Downtown Bellevue is Washington's second-largest city center, with nearly 12,000 residents in half a square mile. This densely populated urban core offers high-rise condos, luxury retail and parks. While smaller than nearby Seattle, Bellevue’s city center is a popular spot for people who want easy access to Washington’s great outdoors without forsaking the convenience of the city.
"There's a ton of places to have fun and network with the Bellevue community," says Realtor Matt Steel with Steel Realty Group, “plus, plenty of opportunities to access the outdoors.”
From casual dining to luxury retail
One of Downtown Bellevue’s biggest draws is its shopping, with over 200 shops and restaurants between Bellevue Square, Lincoln Square and Bellevue Place. Locals can play TopGolf and enjoy elevated comfort food at Earl’s Kitchen + Bar, go bowling and play mini-golf at Lucky Strike, or peruse luxury retail stores in The Shops at The Bravern’s open-air mall.
Outside of the shopping centers, plenty of local restaurants line Downtown Bellevue’s streets. Tavern Hall, on the corner of Bellevue Way and NE 7th Street, is a bar and restaurant with arcade games. The venue, covered in layers of vine, can be rented to host corporate and family celebrations.
Home cooks won’t be disappointed in Bellevue’s grocery selection. Grocery stores in the area include Safeway, H-Mart, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
City parks and lakefront views
Located by the shores of Lake Washington, Downtown Bellevue is full of beautiful outdoor spots. The popular Bellevue Downtown Park is home to community events like the Bellevue Farmer's Market, movie screenings and live music. With its large grassy picnic area, colorful playground and gorgeous skyline views, it's the neighborhood’s go-to place to relax. Meydenbauer Bay Park, just east of downtown, is a great spot to soak up the sun in the summer. Locals fill the grassy shore with blankets and beach chairs during Washington’s warm seasons.
Throughout the year, locals stroll the galleries at Bellevue Art Museum, enjoy family outings at the interactive KidsQuest Children's Museum, and attend book clubs at Bellevue Library.
High-rise condos in the middle of everything
In Downtown Bellevue, residential buildings offer condos in an unbeatable location with views of Lake Washington. These luxury condos are a mix of high-rise and low-rise, offering amenities such as floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies or patios. Prices range between $550,000 for a one-bedroom condo and up to $3 million for a multi-bedroom condo or penthouse. Single-family townhomes are uncommon in the downtown area—when they are available, prices start at $2 million for a three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom just outside the city center. Even rarer are stand-alone houses, with modern custom-builds north of NE 12th Street selling for over $5 million.
High-ranking public schools
Students can attend schools in the Bellevue School District, rated A+ by Niche and ranked the number two public school district in Washington. They can attend Medina Elementary School for preschool through fifth grade and then continue to Chinook Middle School for sixth through eighth grade. Both schools are rated A by Niche. Students can enroll in Bellevue High School, rated A+ by Niche and listed as the 7th-best public high school in the state.
Private schools, including Bellevue Christian School, are also available. BCS was rated A by Niche and offers preschool through high school education. Another option is Eastside Academics School, which was rated A- by Niche and teaches grades eight through twelve.
Public transit and commuter options
Downtown Bellevue’s expansive transit system makes getting around without a car easy. King County Metro, Sound Transit buses, Sounder Commuter Rail and Link Light Rail combine to offer transportation through Bellevue and to the surrounding areas, including Sammamish, Kenmore, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Federal Way and Seattle.
Driving to nearby cities and towns is convenient since Interstates 90 and 405 entrances are close to residential areas. Seattle is 10 miles west of Downtown Bellevue and can be reached by taking Interstate 90 across the East Channel Bridge to Mercer Island and then across Homer M. Hadley Memorial Bridge. This drive can take 45 minutes to an hour during heavy traffic times and under a half hour when traffic is light.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Gorgeous High-Ceiling 2BD Condo with Bright, Open Layout on the 19th Floor! Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase sweeping city views, while private balconies invite you to enjoy the outdoors any time of day. Inside, you’ll find stainless steel Viking appliances, custom built-in cabinetry throughout, a cozy gas fireplace, privacy shades, and a spacious walk-in closet. This home also includes two
Experience vibrant city living in the heart of Bellevue’s Town Center. This southeast corner 2-bedroom residence at Mari is filled with natural light and features a spacious private patio with sweeping city views—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Inside, enjoy elegant finishes including custom kitchen cabinetry, wood-paneled appliances, quartz countertops, high ceilings, and wide-plank
The best 2-bedroom value at One88! This immaculately maintained residence showcases an open layout w/ 9-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, large covered balcony & wide-plank wood flooring. The gourmet island kitchen features contemporary European-style cabinetry, Caesarstone quartz countertops & top-of-the-line Gaggenau appliances. The home also includes 1 parking space + a generous storage
Experience luxury urban living in downtown Bellevue. This spacious one-bedroom condo with a versatile den is perfect for a home office or guest space. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. Take in panoramic views from the rooftop deck, complete with a BBQ, fire pit, seating, and a pet area. Community amenities include a serene courtyard, club room, and meeting space. The HOA
888 is 158 luxury residences on 18 floors with stunning territorial views of downtown Bellevue and beyond. Enjoy attention-to-detail designer finishes like custom closets and under-mount cabinet lighting in every unit. Hotel-like amenities include a 19th-floor rooftop deck, yoga studio, business center, and dog run, to name a few. With an angled design and boutique stacking plan, floor plans have
A gorgeous 1bed 1 bath condo in One Lincoln Square - right in the heart of Downtown. This light-filled home features a gourmet kitchen with a gas range, stainless steel appliances, custom cabinetry & elegant counters. Additional highlights include an in-unit washer & dryer & a private balcony with views. 24/7 concierge service, World-class amenities: Newly revitalized full-size Swimming pool,
SOMA Towers creates a unique environment for your personal brand of urban living. Iconic architecture and smart design combine with motivated, savvy, and conscious planning to make Soma Towers the most inspired apartment community in the heart of Downtown Bellevue!
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
17,931
Median Age
37
Population Density
42 ppl/acre
Population under 18
14.9%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$153,411
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$181,575
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.8%
College Graduates
75.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.2%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
72.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
36°F
Average Summer High Temperature
77°F
Annual Snowfall
8''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
55/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
61/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
