Around The Block
Bellevue:
Bellevue began as a small farming community in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. However, the 40’s brought the first bridge across Lake Washington, which connected it to Seattle proper, and brought a flood of new residents. Fast forward a century or so to today, and Bellevue is the third largest city in the Seattle metropolitan area, with a booming economy.
The Lifestyle:
This mid-sized city routinely wins awards for its quality of life.
The majority of Bellevue’s residents are professionals working in management, business, science and arts roles. For those with children, there are many top schools in this area: several Montessori schools, Bellevue College, and the Bellevue School District. For those who value a quick commute, the 520 Bridge, the largest floating bridge in the world, offers easy access to Seattle and the University of Washington, and the East Link Rail Line Extension, coming soon in 2023, will connect Seattle to Mercer Island to Redmond. It will be the world’s first railway to operate on a floating bridge.
Unexpected Appeal:
Whether you’re a fan of the outdoors, the art gallery, or the salon, this neighborhood has something for everyone.
Bellevue has been called “a city in a park”. With nearly 100 to choose from, residents will have no trouble finding a quiet oasis nestled in the heart of the bustling city. Check out the Bellevue Botanical Gardens for 53 acres of cultivated gardens, restored woodlands, and natural wetlands that showcase the plants of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Visit the Bellevue Downtown Park while you’re in the city center. It features an ice skating rink, cascading water features, and a children’s playground for all to enjoy. Bellevue also offers everything you might want from an urban metropolitan: fine dining, shopping, arts, and culture. For the foodies among us, [[Facing East](https://www.facingeastbellevue.com/)](https://www.facingeastbellevue.com/ "Facing East") has earned itself a reputation as one of the most authentic Taiwanese and Chinese restaurants in the country. Their beef noodle soup and Taiwanese pork bao have received rave reviews from all who visit, including 425 Magazine, Seattle Magazine, and the CNN Travel Network. Best to visit for lunch and dinner, but get there early, because it fills up quickly. Located just a block away, the Bellevue Arts Museum (BAM) grew out of an art fair that originated in 1947. Staying true to their roots, the BAM has hosted the BAM ARTSfair every summer for 60 years. Their mission is to provide a public forum for the community to contemplate, appreciate, and discuss visual culture through art, craft, and design. Today, the BAM lives in the premium shopping center Bellevue Square, where you can find everything from luxury goods to nightlife.
You'll Fall In Love With:
It didn’t seem possible before, but Bellevue really does have the best of everything.
What makes Bellevue special is the ease of living: its opportunity-rich business district coupled with unlimited recreational options put everything you could want easily within reach. Wherever you go, you’ll find unrivaled service, thoughtful details, and a “wow” factor you won’t find anywhere else.
All pictures and content provided by Compass