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What is the best neighborhood in Bellevue, WA?
Discover the charm and job opportunities that Bellevue, WA has to offer. Our guide provides a sneak peek into the unique neighborhoods and features that make Bellevue a picturesque town located on the eastern side of King County and just over five miles south of Kirkland.
Experience the lively culture and breathtaking park system, offering outdoor activities like hiking and biking. Bellevue also boasts a thriving downtown area with various restaurants, art galleries, and public parks. Explore the rapidly expanding clean technology industry dedicated to reducing environmental impact while remaining profitable.
Bellevue is one of the wealthiest mid-sized cities in the US, with an average home value estimated at approximately $1.5 million. Its median household income is more than twice the national median, at an impressive $144,000. Only three cities with over 100,000 residents surpass Bellevue’s income, all in Silicon Valley.
Are you looking to move to Bellevue? Our guide will help you find your dream home in one of the best neighborhoods. Browse the available houses for sale and embark on your new life in this incredible city.
10 Best Neighborhoods In Bellevue
- Bridle Trails
- Beaux Arts Village
- Downtown
- Lakemont
- Eastgate
- Factoria
- Newport Shores
- Somerset
- Lake Hills
- Phantom Lake
Downtown Bellevue
If you want to live in Bellevue’s vibrant downtown, the Downton Bellevue neighborhood is the perfect place for you. It’s situated north of Main Street and west of Interstate 405, with a dense population that makes it easy to explore on foot. You can enjoy the beautiful waterfront space of Meydenbauer Bay Park and a variety of retail and dining options nearby. Within a few blocks, you can find everything from casual to high-end stores, including the sprawling Bellevue Square. Whether you want to shop, dine, or go kayaking down the Mercer Slough, Bellevue offers plenty of activities.
Regarding dining, there’s something for everyone in Downton Bellevue. You can try upscale seafood and steak at Seastar, South Asian cuisine at Nibbana Thai Restaurant, or casual drinks and bar food at Tavern Hall. For a unique experience, check out Fogo de Chão, an internationally renowned steakhouse from Brazil that specializes in roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame.
Suppose you need a break from the hustle and bustle, head to the tranquil Bellevue Downtown Park. It’s just steps away from the city’s tallest buildings and busiest streets. This 21-acre oasis features a one-half-mile promenade, a stepped canal, and a 240-foot-wide waterfall that cascades into a reflecting pond. The park also has a delightful play area and formal gardens, making it a popular spot for community events.
Most of the real estate in Downtown Bellevue consists of condos and other multifamily units in mid- to high-rise developments.
Lakemont
Lakemont is an excellent choice for people looking for a neighborhood in Bellevue. The neighborhood comprises several areas centered around Lakemont Park and Lewis Creek Park, most of which fall within Bellevue’s city limits. However, a small portion falls within Issaquah. Lakemont is within the Issaquah School District and is considered one of Bellevue’s best neighborhoods.
The Lakemont Community Association encompasses several divisions, such as Branderwood, Brighton, Creekside Circle, Longshadow Ridge, Wyngate, Woodcroft, Greystone, Findley Court, Silverleaf, Vuemont Meadows, Collingwood, Sky Mountain, Stratford, Chandler Park, Lakemont Woods, Forest Ridge, the Summit, Belvedere, and Lakemont Highlands. Lakemont also has a small shopping center with various stores and is neighboring Issaquah and Newport, one of Bellevue’s largest suburban areas.
Lakemont’s winding and tranquil streets offer a short commute to central Bellevue, Seattle, and surrounding areas, thanks to nearby Interstate 90. Newport is also nearby, providing extensive shopping and dining options for all preferences.
Most of Lakemont’s real estate comprises detached single-family homes, with a few townhouses supplementing them. These homes are typically large and relatively recently constructed. Typical properties sell for over $1 million, with luxury homes reaching $2.5-4 million.
Lakemont has various amenities, such as Lakemont Community Park, Lewis Creek Park, and Lakemont Village Shopping Center.
Lakemont Community Park spans 16 acres and offers a range of facilities, including a play area, two picnic shelters, a basketball court, two tennis courts, a skate bowl, trails, restrooms, and a softball field.
The Lakemont neighborhood has more than three miles of multiple-use trails that link Lakemont Park and Lewis Creek Park. The park’s unique feature is an extensive stormwater management system that helps reduce flooding and protect Lewis Creek and Lake Sammamish from pollution. From the park, guests can access soft-surface trails leading to Lewis Creek, where visitors can hear the creek sound and spot deer. Visitors should be cautious in some trail areas as they may be steep or have stairs.
