Bellevue is a small community in the Wood River Valley
Bellevue is often called the gateway to both the Wood River and the popular ski resort town of Sun Valley. They can even reach Sun Valley and neighboring cities via a paved mixed-use trail. The banks of the river are also just a walk from neighborhood homes, if not a central view from them. Canyons and mountains surround the town, covered by heavy snow in the winter. Roughly 2,600 people live here, central to Idaho, in an area that retains a laid-back, somewhat rural vibe. "It has the small-town community feel. Neighbors helping neighbors. It's a kind of a throwback in Idaho, an original Idaho town," says broker Joanne Wetherell, the owner of Re/Max of Sun Valley. "There are no big box stores, just quaint restaurants and storefronts typically owned by locals."
Suburban and country areas with homes on acres
Bellevue has a mix of country cabins, classic farmhouse styles, ranch styles and custom builds. Homes are established, with some of the newest being from the 2010s. Mature evergreens mix with trees that change with the seasons, and streetscapes range from gridded to country. "You can find equestrian properties with larger acreage or a small home on a small lot. Bellevue has a little bit of everything," Wetherell says. While some homes are on the river or back up to surrounding canyons, residents are never far from either. The median sale price is around $420,000, but a riverfront property or a ranchette on acres can sell from $1.6 to $2.5 million. Properties can even head into the $7 million to $11 million range in Bellevue.
Supportive schools in Blaine County
Students attend the small Blaine County School District, which only has 8 public schools. They may begin at Bellevue Elementary School, which earns a B rating on Niche. The school supports its learners through specialized academic programming, including one-on-one literacy interventions. From there, they often filter into Wood River Middle School, which gets a B plus, and Silver Creek High School, which is unrated on Niche and Great Schools.
Places to play and fish in town and a path to other towns
O'Donnell Park centers around sports, offering fields for pickup baseball and soccer games. Locals also walk their dogs here and take their kids to the jungle gym. Basketball and tennis players practice their skills at Bellevue Memorial Park, where there's another play area for the kids with swings, climbing structures and a merry-go-round. Howard Preserve's 35 acres are a gateway to the Big Wood River, where people fish, less than half a mile from downtown. The Wood River Trail passes along an inactive railroad in Bellevue. A paved, multi-use trail runs along the old, inactive railroad in Bellevue, connecting hikers, bikers, runners and snowshoers to Hailey, Ketchum and Sun Valley, known for its ski resorts.
A small yet eclectic selection of shopping and dining options
Downtown Bellevue's commercial options follow Main Street. "It's somewhat limited because it has a smaller reach," Wetherell says, speaking of the town's relatively small population. Cutthroat Club, set in an old bank building, is popular for steaks, seafood and cocktails. Lucy's Breakfast and Coffee Corner Cafe serve as morning gathering places. Mexican restaurants and a bar and grill add to the dining scene, while Atkinson's Market provides groceries. Bellevue's retailers include a quilt shop, a community thrift store and a jeweler, auto parts shops, convenience stores and a Family Dollar.
Ways the community comes together
Main Street comes to life in July for the Bellevue Downtown Arts Market, where over 100 artist vendors set up their handcrafted wares, from sculpture to jewelry, wood and glasswork. The Big Wood River Cleanup arrives in September, inviting the community to gather at Howard Preserve to remove litter and debris from the river's banks. In February, locals brave the cold for Wood River Extreme Skijoring and watch as cowboys on their horses speed past, pulling skiers and snowboarders behind them.
Commuter options in Bellevue
Idaho 75 flows through Bellevue, dotted by bus stops serviced by Mountain Rides, which offers free fixed-route and on-demand transportation throughout the valley. Mountain Rides also provides vanpools for those traveling to and from work, free community health transportation and ADA Paratransit services. The buses come equipped with bike and ski racks for outdoor adventures.
Flood warnings in Blaine County
Heavy rain and snowmelt lead to occasional flood warnings in Bellevue's home county. One of the last significant flooding events was in 2017.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
