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Moving to Bellevue -what should I know?
OK so I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $230,800, which is actually reasonable.
20 upvotes
21 Replies
Valentina Ramos
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are solid, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Kayden
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Chicago and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Fairview. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in legal you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: average. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
39 upvotes
Alice Reed
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 58, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
Background: I'm a project manager, 58, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in South and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The pet-friendliness situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
39 upvotes
Xavier Martinez
Can confirm, been here 8 years.
36 upvotes
Aubrey K.
honestly same experience here
36 upvotes
loving_wesley74
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
I've been here 4 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Definitely worth checking out..
36 upvotes
Wyatt Harris
noted, appreciate it
30 upvotes
Judy C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Lakewood for 9 years. Moved from Portland for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Can feel isolated. Limited shopping options. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
Audrey Morris
Moved here from Austin about 7 years ago. it exceeded my expectations. Still getting used to dating scene but No regrets on my end..
27 upvotes
Maya
thanks for sharing
15 upvotes
emma_guy
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem decent.
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I've been here 11 years and I genuinely enjoy living here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's affordable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the walkability is legit. And if you're into hiking, this place is improving.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
15 upvotes
columbus_hazel
Hot take but it's improved dramatically in recent years. I know a lot of people disagree but after 1 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Angel Wilson
glad someone said it
13 upvotes
Douglas R.
bump
13 upvotes
roman_mama
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The public transit is genuinely decent and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (Maple Ridge) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. pet-friendliness is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
11 upvotes
Silas W.
spot on
10 upvotes
Zoey Rivera
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is safety. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
9 upvotes
Camila Moore
This.
5 upvotes
Hudson Parker
literally same
3 upvotes
Everett
My experience has been mostly positive. I have mixed feelings honestly. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
2 upvotes
Isaiah Sanders
same here
1 upvotes