The Lewis Creek Park and Visitor Center is a 55-acre park that offers a variety of activities for community gatherings, environmental education, and recreation. The park is dedicated to preserving the land and has maintained over 80% of the area as a natural habitat. Visitors can explore three distinct environments, including wetlands, meadows, and forests, all accessible via boardwalks and soft-surface trails. Lakemont is a peaceful and serene neighborhood located in Bellevue. The community is centered around Lakemont Park and Lewis Creek Park and is primarily located within Bellevue’s city limits (ZIP 98006). A small portion of the neighborhood falls within Issaquah (ZIP 98027). The entire area is part of the Issaquah School District and is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Bellevue.
The Lakemont Community Association comprises several sections, such as Branderwood, Brighton, Creekside Circle, Longshadow Ridge, Wyngate, Woodcroft, Greystone, Findley Court, Silverleaf, Vuemont Meadows, Collingwood, Sky Mountain, Stratford, Chandler Park, Lakemont Woods, Forest Ridge, the Summit, Belvedere, and Lakemont Highlands (Divisions I and II). Lakemont also has a small shopping center with various stores and borders Issaquah and Newport, one of Bellevue’s largest suburban areas.
Lakemont’s peaceful and winding streets offer a short commute to central Bellevue, Seattle, and other areas, thanks to nearby Interstate 90. Newport is also nearby, providing extensive shopping and dining options for all preferences.
Most of Lakemont’s real estate comprises detached single-family houses, with a few townhouses supplementing them. These homes are typically large and relatively recently constructed. Typical properties sell for over $1 million, with luxury homes reaching $2.5-4 million for the most significant.
Lakemont is a community that boasts various amenities, such as Lakemont Community Park, Lewis Creek Park, and Lakemont Village Shopping Center. It is an excellent location for anyone looking for multiple activities to enjoy.
Lakemont Community Park spans 16 acres and has many facilities, including a play area, two picnic shelters, a basketball court, two tennis courts, a skate bowl, trails, restrooms, and a softball field.
The Lakemont neighborhood has more than three miles of multiple-use trails that link Lakemont Park and Lewis Creek Park. The park’s unique feature is an extensive stormwater management system that helps reduce flooding and protect Lewis Creek and Lake Sammamish from pollution. From the park, guests can access soft surface trails leading to Lewis Creek, where visitors can hear the sound of the creek and spot deer. Visitors should be cautious in some trail areas as they may be steep or have stairs.
Lewis Creek Park and Visitor Center covers 55 acres and is a popular destination for community environmental education and recreational activities. The park has taken care to preserve over 80% of its land as natural habitat, making it a great place to explore three diverse habitats – forest, meadow, and wetlands – all accessible through the park’s trails. Apart from the nearly three-mile trail system, the park also has a visitor center, play areas for young and older children, a basketball court, soccer and baseball fields reserved for practices and games, and restrooms open seven days a week from dawn until dusk.
Beaux Arts Village
Beaux Arts Village is a charming community located on the shores of Lake Washington, just a stone’s throw away from downtown Bellevue. Despite its small population of around 300 residents, it offers access to emergency services from neighboring municipalities. The community is tightly-knit and bound together by a strong sense of community. Each property has a custom name sign plate, adding to the area’s uniqueness. Its easy access to the best areas of Bellevue and Seattle, thanks to Interstate 90, located to the south, makes it highly sought-after. Residents can enjoy a private Lake Washington beach and peaceful, tree-lined streets.
Homes in Beaux Arts Village offer a unique and eclectic mix of new and old construction homes in various styles. These homes usually feature three to four bedrooms and two to three-and-a-half bathrooms, spread over 2,000 to nearly 3,600 square feet of living space. To become a “villager,” one would generally have to pay at least $1.7 million, or as much as the $4 million range.
Beaux Arts Village offers incredible amenities, including a close-knit and intimate community feel, waterfront access, a private neighborhood beach, and easy access to Bellevue and Seattle.
Bridle Trails
Bridle Trails is an exceptional community in the southern part of Kirkland, seamlessly blending natural beauty with convenience. Situated north of South Rose Hill and south of Bellevue, this neighborhood boasts beautiful residences on spacious 3/4+ acre lots, with approximately 11,982 people calling it home. The community covers 8% of the city and has 4,944 housing units, with 20% of the residents being under 18.
