Best Places to Live in Bellevue

What are the best places to live in Bellevue, WA? We have you covered with some of the best neighborhoods below and local spots for each!

Are you moving to Bellevue, WA, and want to know where to live? As one of the best places to live in Washington, Bellevue is an upscale city home to many highly-rated neighborhoods and safe communities, attracting many young professionals and families to the area.

Recognized as the largest suburb of Seattle with a population of more than 149,440 people, Bellevue is best known for its excellent schools, top-rated parks, promising job market, and other sought-after amenities in the Eastside region of King County. Bellevue offers its residents a mixture of urban and suburban living and is just 20 minutes from Seattle.

Even though Bellevue is considered to have a higher cost of living than Seattle, its quieter neighborhoods and low crime rate make it such a desirable place to live. So if you are searching for a laid-back city ideal for buying or renting your next home, Bellevue might be the place for you.

Keep reading to learn about the seven best neighborhoods in Bellevue, WA!

Here are the seven best neighborhoods in Bellevue, WA!

Somerset

Somerset is a beautiful neighborhood in King County with a growing population of over 6,549 people. Ranked as one of the best neighborhoods in Bellevue to raise a family, Somerset offers its residents a dense suburban feel with plenty of public parks, restaurants, and local coffee shops. The median home value in Somerset is over one million dollars, and most residents in Somerset own a home.

In the country's top 15% of highest-income neighborhoods, Somerset is wealthy. It is considered to be 98% more expensive than other neighborhoods in Washington and 98% of other neighborhoods in the United States. The real estate in Somerset comprises medium to large single-family homes and townhomes that were established and built between 1970 and 1999.

As a minimally walkable neighborhood, 65.6% of residents own a vehicle to commute to and from work. The average commute time in Somerset is between 15 and 30 minutes.

For those moving to Somerset with school-aged children, this neighborhood is known for its many highly-rated public schools and diversity. As part of the Bellevue School District, some of the best public schools that serve the area include Somerset Elementary School and Newport Senior High School. Forest Ridge High School of the Sacred Heart is also located here.

Local Favorites:

• Eastgate Park: Found on the same campus as the South Bellevue Community Center, this spacious public park features a playground, wooded walking trails, tennis courts, and a ball field.
• South Bellevue Community Center: This 32,000-square-foot facility in Eastgate Park is in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club and offers a wide variety of classes, activities, and recreation programs for all ages.
• Bellevue Botanical Garden: Located east of Downtown Bellevue, this beautiful botanical garden was established in 1992 and is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year.

Lake Hills

Lake Hills is located south of the Crossroads and North of the Eastgate neighborhood in Bellevue. With a history that dates back to the early 1900s, Lake Hills was once the home of Japanese immigrants that farmed the land between Larsen Lake and Phantom Lake. Now home to over 14,745 people, Lake Hills is a significant neighborhood that is an ideal place to live for young professionals and families.

Lake Hills is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Bellevue, offering residents a mixture of urban and suburban living, where half of the resident's rent and the other half buy their homes. Best known for its highly-rated public schools, there are plenty of delicious restaurants, coffee shops, and parks in Lake Hills. Some of the best public schools that serve Lake Hills include Sammamish Senior High School, Interlake Senior High School, and Bellevue High School.

Local Favorites:

• Lake Hills Community Park: The perfect place to visit with the whole family, this 10.78-acre park features a playground, picnic areas, two ballfields, a basketball court, and open green space.
• Phantom Lake Park: Located in the Lake Hills Greenbelt, this lake park features walking trails, fishing areas, and a handicap-accessible dock.
• Wilburton Hill Park: Considered to be the largest upland park in the city of Bellevue, this 105.49-acre park offers a variety of recreational opportunities and features picnic areas, baseball fields, soccer fields, a playground, and walking trails.

Bridle Trails

The Bridle Trails neighborhood in Bellevue is home to a population of 7,167 people and is named for being adjacent to Bridle Trails State Park. Described as a tranquil neighborhood located only a few minutes from downtown Bellevue, Bridle Trails is one of the safest neighborhoods in Bellevue that is found near Highway 520, Interstate 405, and some of the best high-tech companies in the area.

Providing its residents with a mixture of urban and suburban living, many young professionals live in Bridle Trails, and most own their homes. Offering homes on 3/4 plus acre lots and access to up to 28 miles of walking and equestrian trails, this beautiful neighborhood is private and known for its outdoor recreation opportunities.

Local Favorites:

• Bellevue Downtown Park: This 21-acre park in the heart of Bellevue consists of a circular ring with a large central greenspace surrounded by walking trails and a double row of shade trees. There is even a 240-foot-wide waterfall, a picnic green, and a playground at this park.
• Bridle Trails State Park: Take advantage of the many hiking and equestrian trails at this 489-acre state park. No bikes are allowed.
• Viewpoint Park: Visit this wooded park with several unpaved loop trails in a secluded forested area.

Eastgate

The neighborhood of Eastgate is home to a growing population of over 5,000 people and was first annexed by Bellevue in 2012. Ranked 38th of 522 areas in the state of Washington based on per capita income, Eastgate is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Bellevue. With an average age of 50 years old, many established professionals, families, and retirees live in Eastgate, 74% of which are homeowners.

