Bellevue and the Eastside
The Beautiful View
Less than 10 miles from Seattle, the once sleepy Seattle bedroom community, Bellevue, the third largest city in Washington State, is the dominant city on the Eastside of Lake Washington. Based on per capita income, it’s one of the wealthiest communities in the state. In addition, Bellevue has been ranked as one of the best places to live in America by CNN Money and USA Today.
In Bellevue you’ll find Bellevue Square, the area’s most popular mall. It’s packed full of high-end shops and shoppers every day of the year. Sitting on the east shore of Lake Washington, Bellevue boasts numerous parks for swimming and relaxing. There’s a beautiful botanical garden on nearby Wilburton Hill and a bustling international community in the Crossroads neighborhood. A world of international eats awaits in the Crossroads Mall food court.
Bellevue Features and Highlights
- Consistently top ranked schools.
- 10 miles from downtown Seattle.
- Bordered by Lake Washington on the west and Lake Sammamish on the east.
- Top notch parks and recreation programs.
- Best shopping mall in the region.
- The Eastside is home of Microsoft and Expedia.
Bellevue in Numbers
- Population 136,718 people
- Median age 38.2 years
- Median household income $100,703
- Poverty rate 7.55%
Source : Census Bureau, 2016 yr. – www.Datausa.io
Other major cities on the Eastside include Kirkland, Issaquah, Woodinville, and Redmond.
Kirkland
Kirkland also sits on the shores of Lake Washington and has waterfront parks and high end condos which line the shore just south of the city center. Downtown you’ll find trendy shops and several quality restaurants. East of the downtown lies the 482 acre Bridle Trails State Park. Walk along 28 miles of easy effort trails and enjoy the wild. Keep your eyes open for the resident bear.
Issaquah
It lies east of Bellevue along Interstate 90. Many families seek homes in Issaquah just because the school district is one of the best in the area. The old downtown has a great small town vibe and a few really good restaurants. Isssaquah’s Tiger Mountain is one of the most popular hiking destination. The south shoulder of the mountain is the area’s most popular spot for hang gliding. Don’t miss Boehm’s Chocolates – handcrafted for 75 years – and breakfast at the 12th Avenue Café. See a live play at the Village Theater and end the evening with dinner at Jak’s Grill.
Woodinville
It has gained a reputation as the wine center of Western Washington. Chateau Ste Michelle, built in 1976, is one of the most recognized wineries in the state. Every summer since 1984 the winery has hosted a series of concerts on the lawn. Take a tour, sip, and listen to the music. Take a wine tasting tour around the area – there’s a lot.
Redmond
Is the home of the Microsoft Corporation and Nintendo of America. Surrounded by Bellevue, Kirkland, and Woodinville, the city is conveniently connected. Lake Sammamish, on its south border, provides a prime location for water sports, small boats, and fun in the water. Redmond Town Center, a mixed use development in downtown Redmond has more than 100 shops, lodging, and a great selection of restaurants.