Bridle Trails is a unique neighborhood that spans both Kirkland and Bellevue, with acres of residential property dedicated to pastures and horse trails, making it a haven for equestrians. However, even those who are not horse enthusiasts appreciate the vast green spaces and peaceful atmosphere. The area is predominantly large single-family lots, with almost two-thirds covered in second-growth timber and an extensive trail system. The community is responsible for safeguarding the trees in public and private areas while ensuring the conservation of Bridle Trails State Park, which spans 482 acres and features 28 miles of paths for equestrians and pedestrians.
Bridle Trails State Park is a popular spot for equestrians between Kirkland and Redmond. The park offers extensive horse trails and a horse-friendly culture, earning it the nickname “the wilderness in the city.” The park caters primarily to equines and their friends, boasting four arenas, horse shows, and organized rides. However, it also welcomes hikers, including those with leashed dogs. Bridle Trails hosts various events, including horse-related activities, arts, stewardship, educational programs, evening musical shows, and the Bridle Trails Foundation’s annual community party.
The community offers easy access to local grocery stores, shops, and restaurants, with convenient access to I-405 and SR-520. Sound Transit offers public transportation services. Bridle Trails provides a beautiful and convenient place to call home, with a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern convenience.
Eastgate
The Eastgate neighborhood, situated on the south side of Interstate 90, was incorporated into Bellevue in 2012 and has now transformed into one of the most prosperous regions in the city. With a population of more than 5,000, it is a sought-after location for established professionals, families, and retirees.
Eastgate is the perfect location for your commute to Seattle. It’s just a 10-mile drive to the vibrant downtown area, where you’ll find many dining, nightlife, and other city attractions. Conveniently located near freeways, plenty of shopping and restaurant options are nearby. The Marketplace at Factoria is a must-visit and houses popular stores such as Target, Nike, and Nordstrom. For groceries and other essentials, Eastgate Plaza is the go-to spot.
For outdoor enthusiasts near Eastgate, visiting Lake Sammamish is a must. This lake offers a variety of activities both on land and water, making it the perfect spot for a fun family outing away from the city. Lake Sammamish State Park features two lakefront beaches, deciduous forest and wetland trails, and a playground. If you’re interested in water sports, rent kayaks or boards at Tibbetts Beach. Alternatively, bring your walking poles, bikes, binoculars, and bird books to explore the beautiful trails.
The park hosts different events throughout the year, including nature walks, bird watching, dog walks, paddling, cycling, kids’ obstacle courses, summer concerts, holiday boat parades, and the annual Parkadilly Fair.
Lake Sammamish State Park covers 531 acres and has 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish.
The neighborhood’s range of homes was primarily built between 1970 and 2000. Homes have diverse architectural styles, from old-school ranches to modernist new construction.
Eastgate offers a suburban atmosphere with many amenities like restaurants, coffee shops, parks, and highly-rated schools. Among the best schools that serve Eastgate are Sammamish Senior High School, Newport Senior High School, and Issaquah High School. Some local favorites include Bellevue Square, a shopping center with over 200 retail stores and dining options.
Factoria
Factoria is an exceptional neighborhood in south Bellevue with a suburban atmosphere with mixed-use features. The area has a dense suburban feel, and most homeowners enjoy access to fantastic shopping and dining options. Originally designed as an industrial center between the 1890s and 1920s, Factoria has transformed into a thriving commercial and residential hub conveniently located near Interstate 405. It’s also the proud home of some of the region’s most highly-rated public and private schools.
If you want to explore the area, there are plenty of local hotspots to visit. One of the most popular destinations is Newcastle Beach Park, which boasts a stunning beach and a 300-foot dock to explore. It’s the largest beach park in Bellevue and offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and nature walks along the nature trail. It’s an excellent spot for the day with a colorful children’s play area and convenient picnic facilities.
Factoria continues to evolve today, with significant gentrification in recent years due to an influx of tech and other white-collar workers. However, it remains a welcoming neighborhood with excellent schools, shopping, and dining options for residents and visitors alike.
Newport Shores
If you’re searching for true luxury in Bellevue, Washington, consider Newport Shores. This family-friendly neighborhood covers over 170 acres and boasts over 340 homes, with nearly a third offering direct canal or waterfront access on the southeast coast of Lake Washington.
Winding streets make Newport Shores ideal for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. Residents have easy access to the Lake Washington bike trail, Mercer Slough, Newcastle Park, and I-405. Downtown Bellevue and Factoria are just a few minutes away, making shopping a breeze.