Offering its residents a sparse suburban feel, Eastgate features plenty of restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and highly-rated schools. Some of the best schools in the area that serve Eastgate include Sammamish Senior High School, Newport Senior High School, and Issaquah High School.

Local Favorites:

• Bellevue Square: Get all your shopping done at this local shopping center with over 200 retail stores and dining options.
• Hong Noodle: Order Japanese noodles and Teriyaki dishes at this restaurant in Eastgate Plaza.
• Taqueria Los Tetillas: Enjoy authentic Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, at this Bellevue favorite food truck.

Factoria

Factoria is a mixed-use suburban neighborhood in south Bellevue that is considered one of the best places to live in the state of Washington and King County. As one of the city's central commercial districts, Factoria offers residents a dense suburban feel where most residents own their homes. Known to be a great destination in Bellevue for shopping and dining, Factoria is home to plenty of retail stores, local boutiques, and top-rated restaurants.

Once envisioned as an industrial center between the 1890s and the 1920s, Factoria was named for its future industry in business. Now a thriving commercial and residential development close to Interstate 405, it is no wonder that Factoria is such a desirable place to live in Bellevue.

For those moving to Factoria with school-aged children, some of the top-rated public schools that serve the area include Sammamish Senior High School, Bellevue High School, Newport Senior High School, and International School. Some top-rated private schools serving the area include Eastside Preparatory School, The Northwest School, and The Bush School.

Local Favorites:

• Newcastle Beach Park: A great place for the whole family. This is the largest beach park in Bellevue, with opportunities for swimming and sunbathing. There is even a 300-foot dock and a play area for younger children.
• Tokyo Japanese Restaurant: Best known for its lunchtime bento boxes and sushi.
• Tapatio Mexican Restaurant: Dine on Mexican fare for lunch, dinner, and happy hour at this family-friendly and vibrant restaurant.

Wilburton

Wilburton is a popular neighborhood in Bellevue that is a mixed-use area comprised of office parks, residential streets, open green spaces, and public parks. Located east of downtown Bellevue, Wilburton has over 4,400 people. It is considered a great place to live for young professionals and families for its proximity to high-tech companies and highly-rated public schools. Offering a mixture of urban and suburban living, there are plenty of casual eateries, coffee shops, large grocery stores, and family-friendly activities.

Known as a minimally walkable neighborhood, most residents own cars to get around town. With a low crime rate and plenty of dog-friendly establishments, Wilberton is one of Bellevue's most sought-after places to call home. For those moving with school-aged children, some of the top-rated schools that are part of the Bellevue School District that serve the area include Woodridge Elementary School, Chinook Middle School, and Bellevue High School.

Local Favorites:

• KidsQuest Children's Museum: Great for families and children through age 10, this interactive and hands-on children's museum offers STEAM-based learning opportunities through play, interactive exhibits, workshops, and summer camps.
• Kelsey Creek Park: This 150-acre park is open year-round and features farm animals, walking trails, and a playground.
• The Pumphouse Bar and Grill: Established in 1978, this popular neighborhood hangout serves breakfast, bar food, and a great beer selection.

West Bellevue

West Bellevue is located near downtown Bellevue and expands to Lake Washington. Home to a population of over 15,500 people, West Bellevue, is an affluent neighborhood with a busy downtown district centered around a park with a waterfall. Offering its residents an urban feel, most residents rent their homes. The median home value in West Bellevue is over one million dollars.

A popular place to live for young professionals due to the neighborhood's proximity to large companies and small businesses, West Bellevue, has a lot to offer, from its award-winning restaurants to its beautiful public parks. Providing an impressive skyline and only the best of city life, many successful business people and well-known sports figures live in West Bellevue.

Known for being a safe community, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, community events, and fun things to do in this diverse and vibrant neighborhood. If you are moving to West Bellevue with school-aged children, some of the top-rated schools that serve the area include Islander Middle School, Bellevue High School, and International School.

Local Favorites:

• Bellevue Arts Museum: Established in 1975, this nonprofit museum is dedicated to contemporary visual art, craft, and design through rotating and permanent exhibits. Visitors can enjoy host shows, installations, and demos by regional and national artists.
• Carmine's: Dine at this authentic refined Italian restaurant that serves classic Italian dishes and features an extensive wine list.
• Earls Kitchen and Bar: Enjoy gourmet burgers and comfort food alongside craft cocktails, wine, and beer in an elegant and upscale atmosphere.

Best Places to Live in Bellevue, WA - Final Thoughts

Whether you are relocating for its mild climate, low snowfall, or great public schools, Bellevue is a fantastic option if you are looking to move to Washington. With so many extraordinary neighborhoods and tight-knit communities, it can be challenging to choose just one. From single-family homes for sale in Bellevue to luxury homes for sale in Bellevue, finding your dream home in Bellevue that meets your needs and price point is possible with the help of our friendly and knowledgeable Real Estate Specialists.

If you or anyone you know is interested in searching homes for sale in Bellevue, contact us today to get started! We are here to help and answer any questions. For more information about moving or buying a home, please refer to our other local area guides on our website, including moving to Washington, moving to Seattle, the best neighborhoods in Seattle, moving to Redmond, and the best neighborhoods in Redmond.

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