Bellevue WA

Bellevue – The Emerald City’s modern neighbor, where sleek skyscrapers meet serene lake views and lush green parks. Nestled just across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue blends urban buzz with natural beauty. Whether you're strolling through its popular downtown, hiking forested trails, or shopping at high-end boutiques, Bellevue stands out as a vibrant, welcoming city full of life and Pacific Northwest charm.

• Population: ~150,000
• Weather: Mild year-round (35-80°F); rainy winters, dry and sunny summers.
• Places To Visit: Bellevue Botanical Garden, Meydenbauer Bay, Downtown Park, Bellevue Arts Museum, Lake Washington waterfront.
• Top Activities: Kayaking on Lake Washington, shopping at The Bellevue Collection, exploring tech exhibits, hiking Cougar Mountain trails, dining with a view.
• Famous Food: Fresh seafood at Seastar, dim sum in the International District, gourmet burgers at Broiler Bay, and artisan pastries from Belle Pastry.

Bellevue, WA is a booming city located in the heart of the Puget Sound tech corridor. Known for its scenic skyline and business-friendly environment, Bellevue is home to major headquarters like T-Mobile and numerous tech companies. Below are some of the top careers driving the city’s economic growth.

Top 5 Jobs in Bellevue, WA

Bellevue, WA, offers a refreshing mix of nature, shopping, and entertainment, making it an ideal spot for students looking for a break from their studies. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, retail therapy, or foodie experiences, Bellevue has something for everyone.

Bellevue Downtown Park – This sprawling park is a green oasis in the city, perfect for picnics, jogging, or simply hanging out with friends by the peaceful waterfall and pond.

Bellevue Square – A student favorite for shopping, dining, and people-watching. With its diverse range of stores and eateries, it's a fun place to explore and unwind after a busy week.

Clyde Beach Park – Located near Lake Washington, this beach park is great for swimming, kayaking, or having a barbecue with friends by the beautiful waterfront.

Crossroads Bellevue – A community hub where you can enjoy live music, grab a bite at the international food court, or play a game of chess on the giant chessboard.

Lincoln South Food Hall – Located in the Lincoln Square expansion, this place offers a variety of food options to satisfy any craving, along with a vibrant atmosphere perfect for socializing.

Wilburton Hill Park – If you're into hiking, this park offers beautiful trails through forests and fields, providing a peaceful escape and a bit of adventure close to the city center.

The Bellevue Arts Museum – Ideal for art enthusiasts, this museum hosts contemporary art exhibitions and offers a relaxed setting for exploring creative works.

Bellevue, Washington, is home to a diverse mix of public and private colleges and universities recognized for academic excellence, career development programs, and innovative learning environments. This thriving city offers students access to high-quality education in fields such as technology, business, healthcare, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Bellevue

Bellevue College – As one of the largest public colleges in Washington state, Bellevue College offers a wide range of associate and bachelor’s degrees in business, health sciences, information technology, and more. It's known for its affordable tuition and strong transfer programs to four-year universities.

University of Washington – Bellevue Extension – This extension of the University of Washington brings high-quality continuing education and professional programs to the Eastside, including certifications in data science, business, and tech-related fields.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology – Located in nearby Kirkland, this public technical college serves Bellevue students with hands-on programs in applied sciences, engineering, IT, and healthcare. It combines academic rigor with practical training.

Renton Technical College – Just a short drive from Bellevue, Renton Technical offers career-centered education in areas such as automotive technology, culinary arts, and nursing. It provides pathways into well-paying jobs and apprenticeships.

Cascadia College – Situated a short distance north in Bothell, Cascadia College serves Bellevue-area students with innovative two-year degree programs and a strong focus on preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions like the University of Washington.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Bellevue

City University of Seattle – Located in Bellevue, this private, nonprofit university is known for its flexible online and on-campus programs in business, education, and technology. CityU focuses on adult learners and working professionals.

Northeastern University – Seattle Campus – With its proximity to Bellevue, Northeastern's Seattle campus offers advanced degree programs in areas like computer science, data analytics, and project management. It's a popular choice for tech professionals seeking graduate education.

DigiPen Institute of Technology – Just outside Bellevue in Redmond, DigiPen is a world-renowned private institution specializing in video game development, computer engineering, and digital art. It attracts students from around the globe.

University of Phoenix – Bellevue Learning Center – This private university offers flexible degree programs locally and online in business, education, and healthcare. It's geared toward adult learners looking to advance their careers.

Northwest University – Located nearby in Kirkland, this Christian liberal arts university offers bachelor’s and graduate programs in business, communication, education, and ministry. Known for small class sizes and a supportive community, it serves many students from Bellevue.

