Downtown Bellevue Bellevue, WA

Located on the east side of Lake Washington, Downtown Bellevue was originally a rural community, established in the 1860s. In the early 1940s, the Lake Washington floating bridge was constructed, causing the city to rapidly grow and incorporate. It has become a luxurious and bustling neighborhood since then. The Bellevue Arts Museum, located just one block from Downtown Park, focuses on modern art and education. The carefully curated exhibitions feature local and international artists specializing in 4-dimensional pieces. On the third floor, you'll find a sculpture garden designed by Washington architect Steven Holl. It houses up to three sculptures at any given time. The non-profit museum also puts on workshops and educational forums for children, teens and entire families. Every Memorial Day weekend, the community hosts the Bellevue Jazz Festival, which brings in talent and jazz experts from across the country.

At the cross streets of Bellevue Way and Main Street, you can find just about any kind of Asian cuisine or stop into a variety of American restaurants. Whether you're craving a steak or need to celebrate a special occasion, make a reservation at John Howie Steak. Though selecting an entrée may seem easy, choosing between the tempura bacon and lobster mashed potatoes as a side dish proves more difficult. Of course, you can always order both. For a more relaxed and affordable meal, Facing East serves authentic and crave-worthy Chinese food. The braised pork stew soothes locals on drizzly Northwest days. After a run in the neighborhood or the kids' Saturday soccer games, Mod Pizza can refuel the entire family. With 11 topping options, you can have as many as your stomach desires at no additional cost. The mad dog, loaded with meats and cheeses, has become a bestseller. Because the area houses older couples and well-established families, the nightlife in downtown Bellevue tends to be on the quiet side. Undeniably, Bake's Place is the one-stop shop for music, entertainment and evening entertainment. Whether you're sporting your football jersey and want to cheer on the Seahawks, you need to hit happy hour with friends, or you want to enjoy live music to liven up the weekend, Bake's is the place.

Due to strategic urban planning, Downtown Bellevue is accessible via car, bike or on foot. Many professionals and students opt to bike for their commute. During the rainy months, however, driving or public transportation become the primary mode of transportation. The area has multiple Metro bus routes, some of which have park-and-ride lots. The neighborhood also houses a Sound Transit station, which goes to Seattle. If you need to run many errands or plan to do a lot of shopping, driving around the neighborhood can be challenging. Street parking is free, though the high-traffic areas have a 2-hour limit from 7am to 6pm every day, excepting Sundays and holidays. Downtown Bellevue has a limited number of cab companies, making it challenging to hail a taxi. Uber has become the preferred car service provider in the area. The proximity to Interstate 405 makes it easy to go to the airport or head into Seattle for the night.

The spacious Bellevue Downtown Park, with a half-mile-long promenade, has become a favorite of professionals and families alike. On sunny weekdays, locals can be found walking around or eating during their lunch breaks. With a large field, there is plenty of space for people to play with their dogs, throw the football or lay out and read a book. The park also has a large waterfall and pond. Kids absolutely love playing on the castle-themed jungle gym. Located on Lake Washington, Clyde Beach Park has something for everyone. The nautical jungle gym faces the lake and sparks every child’s imagination. The dock and beach allow visitors to go boating, swimming or sit and enjoy the summer sun — not to mention spectacular views of sunset and Seattle's city lights.

As a highly desirable neighborhood, Downtown Bellevue has a very high cost of living. The average person’s expenses climb up 37 percent over the Washington average and 53 percent above the national average. A round-trip bus ride into Seattle costs $5.00 during peak hours for an adult. The neighborhood gas average sits at 10 percent more than the national average. The high-demand housing market also comes with a hefty price tag. The average rent for a one-bedroom, one-bath apartment is $1,500. After-work beers will almost always cost more than $5, even with happy hour specials. Popular spot Lot No 3 charges up to $8 for a bottled beer.

Downtown Bellevue just might be every fashionista and shopaholic’s dream come true. With Bellevue Square holding some of the country’s largest department stores and luxury retailers, shopping has become a true experience in the community. The center houses regional-favorite Nordstrom, as well as Burberry and Crate & Barrel. For more unique items, take a walk around Bellevue Square and stop in at many of the locally owned boutique shops. At Wee Tots, parents to-be can find everything from strollers to bottles as they prepare for the birth of their baby. The store also sells toys and gear for toddlers and small children. Down Main street, stop by philanthropy-focused Glassybaby. Glassybaby sells hand-blown glass tea light holders and drinking glasses in a rainbow of colors. Each item has unique elements as a result of the artisan process. Every sale sees 10 percent of the price go to organizations in need. Glassbaby's stock makes for great gifts. Residents shop at QFC and Safeway for groceries. Bellevue happens to be home to QFC’s headquarters, making it a true neighborhood store. Safeway has a large deli and prepared food section, making it a great option for quick dinners or packed lunches. If life has become too busy or you just don’t enjoy grocery shopping, Amazon Fresh also services the area, providing an expansive and fast grocery delivery service.