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Grayson Taylor
living
What's it really like living in Bellevue?
First post here. Homes are going for about $1,203,100 on average.
42 upvotes
30 Replies
Nora Roberts
accurate
38 upvotes
Luna M.
following this thread
37 upvotes
sacramentoguy2023
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Sunset for 7 years. Moved from New York for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is improving - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Sunset schools are decent. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
Savannah Perez
it depends on the neighborhood
35 upvotes
Brooklyn Watson
We moved here with our family and the quality of life is solid. Schools in Greenfield area are underrated. Kids love it here.
33 upvotes
Alice C.
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
31 upvotes
Maya Hughes
I've been living here for 9 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The nightlife is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
29 upvotes
James Wilson
I work in engineering here and I have mixed feelings honestly. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
29 upvotes
Cora K.
As someone who grew up here, the quality of life is solid. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much developing but now it's surprisingly good.
29 upvotes
Addison Hill
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in The Heights for 10 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in The Heights for 10 years. Moved from Charlotte for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is decent - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. The Heights schools are tough. 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. Limited public transit options. Not very walkable outside downtown. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
Jameson
nah I disagree
26 upvotes
Peyton Castillo
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 8 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in West for 8 years. Moved from Houston for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2019 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
engineering is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have ski resorts within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. West schools are average. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Limited high-paying job options. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Emily M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I have mixed feelings honestly. Internet is improving in most areas.
23 upvotes
Leo Cook
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in West and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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, 52, moved here 11 years ago from Boston. I've lived in West and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Close to major attractions
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The community vibe situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Boston, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
22 upvotes
Walter L.
literally same
22 upvotes
Roman R.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
20 upvotes
Adam Garcia
noted, appreciate it
18 upvotes
Jack
I've lived in Highland for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
it's been a really good experience overall. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
Henry Walker
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Portland about 8 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Good internet infrastructure
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are competitive, gas is better than expected.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Jameson Nelson
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are decent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
14 upvotes
Kyle Y.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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 cultural scene, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (West) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Denver, be prepared for the culture shock. traffic is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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
mesadude2020
Came here for school and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The traffic is honestly hit or miss and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
11 upvotes
Cora K.
great question, following
9 upvotes
Linda B.
hard disagree but ok
8 upvotes
Nathan
I work in real estate here and the quality of life is solid. The job market for my field is excellent. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Emilia Rodriguez
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Reagan Rivera
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
5 upvotes
Brooks W.
Came here for a fresh start and stayed because I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The healthcare is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
4 upvotes
Naomi
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, the quality of life is solid. Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
Hunter Ortiz
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great Italian places. it's been a really good experience overall.
0 upvotes