Bellevue, Washington claims thirty-one square miles of lush WA landscape  which includes the beautiful Sammamish and Washington lakes.  Bellevue's population of 109,569 (2000 Census data) is surrounded by the majestic splendor of the Cascade and Olympic mountains.  Founded by William Meydenbauer in 1869, Bellevue incorporated as a city in 1953. Bellevue remains the second largest city in King County and the fourth largest city in Washington State.

Located across Lake Washington from Seattle, Bellevue boasts a centralized location.  Bisected by Interstate 405, Bellevue also has access to I-90 and the 520 freeway.  Bellevue Transit Center serves the local and regional transit systems of King County Metro and Sound Transit respectively.  Woodinville Subdivision, a local freight line, also provides rail service to the region.

Once considered a satellite city to Seattle, this enterprising community now provides nearly 121,000 jobs to Bellevue residents, and accounts for 11 percent of King County’s total employment base. Career opportunities include positions at such high profile businesses as Expedia, Inc., Microsoft and T-Mobile.  Bellevue contains several prosperous commercial districts which also provide employment, as well as Bellevue Community College and City University. 

Bellevue residents have recently experienced an overall increase in incomes that rank well above the King County average and which continues to outpace regional inflation.  Bellevue remains an affordable community with an enviable quality of life. Citizens have access to lifestyle possibilities that range from Lake Washington’s affluent “Gold Coast” district, to more affordable apartments and single family homes.

Bellevue's delightfully temperate climate boasts temperature averages just below 70 degrees in summer and the mid 40’s in winter. Local precipitation averages 38 inches each year. 

In addition to the varied outdoor recreational opportunities, Bellevue offers entertainment and shopping.  Bellevue’s major shopping centers include Bellevue Square, Crossroads Mall, Factoria Mall, and Overlake Shopping District.  This entrepreneurial community contains a thriving arts and cultural scene, with the Bellevue Arts Museum, KidsQuest Children’s Museum, and the Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art.  The community also hosts the annual Bellevue Festival of the Arts each July and the biennial Bellevue Sculpture Exhibition, where artists from around the nation gather to showcase their three-dimensional artwork.  Points of interest include the scenic Downtown Park, Bellevue Botanical Garden, Bellevue Place, and Lincoln Square. Sports fans enjoy the exciting Bellevue Blackhawks; the Blackhawks, an American Basketball Association team, advanced to the championship game in 2005.

Bellevue, Washington is growing and developing at a rapid pace. Bellevue's breathtaking vistas and shimmering lakes, its business edge, and its unexpected laid back atmosphere, promotes tourism - and turns visitors into residents. 

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