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Bellevue, the city named after the French word for Beautiful-View, is located 12 miles east of downtown Seattle and just west of Microsoft’s sprawling Redmond campus.
Incorporated 1953, Bellevue has transition from strawberry fields to a modern-urban living center. Bellevue’s beginnings can be tied back to two Seattle-area giants: Boeing and Microsoft. More recently Bellevue’s economic expansion has been driven by the information technology sector.
No longer a sleepy bedroom community to Seattle, Bellevue has come into its own, attracting numerous large employers and thus new employees and residents into its Neighborhoods
Bellevue Jobs Growth
Amazon has leased over 2 million square feet of office space and eventually plans to have 25,000 employees in downtown Bellevue. Last year Facebook paid $368 million for a 6-acre, 400,000 square-foot complex totaling their presence to 850,000 square feet of office space in the new Spring District development, a few blocks northeast of downtown. Even TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has recently moved to the area.
With so many tech companies moving to Bellevue, the greater Eastside has experienced rapid growth. Over the next few years, the number of jobs in Bellevue is expected to grow by 20%. While Microsoft currently holds the title of the city’s largest employer, with over 9,000 employees based at its Bellevue hub, it’s likely that Amazon will soon overtake them.
There are 45 Major Construction Projects in the pipeline for downtown Bellevue.
And what’s driving the boom? Business Executives say it’s Bellevue’s low crime rate, business-friendly politics, tent-free sidewalks, and vibrant downtown.
Beyond the numerous employment opportunities, another reason Bellevue’s popularity is rising is due to its new urban developments. Areas like the Spring District and East Main offer walkability, local restaurants and entertainment appeal to many people.
Easy commuting options are also drawing new residents to the Eastside. With a planned opening in 2023, Sound Transit’s light rail link from Seattle consists of 14 miles of new light rail service connecting downtown Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond. By 2023, ten new light rail stations will open as part of the Eastlink Light Rail system, offering convenient public transit around the Eastside and Seattle, with connections to the airport.
While business booms downtown, much of Bellevue retains a small-town feel, with thriving, woodsy neighborhoods and a vast network of trails. With nearly 100 parks, Bellevue is known as a-city-in-a-park.
Mercer Slough Nature Park
Nestled in the heart of Bellevue, the 320-acre Mercer Slough Nature Park offers a tranquil setting for a variety of recreational experiences: biking, hiking, canoeing , blueberry picking, and environmental education. The Mercer Slough is Lake Washington’s largest remaining wetland, containing hundreds of plant species and an abundance of water resources. The park provides a diverse habitat for over 170 species of wildlife. Interconnected boardwalks, soft surface trails, and asphalt paths transport visitors through this unique urban wetland. Mercer Slough Nature Park Map
Bridle Trails State Park
With over 489 acres of Bridle Trails State Park is a day-use park with 28 miles of trails that welcoming equestrians, hikers and visitors. Bridle Trails is known as one of the top equestrian parks west of the Mississippi making it a local favorite.
With four arenas and a calendar full of horse shows and organized rides, Bridle Trails caters primarily to equines and friends, but the park is also friendly to hikers, including those with leashed dogs. In addition to horse-related events, Bridle Trails hosts a plethora of arts, stewardship and educational programs, evening musical shows and the Bridle Trails’ Foundation’s annual community party. This accessible urban oasis spells fun for the whole family, including family members with four legs and a tail. Bridle Trails State Park Map
Eastrail Walking & Bike Trail
The Eastside Rail Corridor Trail (or simply, Eastrail), built on a former railroad easement, is a paved walking and biking trail which will one day traverse 42 miles through King County, connecting Renton, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Woodinville. Eastlink Trail Map
Uncompleted sections thru Bellevue were fully funded in 2022 with a planned opening of 2024. Major sections under construction include two freeway crossings and the renovations to the Wilburton Train Trestle
Bellevue Schools
The Bellevue School district is one of the highest ranked public school districts in Washington. It has 21,672 students in grades PK, K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1. Bellevue schools offer a range of alternative education options to best in class STEM learning opportunities. Learn more about Bellevue Schools at the District Website
Bellevue Neighborhoods
Bellevue is a community of diverse and vibrant neighborhoods. The city has 16 neighborhood areas, each with unique neighborhood character and identity. Bellevue’s neighborhoods are home to a diverse community of neighbors with connections to schools, stores, parks, trails and the natural environment. Find out where these are located by viewing the Neighborhood Area Map.
In Summary
With beautiful parks, top schools and a vibrant economy; it is easy to understand why Bellevue is routinely ranked among the best mid-sized cities in the country.
As a lifelong Bellevue resident, Contact Me if you are looking for a real estate agent who knows the eastside!
