Bridle Trails - Bellevue, WA

The neighborhood formed around what is now Bridle Trails State Park, which the State of Washington has owned and managed since the 1880s. By the 1930s, residents had created a trail system for horseback riding and nature walks. Community residents proactively protected the natural environment, so after petitioning the state legislature, Bridle Trails State Park became official. In 1967, the city of Bellevue annexed most of the Bridle Trails area.

Community commitment to preserving and enjoying the natural sanctuary remains fully intact today, with residents allowing additional regulations in order to maintain the area's extensive second-growth timber. The highly-organized Bridle Trails Community Club meets regularly to identify challenges and solutions collaboratively. Several environmental education and cultural events take place each year at the Bridle Trails State Park, which remains the center of the community.

Within a 10-minute drive of your Bridle Trails residence, you will find food from all corners of the globe, including Thai, Chinese, Italian, and Indian cuisine. For a pizza pie, you simply cannot beat Seattle gem Pagliacci Pizza, and luckily there is one right in the Bridle Trails Shopping Center. In addition to making great pizza, Pagliacci is committed to composting, recycling, and using clean energy sources. They serve huge slices, and feature seasonal pizzas using local produce. Many vegetarian options are available, along with classic pastas, salads, and popular microbrews. If you are a Seahawks fan, try the 12th Man Primo, complete with pepperoni, salami, chicken, special peppers and olives.

Brunch is popular both for families and young professionals of Bridle Trails. On the busy strip of 85th street, keep your eye out for Couzin's Cafe, where the warm and casual environment will quickly make you feel like family. In fact, you will see the family of Couzin's owners framed on the walls, and in the flesh as servers and cooks. Savor comically huge portions of classic American dishes and endless drip coffee. Their Chicken Fried Steak is the best in the West, and the Coconut Pancakes are divine.

You do not have to go far for an evening out, whether you prefer sipping a Northwest brew at a laid-back bar or a sleek cocktail in a place that makes you feel like you have been whisked to L.A. If you like bowling, visit Tech City Bowl, next door to Pagliacci. They have a full bar, darts, and pool tables.

For a more formal night out, visit the Parlor, an upscale establishment complete with a dress code that houses a nightclub, billiards, and features well-known comedians regularly. Subscribe to their email list to score free tickets to shows.

Bridle Trails is close to both the I-405, which takes you north and south, and the SR 520, a toll bridge, which takes you east and west.

The extensive trail system ensures residents can walk to local grocery stores in less than 30 minutes, or to a local bus stop. Bridle Trails is not the most central location for public transportation so getting around quickly will require personal transportation. Residents frequently utilize bike lanes and trails.

If you have time, it is possible to travel by bus. Take the Rapid Ride B to get to downtown Bellevue (15 minutes by car), and the 245 toward Factoria/Crossroads to get to the main Microsoft Campus (10 minutes by car). The Houghton Park and Ride is a major nearby metro station. Visit the Metro King County Trip Planner website for detailed information about your trip. If you use public transportation regularly, get an Orca Card for discounted fares, which many large employers provide. The bus fare varies depending on your destination.

You have your choice of many taxi companies, including STITA and Yellow Cab.

Bridle Trails is ideal for park lovers. Bridle Trails State Park is heaven for equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts. Nature walks occur throughout the year, focusing on mushrooms, animals, plants, and the history of the park. When visiting, remember that horses always have right of way, and bicycles are never allowed. All state parks require a Discover Pass, which can be purchased online or at the park for a day or a year.

There are several smaller parks in the neighborhood to enjoy. Cherry Crest features three tennis courts and a play area. Residents picnic at Goldsmith Park, which is handicap-accessible. Viewpoint Park houses several trails for walking and biking.

Grasslawn Park is a must-see for kids and adults alike. There are several sports fields including an updated soccer field, and a highly impressive jungle gym that makes it a regular hangout for families. A sandbox and water fountain add to the fun on hot days.

All parks in the area welcome dogs on leashes, but if your pup wants some freedom, head to Marymoor Park. In addition to an off-leash doggie heaven, Marymoor has a rock wall, sports fields, and an area where people fly model planes. In the summer they host big-name concerts and free movie nights on the lawn.

Due to the quality of life in Bridle Trails, the cost of living is 14.4 percent higher than the Kirkland average, but 2.1 percent less than the Bellevue average. The average monthly rent is $1260. Gas prices are about 18.5 percent higher than the national average. You can expect to pay around $4 for a pint of beer at local establishments.

Bridle Trails residents value both convenience and sustainability, so you will be able to shop for conventional and eco-friendly products within 5-10 miles of your home. You can do your day-to-day shopping at the Bridle Trails Shopping Center, which includes a Red Apple grocery store, Bartell Drugs, and Town Center Hardware, along with other service providers like dry cleaners.

Natural food and merchandise is easily found at Trader Joe's nearby in Redmond and at the Kirkland PCC, a local food cooperative. For those who want to meet their food producers, the Redmond Farmers Market runs every Saturday from May to October.

When on the hunt for clothing and household items, you have your choice of three local shopping malls. At Crossroads Mall you can get artsy at Michael's or Joann Fabrics, and get engrossed by fabulous books for a bargain at Half-Price Books.

Redmond Town Center, home to Macy's, and REI, is an outdoor mall covering multiple blocks, and hosts seasonal events such as ice skating and exotic car displays. For everything from back to school clothes to high-ticket jewelry at Tiffany & Co., the massive Bellevue Collection is your go-to. Every evening during the holiday season, The Bellevue Collection presents Snowflake Lane, a free performance featuring nutcrackers, costumed characters, and a marching band. Before the show, stop in at McCormick & Schmick's for happy hour.

To explore boutiques and independent shops in a lovely atmosphere, visit the Kirkland waterfront. Rent a bicycle for the day at the Kirkland Bicycle Shop, or browse expensive labels for less at Serendipity, a consignment clothes store. Walk down to the water to see the boats and ducks, and in the summertime, grab ice cream at Coffee & Cone.