Pros and Cons of Living in Bellevue Washington: Is It the Right Move for You?
Are you considering relocating to Bellevue, Washington? This beautiful city nestled in King County offers a unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. However, before you make the move, it's essential to weigh the pros and the cons of living here in Bellevue. In this video, we'll explore the life in Bellevue, Washington from its booming tech job market, to excellent schools, to its high cost of living and traffic challenges.
Whether you're a young professional or a growing family or a retiree, this comprehensive guide will help you determine if Bellevue is the right fit for you and your lifestyle. And if you stay till the end of the video, I have a bonus tip for you, which I'm sure you're going to love. So, let's get started.
Hi, my name is Darius Senses, your Greater Seattle REALTOR® friend, and welcome back to my channel. Bellevue, Washington, with its vibrant downtown scene and lots of parks and green spaces, it offers a unique lifestyle that captures the attention of many. It's probably one of the most desirable places to live here in King County.
However, like any place, Bellevue comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. And as you plan on relocating to Bellevue, Washington, it's crucial to weigh the pros and the cons of living in Bellevue to determine if this city is for you. So, let's get right into it.
One of the most significant pros of living in Bellevue is its robust job market and plenty of economic opportunities. Bellevue is home to several major tech companies, including Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile, providing a wealth of job opportunities in Bellevue for professionals in the tech industry. However, the city's job market extends beyond the tech sector, with opportunities in fields such as finance, healthcare, and retail.
According to the City of Bellevue's official website, the city boasts a diverse and thriving business community with over 150,000 jobs across various industries. The city's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship has attracted numerous startups and small businesses, further contributing to its economic growth. While the job market and economic opportunities in Bellevue are undoubtedly attractive, one of the most significant cons of living in Bellevue is the high cost of living.
Bellevue consistently ranks amongst the most expensive cities in the United States, with a cost of living index that is 68% higher than the national average. Housing costs are a major contributor to the high cost of living here in Bellevue. According to Redfin, the median home price in Bellevue as of early 2024 is a staggering $1.3 million, which is significantly higher than the national median of $419,000.
That is the average between single-family homes and condos and townhomes, which are more affordable. In addition to housing, other expenses such as utilities, transportation, and healthcare are also higher than the national average, further adding to the overall cost of living here in Bellevue. One of the major draws for families considering relocating to Bellevue, Washington is the city's excellent education system.
Bellevue School District consistently ranks among the best in the state and in the nation, with top-rated schools at all levels. According to Niche.com, which is a popular school-ranking platform, Bellevue boasts several high-rated public schools, including Newport High School, Bellevue High School, an International Community School, and Interlake High School, all of which receive an A-plus grade. The district's commitment to academic excellence, diverse course offerings, and extracurricular activities make it an attractive option for families with school-aged children.
While Bellevue offers a wealth of amenities and opportunities, one of the bad things about living in Bellevue, Washington is the traffic congestion and limited public transportation options. Despite the city's efforts to improve the transportation infrastructure, commuting can be a significant challenge, especially during peak hours. Interstate 405, Interstate 90, and State Route 520, all three are major highways that run through Bellevue and are notorious for heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks.
The city's growing population and influx of commuters from neighboring cities have really contributed to the traffic situation, leading to longer commute times and increased frustration for residents. There's also what appears to be a constant roadwork around, and as the city attempts to maintain and improve all of the roads, but that only adds to the traffic congestion. And while Bellevue does have a public transportation system, including buses and light rail, it's not as extensive or as convenient as some residents might prefer.
Many residents still rely heavily on personal vehicles, contributing to the traffic congestion and parking challenges in the city. Unless you live and work in the downtown core, you'll likely need a car to get around here. One of the most appealing pros of living in Bellevue is the abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities available to residents.
Bellevue is surrounded by natural beauty, with easy access to parks, trails, and waterways. The city takes pride in having over 100 parks and trails, including the popular Bellevue Botanical Garden, Mercer Slough National Park, and Downtown Park. These green spaces offer residents a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, picnicking, and bird watching.
Additionally, Bellevue's proximity to Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide ample opportunities for water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and swimming. For those seeking more adventurous outdoor pursuits, the Cascade Mountains are just a short drive away, offering hiking, skiing, and other winter sports. While Bellevue excels in many areas, one of the cons of living in Bellevue is its limited nightlife and cultural offerings compared to larger cities such as Seattle.
Although the city has a growing arts and entertainment scene with venues such as Maiden Bower Center and the Bellevue Arts Museum, the options for nightlife and cultural events are relatively limited. Residents seeking a more vibrant nightlife scene or a wider range of cultural attractions may find themselves frequently traveling to nearby Seattle or other surrounding cities. This can be inconvenient for those who prefer to have a diverse array of entertainment options within their immediate vicinity.
Another attractive pro of living in Bellevue is its reputation as a safe and family-friendly community. Bellevue consistently ranks among the safest cities in Washington State with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. According to Niche.com, Bellevue receives an A-plus grade for being a good place to raise a family, citing its excellent public school system, abundant parks and recreational facilities, and overall high quality of life.
The city's commitment to public safety, well-maintained neighborhoods, and community events contribute to its family-friendly atmosphere. It's actually kind of amazing how drastic the overall feeling of safety is when comparing Bellevue to Seattle. In Bellevue, crime is limited, you don't really see any homeless around in the city, and overall most residents feel safe at all times, whether it's shopping during the day or taking your dog out for a walk late at night.
In Seattle, it's a completely different story and feel. There are many parts of town that one would not feel safe walking around at night. Another downside to consider is the high cost of health care in Bellevue.
Residents pay around 33% more for health care services compared to the national average. This can be a significant expense, especially for families or individuals with ongoing medical needs. While Bellevue is home to world-class health care facilities like Overlake Hospital, the high cost can be a burden for many residents.
And as promised, the bonus tip. One of the significant pros of living in Bellevue in 2024 is its proximity to Seattle and other major cities in the Puget Sound region. Bellevue's location just 10 miles east of Seattle provides residents with easy access to amenities and attractions of a major metropolitan area.
With its convenient transportation links including Interstate 90 and State Route 520, residents in Bellevue can easily commute to Seattle for work, entertainment, or cultural events. Additionally, Bellevue's central location within the Puget Sound region makes it a convenient base for exploring other nearby cities like Tacoma, Everett, and Olympia. This proximity to major cities offers Bellevue residents the best of both worlds.
The tranquility and community feel of a suburban environment combined with the vibrancy and diversity of a larger metropolitan area. So yes, living in Bellevue, Washington offers a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. While the city boasts a thriving job market, excellent schools, and abundant outdoor recreational opportunities, it also comes with a high cost of living, traffic congestion, and limited nightlife and cultural offerings.
Ultimately, the decision to relocate to Bellevue will depend on your individual priorities and your lifestyle preferences. By carefully weighing the pros and the cons of living in Bellevue, you can make an informed decision about whether this vibrant city is the right fit for you and your family. Remember, the key is to prioritize factors that matter most to you and ensure that Bellevue aligns with your long-term goals and aspirations.
And if you'd like to learn more about real estate landscape of Bellevue and its surrounding areas, then be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on all my socials so you don't miss any future videos. I put them out weekly and I would love for you to follow along. Also, hit the like button if you found this video informative and you can click on any of the boxes on the screen to view my other videos.
Once again, I'm Darius Senses, your Greater Seattle Realtor friend. Thank you for watching and I'll see you in the next video.
