Firstly why Bellevue, Washington?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Bellevue
• State: Washington
• Population: 148,164 people
• Bellevue’s quick summary would be Renowned for its upscale shopping centers, beautiful Lake Washington waterfront, and thriving tech industry.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 20,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 13,000 annually
• Net Migration: 7000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 1,000
• Number of Homeless people: 400

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its strong economy and high-tech industries attracting professionals

Perk #1: Bellevue Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 40%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 60%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Asian
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $90,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Bellevue is $92,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $2000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Bellevue’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 150 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $5,556
• Property Tax %: 1.1%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,500
• Rent for an average house: $3,200
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Medina
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Kirkland, and probably could include Renton
• Avg. Age of Homes in Bellevue: 48 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Bellevue’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Bellevue are  Technology, Healthcare, and Retail
• Bellevue Job Scene: growing job market in tech and finance
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech ecosystem with emphasis on software development and innovation , ,
• Bellevue Resident’s pay $2,000 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Bellevue: 8.1%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 300 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 20

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Bellevue

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $140 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-405 connects Bellevue to major urban centers in Seattle
• Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic congestion on 405
• Transportation Score: 52 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Bellevue: 100,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.7
• No. of Car Washes: 4 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Bellevue: dol.wa.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 68 of 100
• Local Airport: Seattle-Tacoma International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Bellevue’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Earthquakes
• General Weather in Bellevue is best described as mild winters warm summers with regular precipitation
• Winter Weather in Bellevue i’d describe as cool with rainy weather
• Spring Weather in Bellevue can be described as cool with rain likely
• Summer’s in Bellevue are mostly mild and pleasant
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Bellevue is usually cool and dry
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 7 days in summer
• Days in a row in Bellevue below Freezing: 4
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained primarily through regulations
• Bellevue Winter Air generally good air quality but can spike during winter

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Bellevue Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Bellevue 4
• While the number of trade schools inside Bellevues’s city limits are 5
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Bellevue Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Bellevue Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Bellevue only Doctors is about 100
• Local Hospitals here is  5
• Full-time Bellevue only Police Officers is about 160
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Bellevue’s Monthly utility bill average is $140
• Bellevue’s Monthly Gym Membership: $55
• Bellevue’s Water Quality Score: 82

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Bellevue

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 7 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: affluent suburb with a strong business presence and parks
• You might enjoy performances at the Bellevue Arts Museum
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Bellevue  offers a vibrant nightlife with upscale bars and dining reflecting the city’s affluence and diversity

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Bellevue

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes upscale dining and a wide range of casual options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 30 scattered around Bellevue
• The Popular Sports Team is Bellevue Wolverines
• Top Level Political Climate in Bellevue can be described as moderately progressive suburb with a focus on technology
• Bellevue’s Longer standing religious establishment is Bellevue First Presbyterian Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Bellevue Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Bellevue has 30 Parks?
• Bellevue Botanical Garden is Bellevue’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Bellevue Farmers Market normally open Thursday 4pm-8pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and parks

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Bellevue Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Bellevue can be described as fast-paced suburban life centered around technology and business
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Bellevue hiking local trails community picnics exploring parks
• The Cities people commute to from Bellevue are Seattle 10 miles away Kent 7 miles away Tukwila 11 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Bellevue or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: traffic congestion on 405. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Bellevue’s Earthquakes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Medina is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Bellevue are Seattle 10 miles away Kent 7 miles away Tukwila 11 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Bellevue has 4 days in a row below freezing and 7 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Bellevue people have an average (positive or negative) $2000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   400 homeless people living in Bellevue. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general moderately progressive suburb with a focus on technology could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Bellevue.

Retiree & Senior Life in Bellevue

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax reductions based on income eligibility
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Aegis Living
• Bellevue Senior Center features social events recreational activities and health resources for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Bellevue, Washington?

If Bellevue, Washington ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Bellevue, Washington, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!