The third-largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area, Bellevue has been described as an edge city, a boomburb, or satellite city. CNN Money and USA Today took a more direct approach, repeatedly describing Bellevue as one the nicest cities to live in America, and one of the best cities in which to live and start a business. Cosmopolitan (Bellevue is home to 145 companies), with great shopping and dining destinations (Bellevue hosts The Lodge, Bellevue Square, and One Lincoln Tower), the city also offers beautiful views of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, reminding Bellevue residents of the striking Washington topography even from downtown. No wonder then that the French gave Bellevue its name – “beautiful view.”
In addition to its bustling downtown district, every July Bellevue plays host to the annual Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, an opportunity for Bellevue residents to celebrate the unique cultural and artistic identity of the area. The Bellevue Arts Museum opens its doors annually for this event, but also hosts an extensive selection of classes and workshops throughout the year. Additionally, the nearby Meydenbauer Center features a 410-seat theater and regularly features operas, ballets, and orchestral performances. Clearly, Bellevue is the perfect blend of Washington’s innovative and progressive approach to commerce, creativity, and ecology.
Nearby Areas of Interest:
Bellevue has 16 distinct neighborhood areas, each with their own unique neighborhood character and identity, all home to a diverse and well connected community of neighbors. Additionally, Bellevue is close to a variety of smaller municipalities, towns and cities that, when taken together, represent Western Washington’s unique cultural heritage and ethos.
Bridle Trails
Nestled by Bridle Trails State Park, Bridle Trails is Bellevue's equestrian neighborhood area, with acres of residential property devoted to pastures and trails for horses. Many of the homes in Bridle Trails have equestrian facilities such as barns and pastures, and all residents enjoy the vast green spaces and peaceful ambience found in this rural section of Bellevue.
Beaux Arts
Settled in a woodsy area of Bellevue, the Beaux Arts district was originally founded as an artist's colony. With exclusive access to its private beach, affluent residents and their guests can enjoy Lake Washington within walking distance of their home. Homeowners describe the neighborhood as having a small town feel while still remaining close to larger employers and metropolitan areas. Many of the homes in this area are diverse in architectural design. A major draw for visitors: the Mercer Slough Nature Park.
Clyde Hill
From Clyde Hill’s many higher elevations, Residents of this small city enjoy spectacular views of Lake Washington, Mount Rainer, the Olympic Mountains, the Cascade Mountain range and the Seattle or Bellevue skyline. The City's park-like towering evergreens and a lush profusion of northwestern foliage on public and private property are the pride of its friendly citizens and a delight to visitors.
Yarrow Point
The sylvan look and feel of Yarrow Point, a small residential community bordered on three sides by Lake Washington, offers residents a welcome respite from the pressures of modern life. Formed to preserve its unique characteristics in the face of a changing Puget Sound, one fourth of the homes in Yarrow Point enjoy waterfront locations or water access, while the remaining three quarters offer views ranging from expansive to territorial.
Hunts Point
At one time, a camping ground for the Sammamish Indians, the residential community of Hunts Point is one of the smallest municipalities in Washington, yet its proximity to Seattle and Bellevue makes it a highly desirable place to live. Hunts Point residents enjoy access to Lake Washington and the activities and views afforded by waterfront living, as well as the privacy of life in an urban forest.
