-known corporations in the country. Many locals work in the downtown area. The housing market includes gorgeous condos and luxurious homes with stunning views of Lake Washington.
Satskal was a small outpost of the Duwamish people, who resided mainly in the Seattle and Renton area before settlers founded Bellevue. In 1869, William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer, European settlers, made this area their home.
In the early 1900s, Bellevue was a popular destination spot for Seattle residents, but the addition of the Lake Washington Floating Bridge changed the dynamics. Today, it hosts an urban population that enjoys the diversity of entertainment, dining, and working.
What to Love
- Dazzling skyline
- Plentiful retail opportunities to discover
- High-tech industry jobs
- Stunning gardens in the heart of downtown
- Vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene
Local Lifestyle
Bellevue practically hums with life and opportunities to enjoy the finer things in life. Although it's part of the Seattle metropolitan area, it's an exciting city in its own right, with high-tech jobs and wonderful local attractions.
The area has a bustling public transportation system. Many of the locals work for some of the largest corporations without making the commute to Seattle. Some of the top employers include Expedia, eBay, Google, Eddie Bauer, and more. From botanical gardens to museums, the city provides plenty of local attractions, and the public and private schools are top-notch in the area and around the country.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
Bellevue is home to some of the finest shopping options, from luxury chains to luxury boutiques. Shopping abounds throughout the city, including the downtown area. Locals enjoy the variety of restaurants with every cuisine imaginable.
Urbanity is one of the most popular boutiques in the area, with its selection of fashion-forward options for men and women, along with a selection of accessories and footwear. The Shops at the Bravern and the Bellevue Square Mall offer all luxury name brands under one roof.
Things to Do
Bellevue always has something going on, and the next exciting option is right around the corner. Locals fill their evenings and weekends with fun and new things at parks and museums.
Locals and visitors flock to the Bellevue Art Fair each year to see original works from artists around the country and take a special something home. Snowflake Lane is the show that kicks off the winter holidays.
Schools
Most of the public schools in the city are served by the Bellevue School District, although a few of them fall into the Renton School District, Issaquah School District, or Lake Washington School District. Two of the area's high schools made Newsweek's 2015 ranking of U.S. public high schools in the top 500. There are several private schools in the area, including religious and secular options. Bellevue College offers associate and bachelor's degrees and various technical trade programs. Some of the top schools in the area include:
- Interlake High School, 9th through 12th grade, ranked 7th in the state
- Newport High School, 9th through 12th grade, ranked 4th in the state
- International School, 6th through 12th grade, ranked 59th in the country
- Big Picture School, 9th through 12th grade
- Open Window School, K through 8th grade, gifted students only
