Pros & Cons Living in Bellevue

Introduction:

In this blog, we delve into the intricacies of the Pros & Cons of Living in Bellevue WA. From the exceptional luxury shopping and dining experiences to the thriving job market, abundant outdoor opportunities, and the city's reputation, we'll navigate through the positives and challenges. This blog aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of living in Bellevue WA. As a real estate broker in the area, I want to share my expertise about the greater Seattle area. I help many home buyers who are looking to relocate to the Seattle area.

With that said, here are the Pros & Cons of Living in Bellevue!

Pro #1: Shopping & Dining

The Bellevue Collection, a combination of Bellevue Square Mall and Lincoln Square, stands as a luxury of shopping and dining experiences in Bellevue, Washington. Hosting over 200 shops and 50 diverse dining options, this destination delivers a taste of luxury and indulgence. With its fusion of high-end brands and phenomenal dining choices, the Bellevue Collection emerges as an unmatched experience for those seeking the finer things in life within the area.

Pro #2: Strong Job Market

Bellevue enjoys a booming job market anchored by respected corporations such as Microsoft, T-Mobile, and Expedia. The city's strategic location, a mere 20-minute drive from Seattle, further highlights its appeal by offering expanded job prospects. The proximity to major corporations and the thriving job market contributes significantly to the city's popularity, attracting professionals seeking dynamic career opportunities in Bellevue.

Pro #3: Outdoor Opportunities

The natural landscapes surrounding Bellevue present a variety of outdoor and recreational activities for residents. Among the popular locations, Downtown Bellevue Park, Meydenbauer Park and Bellevue Botanical Gardens stand out as great options for leisure and natural beauty. Whether walking through Downtown Bellevue Park, enjoying the scenic beauty of Meydenbauer Park, or immersing oneself in the tranquility of Bellevue Botanical Gardens, these areas offer a vast array of experiences, contributing significantly to the city's allure.

Pro #4: Highly Rated City

In a Niche 2021 article, Bellevue ranked among the top 10 best cities to live in the United States, drawing attention to its exceptional qualities. This recognition stems from various criteria, including affordability, the housing market, diversity, quality of schools, and walkability. With its combination of outdoor appeal, diverse communities, excellent educational opportunities, and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods, Bellevue continues to attract appreciation and admiration both locally and across the country as a great city to reside.  

Con #1: Cost of Living

One of the primary cons of living in Bellevue is the higher cost of living when compared to Seattle. The Bellevue median home price is around $1.3 million, notably higher than Seattle's price of $800,000. This steep contrast in housing costs inevitably affects rental prices as well. Additionally, the limited availability of affordable housing options makes it difficult for many individuals and families to find reasonably priced accommodation in Bellevue's expensive real estate market.

Con #2: Traffic

Like the city of Seattle, Bellevue wrestles with considerable traffic congestion. The challenges stem from infrastructure limitations and the city's expanding population, leading to congested major highways such as Interstate i405 and i90. Despite attempts to lessen congestion, the city contends with ongoing traffic issues, especially during peak hours, affecting residents navigating through these heavily congested roads.

Con #3: Rainy Weather

Bellevue experiences a weather pattern of consistent drizzling rain for over 150 days a year. The enduring gray and gloomy atmosphere are apparent for a significant portion of the year. This weather pattern, with its lack of sunlight and extended periods of rain, can impact residents' moods, which lead to seasonal depression. The persistent overcast skies and continuous drizzle throughout a substantial part of the year may create an atmosphere challenging to individuals who thrive in sunnier climates, impacting their overall well-being and mental health.

Con #4: Lack of Big-Name Events

One of the cons of living in Bellevue is the scarcity of major events compared to Seattle. The entertainment options, including concerts, sporting events, and festivals, are fewer in Bellevue when contrasted to the vibrant scene in Seattle. While Bellevue offers its share of entertainment, it falls short in providing the number of big-name events. Bellevue residents when accessing events outside Bellevue often demand driving or ride-sharing services due to the absence of public transportation options like the light rail found in Seattle to these events. Therefore, residents may find themselves traveling to Seattle often for a vaster range of entertainment choices.

As a real estate broker in the area, I help many home buyers looking to move into the area. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions about the Seattle area.

Phone: 206-643-7213

Email: gus@dmdrealestate.com

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