Woodridge

Place a neighborly community on a hill with beautiful city skyline and lake views, and you get Woodridge, one of Bellevue’s most sought-after neighborhoods. “It’s one of those neighborhoods with an overwhelming sense of community,” says Cynthia Harper, founding broker of Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty. “If I were a kid, I’d want to trick-or-treat there. It’s just that kind of place where they go all out decorating for the holidays and everyone is out on their porches engaging in conversation.”

Trick-or-treaters may have to walk up a lot of steep hills, but there are plenty of homes throughout this suburban neighborhood that make it all worthwhile. Ranch-style and split-level houses are the most common, with some mid-century-modern homes blended in as well. Most homes are fixed on approximately quarter-acre lots, offering anywhere from 1,500 to 4,000 square feet of living space. Smaller three-bedroom homes sell for around $1.2 to $1.4 million, while larger four-to-five-bedroom houses range anywhere from $1.5 to $4 million. The stunning visuals in Woodridge factor into prices as well. Depending on where your home is situated, you can enjoy relaxing on your front porch or back deck while soaking in views of Downtown Bellevue and Seattle, as well as the sprawling waters of Lake Washington.

Woodridge Elementary School is conveniently located on top of the hill at the heart of the neighborhood. The school has an A grade from Niche and is ranked the 80th-best elementary school in the state. Students go on to Chinook Middle School, which also receives an A grade and is ranked as Washington’s 23rd-best middle school. They’ll finish their degrees at Bellevue High School, which boasts an A-plus grade, while ranked 7th in the state and in the top 2% nationally.

Summer is a particularly special time of year for the community. “Different streets are always throwing block parties,” says Harper. “They all come together and it’s just a warm and welcoming environment.” Family and friends also enjoy gathering at the two community pools, whether to jump off the diving board at Woodridge Swim Club or zip down the water slide at Norwood Swim Club. The latter is situated at Norwood Village Park, where after a swim you can play basketball and pickleball or have fun on the playground. The neighborhood sidewalks allow for peaceful strolls throughout the neighborhood, which lead to many woodsy trails shaded by towering firs and pines. And when you want to go for a short scenic walk, head to Woodridge Water Tower Park, with more shaded trails on an acre surrounding the neighborhood’s blue water tower.

Living in Woodridge allows you to live in a quiet neighborhood while less than a mile from the busy stores and restaurants that flaunt the shopping centers of Factoria. Target, T.J. Maxx and Amazon Fresh are just some of the many big box retailers you can shop from at The Marketplace, a large open-air mall. Several smaller shopping centers surround the mall, with multicultural restaurants galore. Head to Katsu Burger, a local favorite for Japanese-influenced burgers. For a colorful Mexican atmosphere, grab a margarita and tacos from El Tapatio. Or when you’re in the mood for fine dining, dress up and enjoy a night out at Novilhos Brazilian Steakhouse, where you’re served all-you-can-eat meats carved right onto your plate. Make it a dinner and a movie date by catching the latest films at the AMC theater.

Commuting is a breeze for locals, with Interstates 90 and 405 intersecting between Woodridge and Factoria. You can take I-90 for a nine-mile drive to Seattle or I-405 for a quick four-mile trip to Downtown Bellevue.

With downtown skyline views back in Woodridge, the cities never quite leave you in this welcoming suburb where neighbors take great pride in their community.

Written By

Nicolas Stuart

Photography Contributed By

Landon Gauthier

Video By

Zoe Sarris