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Bellevue, WA

Frequently asked questions

Bellevue, WA

Bellevue is a city in the Eastside region of King County, Washington, United States, located across Lake Washington from Seattle. It is the third-largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area and has variously been characterized as a satellite city, a suburb, a boomburb, or an edge city. The population was 151,854 at the 2020 census. The city's name is derived from the French term belle vue ("beautiful view").

Bellevue is home to some of the world's largest technology companies. Before and after the 2008 recession, its downtown area has been undergoing rapid change with many high-rise projects being constructed. Downtown Bellevue is currently the second-largest city center in Washington state, with 1,300 businesses, 45,000 employees, and 10,200 residents. In a 2018 estimate, the city's median household income was among the top five cities in the state of Washington. In 2008, Bellevue was number one in CNNMoney's list of the best places to live and launch a business, and in 2010 was again ranked as the fourth-best place to live in America. In 2014, Bellevue was ranked as the second-best place to live by USA Today.

More than 145 companies have been located in Bellevue; companies currently headquartered there include PACCAR Inc, T-Mobile US, and Valve. The technology company Amazon was founded in Bellevue by Jeff Bezos.

Bellevue lies between Lake Washington to the west and the smaller Lake Sammamish to the east. Much of Bellevue is drained by the Kelsey Creek watershed, whose source is located in the Larsen Lake and Phantom Lake green belt and whose outlet is near where Interstate 90 meets Lake Washington's eastern shore. The city is bisected by Interstate 405 running north–south, and the southern portion is crossed from west to east by Interstate 90. The State Route 520 freeway roughly delineates the upper reaches of Bellevue.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 36.47 square miles (94.46 km²), of which 31.97 square miles (82.80 km²) is land and 4.50 square miles (11.65 km²) is water.

The city's name is derived from a French term for "beautiful view". Under favorable weather conditions, scenic vistas of the Olympic Mountains and Cascade Mountains can be viewed from hilltops (and strategically positioned high-rise buildings) within the incorporated city.

South of I-90, the city continues up Cougar Mountain, at the top of which is an unincorporated King County location called Hilltop. To the west of Cougar Mountain, Bellevue includes the Coal Creek, Somerset, and Factoria neighborhoods.

Bellevue is bordered by the cities of Kirkland to the north and Redmond to the northeast along the Overlake and Crossroads neighborhoods. Across the short East Channel Bridge, I-90 connects Bellevue to Mercer Island to the southwest. Issaquah is to the east, down I-90 at the south end of Lake Sammamish. The city is bordered to the west by many affluent suburbs such as Medina, Clyde Hill, Hunts Point and Yarrow Point. The south end of Bellevue is bordered by the city of Renton, and to the southeast, the relatively recently incorporated city of Newcastle.

Bellevue places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, providing residents with opportunities for an active lifestyle. The Bellevue Club, a premier athletic and social club, offers diverse fitness facilities, including pools, tennis courts, and exercise classes. Green spaces like Bellevue Downtown Park and Mercer Slough Nature Park complement the city's commitment to well-being. Additionally, residents have access to quality healthcare services at Overlake Medical Center. Bellevue Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. 23 Fit Club offers comprehensive fitness programs including cardio, strength training, and group exercise classes. Yoga enthusiasts can find serenity at the Trillium Yoga Studio, while Barre3 Bellevue offers a unique blend of yoga, pilates, and ballet barre.

The top sites in Bellevue, WA are Bellevue Downtown Park, Bellevue Botanical Garden, and Newcastle Beach Park.

Population: 149,440 (2021). ZIP code: 98006. Area code: 425. Elevation: 85 ft (26 m). Area: 37.50 sq mi (97.14 km²).

FAQs

What is the history of Bellevue, WA?

The Duwamish, whose main settlements were located in present-day Renton and Seattle, maintained a small outpost settlement called Satskal (SAH-tsah-kahl) along the Mercer Slough, south of present-day downtown Bellevue. It was from this village that an attack on the settlers of Elliott Bay was staged. The Duwamish also had a village near Factoria called 'pah-pah-DEEL'. Bellevue was first settled by European Americans in 1869 by William Meydenbauer and Aaron Mercer, who claimed homestead tracts several miles apart. Both moved away within a few years, and permanent residents did not arrive until 1879. 

Is Bellevue, WA a good place to live?

Bellevue offers a high quality of life, excellent schools, and great employment opportunities. The city has a thriving downtown area, which is home to world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The city also has a great transportation system, which includes buses, and light rail. Additionally, Bellevue is home to many parks and outdoor spaces, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden and Bellevue Downtown Park.

Is Bellevue, WA a wealthy area?

Bellevue boasts a high median household income, which was over $110,000, well above the national average. Bellevue is a thriving economic center, home to numerous tech companies and corporate headquarters, including Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Expedia. As of January 2023, Bellevue had a population of over 150,000 residents, making it the fifth-largest city in Washington State. Bellevue consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States due to its high quality of life, low crime rate, and excellent amenities.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Bellevue

Wpm Northwest

Divine Maids

Bellevue Downtown Park

Bellevue Botanical Garden

Newcastle Beach Park

Bellevue Club

Bellevue Downtown Park

Mercer Slough Nature Park

Overlake Medical Center

Bellevue Medical Center

23 Fit Club

Trillium Yoga Studio

Barre3

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