What You Must Know Before Moving to Bellevue WA | Living In Bellevue Washington
Are you considering relocating to Bellevue, Washington this year? Well, you've come to the right place. Bellevue has become a sought after destination for those seeking a dynamic lifestyle and is one of the most popular places to live here in Washington state. So in this video, we'll cover what you must know before moving here.
Hi, my name is Darius Sensies, your Greater Seattle REALTOR® friend. Welcome back to my channel where I put out videos like this weekly to give you all the information that you want know before moving here to Washington. Today, we're talking about Bellevue, a thriving city located across Lake Washington from Seattle, offering a perfect blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
With a population of about 148,000 people, it strikes a perfect balance between a bustling metropolitan area and a close-knit community. We will cover 13 topics about everything that you would want to know. So let's get started.
One of the biggest advantages of living in Bellevue is its proximity to Seattle and other major cities in the region. It's just a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle, about 20 minutes north of the SeaTac International Airport, and about 15 minutes from the Microsoft Campus in Redmond, as well as very close to other tech hubs in Perkland and Issaquah. It's centrally located and just a short drive or bus ride away so you can easily access all the cultural, entertainment, and employment opportunities that the Seattle region has to offer.
The cost of living in Bellevue remains higher than the national average as of 2024. According to the latest data from Zillow, the median home price in Bellevue is now $1.7 million, a significant increase from the previous year. Despite the high housing costs, Bellevue continues to attract homebuyers due to its strong job market, excellent schools, and a desirable lifestyle.
And while housing is a major expense, other living costs in Bellevue are also above average. The Council for Community and Economic Research reports that Bellevue's overall cost-of-living index is significantly higher than the national average. This means that expenses like groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare are generally more expensive in Bellevue compared to other parts of the country.
However, the higher costs are often balanced by competitive salaries offered by major employers here in the area. The median household income in Bellevue is $144,000, more than double the national median. With careful budgeting, financial planning, many residents find the quality of life here in Bellevue worth the premium cost of living.
The beautiful city of Bellevue offers a diverse range of neighborhoods with amazing amenities. For example, downtown Bellevue is a bustling city center. It's known for its high-rise condos, luxury shopping, and a vibrant nightlife.
We also have West Bellevue, which is everything west of 405. The whole area is a family-friendly area with excellent schools, parks, and a strong sense of community. We also have the Eastgate community, which is a more affordable neighborhood with easy access to major employers and outdoor recreation.
Another one of my favorites is Somerset. It's an upscale residential area with large homes, golf courses, and a peaceful atmosphere. It also offers great views.
And overall, I would argue that there is not a single bad neighborhood or pocket within the city of Bellevue. Bellevue continues to be a major employment powerhouse, especially in the booming tech sector. Leading companies like Microsoft, Amazon, T-Mobile maintain a strong presence, providing an abundant job opportunities across various roles and industries.
According to the latest data from Bellevue Economic Development Department, the city added over 5,000 new jobs in 2023, with the tech industry accounting for nearly 40% of that growth. The city's diverse job market extends beyond tech giants. Bellevue is also home to a thriving startup ecosystem with numerous small businesses and entrepreneurs contributing to the local economy.
The city's business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, and proximity to major markets make it an attractive destination for companies of all sizes. In fact, Bellevue was recently ranked as number three best city for startups in the United States by Forbes magazine. Bellevue School District is consistently ranked among the top districts in the state with excellent public schools and high academic achievement.
There are also several private schools in the area catering to different educational philosophies and needs. For higher education, Bellevue College and the satellite campuses of several universities provide ample opportunities for continued education. Bellevue is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts with numerous parks, trails, and waterfront activities.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden, Mercer Slough Nature Park, and the Lake to Lake Trails offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. Downtown Bellevue Park is also very popular and located just minutes from everything that downtown has to offer. Additionally, the city's proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the Puget Sound provide easy access for skiing, boating, and other water sports.
Bellevue is a shopper's dream with iconic Bellevue Square and Lincoln Square shopping offering a wide range of high-end retailers, boutiques, high-end designer stores, and dining options. The city also boasts a vibrant culinary scene with restaurants featuring diverse cuisines from around the world, as well as local farm-to-table establishments. Bellevue is generally considered a very safe city with low crime rates and a strong police presence.
The city also has excellent healthcare facilities including Overlake Medical Center and the Seattle Children's Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center ensuring access to top-notch medical care. The Bellevue real estate market remains red hot and highly competitive as we move into the summer of 2024. According to the latest data from the Northwest MLS, which is the Northwest Multiple Listing Service, the median home price in Bellevue reached a staggering $1.6 million in May of 2024, which is up over 20% from the previous year.
With limited inventory of homes for sale and a strong demand from buyers, properties are selling very quickly, often with multiple offers and over-asking price. And if you'd like to purchase a home in Bellevue, it's crucial to work with an experienced local realtor who understands the nuances of the market. Market is moving very fast and is very competitive, so it's important to have right representation in order to be successful.
So if you're looking to buy a home, I would love to be a resource and help. Bellevue experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters. While the city receives a fair amount of rainfall, especially during the winter months, the temperatures rarely reach extreme highs or lows.
So residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round with proper preparation for the changing seasons. Bellevue offers a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene with various options for dining, live music, theaters, and more. The main Bower Center hosts concerts and shows and events throughout the year, while the Lincoln Square Cinemas and the Bellevue Arts Museum provide cultural experiences.
Additionally, the city's proximity to downtown Seattle allows easy access to major sporting events, concerts, and other attractions. Bellevue is well-equipped with a range of local services and amenities to meet the needs of its residents. The city has several public libraries, community centers, and parks, as well as excellent public transportation options, including buses and the Sound Transit light rail system.
Additionally, Bellevue offers a variety of municipal services such as utilities and emergency services. Bellevue is a diverse and welcoming community with residents from various cultural backgrounds and ethnicities. The city celebrates its diversity through events, festivals, and community organizations, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity.
Additionally, Bellevue has a strong sense of community spirit with numerous opportunities for civic engagement and neighborhood events. In a nutshell, relocating to Bellevue Washington offers a unique blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and an excellent job market. While the cost of living here may be higher than in some other areas, the city's excellent schools, recreational opportunities, and diverse communities make it an attractive destination for families, professionals, and anyone seeking a high quality of life.
And make sure to check out my previous video on the pros and cons of living in Bellevue in case you missed it so you can make an informed decision about whether this city is the right fit for you. If you'd like to learn more about Bellevue Washington and its surrounding areas, then please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on all my socials so you don't miss any of these videos, which I put out weekly. Also, please hit the like button if you found this informative, and you can click on the boxes on the screen to view my other videos too.
Once again, I'm Darius Simsies, your Greater Seattle REALTOR® friend. Thank you for watching, and I'll see you in the next video.
