Bellevue 87 Exceptional
Bellevue Livability #13 ranked city in Washington#269 ranked city in the USARanks better than 99% of areas

Bellevue, WA - The City in a Park

Bellevue, WA, known as 'The City in a Park,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in King County, Bellevue is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Seattle (10 miles) and Redmond (6 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Bellevue's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Bellevue is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden, the historic Bellevue Arts Museum, and the scenic Mercer Slough Nature Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Meydenbauer Bay Park to the bustling Bellevue Square, known for its shopping and dining. Bellevue's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pacific Northwest cuisine to international dishes.

Annual events such as the Bellevue Arts Fair and the Bellevue Jazz & Blues Festival highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Bellevue's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Bellevue College contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.

The arts and culture scene in Bellevue is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Tateuchi Center and the Bellevue Youth Theatre are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Bellevue provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.

Bellevue’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and the Seattle Mariners (MLB), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Bellevue include technology, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as Microsoft and Overlake Medical Center driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and light rail, making commuting convenient for residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Bellevue

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

  • Schools

    High test scores, elevated graduation rates as well as the conveniently located elementary and high schools in this area have all contributed to the high score in the schools category.

CONS
  • Cost Of Living

    Based on the most recent cost of living data, this area is more expensive to live in. You can expect to pay more for everyday goods and services, housing, groceries and utilities.

New Real Estate Listings in Bellevue Area
Search Homes for Sale in Bellevue, WA

What's it like Living in Bellevue?

Bellevue, Washington is a medium-sized city with a population of 146,145 residents. With a population density of 4,368 people per square mile, Bellevue is well above the nation's average density level. Individuals of White (52%) and Asian (38%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of Bellevue. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Bellevue, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.

Living in Bellevue can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the area. Having said that, in the state of Washington, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in Bellevue and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Bellevue has a livability score of 87 out of 100 and is ranked #13 in Washington and #183 in the USA. This is a fantastic score, as Bellevue ranks well in multiple categories! Bellevue has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Bellevue scores well for crime (B-), education (A+) and housing (B-) There are some categories that Bellevue scores poorly for, including: cost of living (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Bellevue has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Bellevue has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Some of the more notable entertainment options include: Bellevue Square, Aaron's Photo Tours - Private Day Tours, and The Shops at the Bravern.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 156 crimes per 100,000 residents, Bellevue has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

The unemployment rate in Bellevue has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 2.34%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Bellevue, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Bellevue can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Bellevue is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Bellevue come in at $887,700, which is 229.6% higher than the Washington average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Bellevue, the home price to income ratio is 6.9, which is 60.5% higher than the Washington average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Bellevue

See all the best places to live around Bellevue

How Do You Rate The Livability In Bellevue?

1. Select a livability score between 1-100
0
Awful
25
Poor
50
Average
75
Good
100
Great
2. Select any tags that apply to this area
View results

Compare Bellevue, WA Livability

      vs

      Bellevue transportation information

      Statistic Bellevue Washington National
      Average one way commute24min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work57.6%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool10.1%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit10.8%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.6%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.2%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home14.5%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Bellevue, WA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).