Bellevue, Washington, is known for its top-rated high schools that help students build strong academic foundations. With a range of public and private options, Bellevue offers families access to quality education that prepares students for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools in Bellevue

• International School – A 6-12 grade school recognized for its rigorous seven-subject curriculum and high college readiness scores.
• Newport Senior High School – Offers a strong Advanced Placement program and is ranked among the top high schools in the state.
• Interlake Senior High School – Known for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and high academic achievement.
• Bellevue High School – Offers strong academics, competitive sports, and outstanding fine arts programs.
• Sammamish High School – A diverse school with a growing reputation for STEM programs and hands-on learning.

Top Private High Schools in Bellevue

• The Bellevue Christian School – A faith-based school that combines strong academics with leadership and character development.
• Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart – An all-girls Catholic school that encourages global awareness and personal growth.
• Eastridge Christian School – Focuses on small class sizes and individualized instruction in a values-centered environment.
• Open Window School – Serves gifted middle school students and promotes critical thinking and innovation.
• Saint Thomas School – Known for academic excellence and a strong sense of community in a nurturing environment.

Bellevue, Washington, while not home to any major league teams of its own, is an integral part of the greater Seattle metropolitan area and boasts a passionate sports community. Residents of Bellevue support several professional sports franchises based just a short drive away in Seattle. These teams have achieved notable success and continue to capture the hearts of fans in Bellevue and beyond.

🏀 Basketball – Seattle Storm (WNBA)

• Seattle Storm – While the NBA’s Seattle SuperSonics left in 2008, the Seattle Storm remains a powerhouse in women's basketball. The team has won four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). Legendary players like Sue Bird, Lauren Jackson, and Breanna Stewart have graced the Storm roster, with the team consistently making playoff appearances and drawing strong support from Bellevue fans.

⚾ Baseball – Seattle Mariners (MLB)

• Seattle Mariners – The Mariners are the Pacific Northwest’s only Major League Baseball team. Although they have yet to win a World Series, the team made history with a record 116-win season in 2001. Star players such as Ken Griffey Jr., Ichiro Suzuki, and Félix Hernández have helped make the Mariners a beloved team for fans across Bellevue and Washington State.

🏈 Football – Seattle Seahawks (NFL)

• Seattle Seahawks – The Seahawks are one of the most successful NFL teams in the region. They have won one Super Bowl (XLVIII in 2013) and appeared in three (2005, 2013, 2014). The team is known for its passionate fanbase called the “12s” and has seen stars like Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and Richard Sherman lead them through epic playoff runs. Bellevue fans proudly rally behind the Seahawks every NFL season.

⚽ Soccer – Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)

• Seattle Sounders FC – One of Major League Soccer’s most successful clubs, the Sounders have won two MLS Cups (2016, 2019) and one CONCACAF Champions League title in 2022. Known for their electric atmosphere at Lumen Field and strong community ties, the Sounders enjoy robust support from Bellevue's diverse and soccer-loving population. Key players over the years have included Clint Dempsey, Nicolás Lodeiro, and Jordan Morris.

🏒 Hockey – Seattle Kraken (NHL)

• Seattle Kraken – The NHL's newest franchise, the Kraken began play in the 2021–22 season and quickly built a passionate fan base. In just their second season, they advanced to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, creating new hockey traditions in the Pacific Northwest. Bellevue fans are warmly embracing the team, regularly traveling to Seattle to cheer them on at Climate Pledge Arena. Players like Matty Beniers and Jared McCann are helping shape the team's identity.

Bellevue, Washington is a vibrant city just east of Seattle. Known for its lush greenery, modern skyline, and tech-driven economy, Bellevue blends natural beauty with urban sophistication. Here are ten fun facts about this Pacific Northwest gem:

1. City of Parks – Bellevue has over 2,700 acres of parks and open space, offering locals and visitors plenty of green space to enjoy.
2. Tech Hub of the Northwest – Major tech companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and T-Mobile have large campuses or headquarters in Bellevue.
3. Home to the Bellevue Arts Museum – This unique museum focuses on contemporary art, craft, and design, and hosts the popular Bellevue Arts Fair each summer.
4. Lakefront Living – Bellevue sits between Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, making water recreation a popular local pastime.
5. Sky-high Growth – Bellevue’s skyline has rapidly changed over the past decade, earning it the nickname “Little Manhattan” from Seattle-area residents.
6. Bellevue Square Mall – One of the first major shopping centers in the region, Bellevue Square has been a retail hub since 1946 and continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
7. Global Roots – Nearly 40% of Bellevue’s population is foreign-born, making it one of the most diverse cities in Washington State.
8. Top-Ranked Schools – Bellevue’s public school system is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.
9. Nature at Your Doorstep – With trails like the Lake to Lake Trail and the scenic Meydenbauer Bay Park, outdoor adventures are just minutes away from downtown.
10. Wine & Dine Scene – Bellevue offers a wide variety of upscale restaurants, cozy cafes, and wine bars, making it a foodie’s delight.