Newport Shores boasts fantastic amenities, including the Newport Yacht Club, a members-only facility. The yacht club offers a marina with over 100 slips, sports courts, a heated pool, and event space.
Despite its peaceful and secluded lifestyle, Newport Shores is conveniently located near the interchange of Interstates 90 and 405, providing easy access to Seattle and other parts of the region. Downtown Bellevue’s shopping and dining are also just a few minutes away.
Find your dream waterfront home and experience the best luxury living in Newport Shores.
Somerset
Located in the southern part of Bellevue, Somerset is a beautiful suburban neighborhood known for its lush trees and hills. With over 20 subdivisions built in the 1960s and 1970s, Somerset boasts a community of over 1,200 homes. This neighborhood is perfect for those who love the outdoors, with amenities such as the Somerset Recreation Club, which includes a community clubhouse, a pool, tennis courts, and other facilities. Nature enthusiasts can also explore the six-acre Somerset Greenbelt trail system, which connects to other local and regional trails.
Two natural areas that you should take notice of are Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park and Coal Creek Natural Area, both located nearby. These breathtaking areas offer more than 35 miles of trails, providing stunning views of the surroundings. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park spread over 3,000 acres, is connected to Squak Mountain State Park by Cougar-Squak Corridor Park, forming a protected area known as the “Issaquah Alps” that covers about 5,000 acres of public land. The park sits between 1,000 and 1,600 feet above sea level and features over thirty-five miles of trails that traverse different habitats, including mature second-growth forests, streams and wetlands, cliffs, and caves. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Sammamish, the Cascades, Bellevue, Seattle, and beyond. Some areas of the park offer a more secluded environment away from the busy city.
Although most Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park trails are solely for hikers, some allow horseback riding. Visitors must note that staying on the designated trails is crucial due to the potential danger from past mining activities in the park.
Somerset is conveniently located near Interstates 90 and 405, providing easy access to the north-south and east-west regions of the area. Somerset homes for sale are exclusively single-family homes with various architectural styles, usually featuring four to five bedrooms and three to four bathrooms. These homes typically span 2,600 to over 4,000 square feet of living space and start at $1.5 million, reaching nearly $3 million. Somerset also has numerous local parks and trails, making it a great place to explore and a community clubhouse that brings neighbors together.
Somerset is a beautiful neighborhood in King County with a growing population of over 6,549 people. It is considered one of the best neighborhoods in Bellevue to raise a family, offering 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 own a home. Somerset is also among the country’s top 15% of highest-income neighborhoods, making it wealthy. It is considered 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 built between 1970 and 1999.
While Somerset is minimally walkable, 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.
If you’re looking for local favorites, Somerset has plenty to offer. Eastgate Park is a spacious public park with a playground, wooded walking trails, tennis courts, and a ball field. The South Bellevue Community Center is a 32,000-square-foot facility in Eastgate Park that offers various classes, activities, and recreation programs for all ages. Bellevue Botanical Garden, located east of Downtown Bellevue, is a beautiful botanical garden established in 1992 and is open from dawn until dusk every day of the year.
Lake Hills
The Lake Hills neighborhood in Bellevue is a lively and diverse area situated south of Crossroads and north of Eastgate. Its history dates back to the 1900s when Japanese immigrants farmed the land between Larsen Lake and Phantom Lake. Approximately 14,745 people, including young professionals and families, call it home today. Lake Hills is a unique mix of urban and suburban living, with half its residents owning their homes and the other half renting. Families will find that Lake Hills is an excellent place to live due to its outstanding public schools, such as Sammamish Senior High School, Interlake Senior High School, and Bellevue High School. Additionally, Lake Hills features various restaurants, coffee shops, and parks like Lake Hills Community Park, Phantom Lake Park, and Wilburton Hill Park, offering plenty of recreational opportunities.
The Phantom Lake Loop is a 2.4-mile long, 10- to 12-foot-wide paved pathway around Phantom Lake. It provides a range of activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. This trail connects to nearby parks such as Lake Hills Greenbelt, Weowna Park, and Robinswood Park. The loop begins at the corner of 156th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 16th Street, follows Southeast 16th Street eastward until it reaches 168th Avenue Southeast, goes south to Southeast 24th Street, then west to 156th Avenue Southeast, and finally north to the starting point.
Wilburton Hill Park is the biggest upland park in the city, covering 105.49 acres and offering a diverse range of recreational activities. The park’s trail is vital to the Lake to Lake Trail and Greenway System. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the soccer and two ball fields, while children can have fun in the zip line and play area. For adults, exercise equipment is located near the play area, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids.
