This beautifully scenic Pacific Northwest city is exploding economically--it's been named the sixth wealthiest city in the state and was named the number one place to live and own a business by CNNMoney in 2008.
French for "beautiful view," Bellevue is a commercial and business hub. It is no longer just a suburb of Seattle--considered an "edge city" or a "boomburb," Bellevue is putting itself on the map!
If you are planning or considering a move to this exciting city, read on for tips on how to make your transition a smooth and easy one.
Bellevue Climate
The city experiences chilly, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Be sure to pack your umbrella, because rainfall is frequent--35 inches falls approximately 155 days a year. However, snowfall is infrequent--usually light dustings that only accumulate to 3-inches annually.
Winter temperatures usually range from the 30s to the mid-40s, and summers are mild with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s.
Bellevue Neighborhoods
The city has a diverse variety of neighborhoods. Be sure to thoroughly research any potential region before relocating to ensure that it is the right place for you!
The Eastgate/Cougar Mountain neighborhood is a scenic, residential region where it isn't unusual to spot a deer, raccoon, or even a bear walking along the street. Beautiful views and an abundance of parks make this district perfect for any lover of nature and wildlife.
Factoria is a densely-populated commercial hub, with both single-and multi-family housing, businesses offices, corporate headquarters, and shopping malls. The area is home to the Factoria Shopping Center.
Other notable neighborhoods include the upscale, lakeside areas East Lake Hills and Sammamish, the exciting downtown district of West Bellevue, and the wooded and rural equestrian area Bridle Trails.
Registering Your Car
As a new resident of Washington, you will be required to update your plates and registration within 30 days of relocating. To do so, you can visit any DOL location or submit the following documents by mail: notarized Vehicle Certificate of Ownership Application, out of state title, and check or money order for the associated fees.
Your driver's license must also be transferred within 30 days of your arrival in the state. You will need to pass a vision test, show proof of identity (in addition to your current out of state license), and your Social Security number. There will also be $35 application fee and a $45 licensing fee, payable with cash, check or credit. Your license can be updated at any Washington DOL office in your area.
Bellevue Schools
Public education in the city is served by Bellevue Public Schools. The district also serves nearby communities Clyde Hill, Medina, Hunts Point, Yarrow Point, Beaux Arts, and portions of Newcastle, Kirkland, Issaquah, and Redmond.
The district operates 27 schools with a total enrollment of 18,000 students. In 2013, Newsweek included five of the district's high schools (Bellevue, Interlake, Newport, International, and Sammamish) on its list of "America's Best High Schools." The same schools were also included in a similar list by the Washington Post, and Bellevue, Interlake, International and Newport were also included on U.S. News World and Report's list of the best schools in the nation.
For higher education, the city is home to Bellevue Community College. Additionally, City University in nearby Seattle is a private four-year school that offers associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees.
Bellevue Employment
In the last 35 years, Bellevue has evolved from a mostly residential suburban community with only 20,000 jobs to a regional economic center with over 140,000 jobs and 143 headquarters. Many residents of nearby cities commute to Bellevue--more people are working in the city than actually living there!
The city has a diverse business climate, ranging from small shops, to medium-sized service businesses, to major company headquarters. Microsoft, T-Mobile, Northwest Labs and Expedia all have offices in Bellevue.
Major industries include the retail, high-tech and service sectors, including software, Internet, architecture, law, finance, environmental management and engineering.
If you are looking for a job in the city, you can apply for positions on the government website. You can also visit the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce for information and resources for starting your own business in the city.
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in the city is slightly high, at about 25 percent greater than the national average overall. Housing costs are the highest expense, at about 50 percent greater than average. A standard one-bedroom apartment in Bellevue goes for about $1,327 a month, and a two-bedroom will run you around $1,797. The median list price for a home in the city is $600,000.
Transportation and grocery costs are about eight percent above the mean, and healthcare costs are 19 percent above average.
However, utility costs are low--eight percent less than the typical American city. Additionally, the state of Washington does not levy an income tax.
Bellevue Moving Resources
There are many moving and storage companies located in Bellevue that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Bellevue Transportation
Public transportation in the city is operated locally by King County Metro and regionally by Sound Transit. You can catch buses from either line at the Bellevue Transit Center, located in the downtown district. Local buses have routes that run to Kirkland, Redmond, Issaquah, Renton, and the University District. Sound Transit buses travel to the cities of Bothell, Lynnwood, Everett, Seattle, Renton, Kent, Auburn, and others.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Bellevue appeals to outdoorsy types and art lovers alike--the city is home to a variety of scenic wildlife parks and artsy museums and festivals.
Check out the recently-remodeled Bellevue Arts Museum for hands-on workshops, education, and fun, eclectic exhibits; or attend the Bellevue Arts and Crafts Fair, celebrated every July. You can also head to Downtown Park twice a year for the Bellevue Sculpture Exhibition to admire three-dimensional artwork created by sculptors around the nation.
The city has no shortage of beautiful parks--Downtown Park, Mercer Slough Nature Park, Chism Beach Park, Newcastle Beach Park, and Wilburton Hill Park are just a few places to enjoy hiking, fishing or a leisurely picnic. You can also admire the 36 acres of peacefully gorgeous landscape at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
Bellevue Relocation Tips
- Be sure to pack your umbrella and invest in flood insurance! Like much of the Pacific Northwest, the city is quite prone to rain.
- Get moving quotes from several movers in the city before choosing one to hire. You can start today right here at Movers.com.
- Pick up a copy of the local newspaper the Bellevue Reporter to find out more about community news, events and entertainment.