Wilburton, located east of downtown Bellevue, is highly coveted by young professionals and families. With a population of over 4,400, it offers a blend of urban and suburban living with various amenities. These include office parks, residential streets, open green spaces, and public parks. Its proximity to high-tech companies and excellent public schools make it an attractive option for many.
Although the neighborhood could be more walkable, most residents own cars to get around town. Wilburton boasts a low crime rate and has many dog-friendly establishments, making it one of Bellevue’s most desirable neighborhoods. For families with school-aged children, the Bellevue School District offers some of the best schools, including Woodridge Elementary School, Chinook Middle School, and Bellevue High School.
Wilburton offers plenty of local attractions to explore. The KidsQuest Children’s Museum is an excellent place to take young children. This museum has interactive exhibits for kids up to age ten that focus on STEAM-based learning through play, workshops, and summer camps.
Kelsey Creek Park is another fantastic spot that’s open year-round. It covers 150 acres and has a playground, trails, and farm animals to observe. Kelsey Creek Community Park showcases Bellevue’s rural history with its lush forests, meadows, and wetlands. The park features two historic barns perched atop a hill that offer a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. These barns were once part of Twin Valley Dairy and are now listed in the State Heritage Barn Register. The park is also home to the historic Fraser Cabin near the landmark dairy barns.
The Bellevue Botanical Garden, established in 1992, is a 53-acre public park maintained by various organizations, so it’s free of charge. The garden has many unique gardens with special features and plants. The Native Discovery Garden showcases native plants from the Pacific Northwest and requires minimal upkeep. Meanwhile, the Perennial Border is the most extensive public perennial garden in the United States, featuring plants that thrive in the Pacific Northwest. The Yao Garden has a Japanese theme and boasts plants from Japan, the Pacific Rim, and the Pacific Northwest. The most recent addition to the garden is the Urban Meadow, which features a variety of grasses, perennials, a wetland, and even a mason bee box.
Phantom Lake is a highly sought-after neighborhood in eastern Bellevue that surrounds the beautiful lake it is named after. The area is perfect for nature enthusiasts who still desire the convenience of city living, with many parks and green spaces to explore. Phantom Lake Park is a particular favorite among locals, offering a boat launch, fishing spots, and a paved trail that winds through the city’s oldest and largest trees.
In conclusion, Wilburton is a desirable area in Bellevue due to its blend of urban and suburban living, excellent public schools, low crime rate, and range of amenities and attractions.
Phantom Lake
Phantom Lake is a neighborhood located in East Bellevue, just a mile north of Interstate 90. This location provides easy access to Seattle and other major highways and plenty of shopping and dining options. One of the famous local spots is Lil’ Jon Restaurant and Lounge. The homes in Phantom Lake are primarily detached, single-family properties built in various styles.
Phantom Lake is surrounded on the west by public parks and green spaces. At the same time, the east is lined with waterfront homes and a residential neighborhood—the homes in the neighborhood range from smaller single-story houses to large, unique waterfront estates. The lake serves as a serene backdrop to the neighborhood, and motorized boats are not allowed, making it a perfect spot for fishing.
Phantom Lake offers many amenities, including Phantom Lake Park, the Phantom Lake Bath and Tennis Club, and Weowna Park. It is also close to Lake Sammamish and conveniently located near Interstate 90.
Best Neighborhoods To Live In- Final Thoughts
Are you looking for a safe and peaceful community to move to Washington? Look no further than Bellevue! With various neighborhoods to choose from, catering to different lifestyles, you’ll find the perfect fit for your needs, whether you’re a retiree, a family, or someone starting anew.
We’re here to help you find the ideal neighborhood that suits your preferences. Check out the link below to view homes currently available for sale, or contact us directly through our website. We are ready to assist you in finding your dream home in Bellevue, whether a single-family home or a luxury one.
Bellevue’s mild climate, low snowfall, and exceptional public schools make it a prime choice for relocation. With numerous tight-knit communities and extraordinary areas, selecting just one neighborhood can be challenging. Contact us today if you or someone you know is interested in searching for homes for sale in Bellevue. We’re here to answer all your questions and get you started.
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Hello there! I am Jolene Baijot, a real estate agent in the Pacific Northwest. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post. Your presence here is truly appreciated. If you have any questions or thoughts or wish to reach out, please don’t hesitate to contact me through Facebook, Instagram, or the contact form provided on this website. I am eager to help and look forward to hearing from you!
