Bellevue

Bellevue is a city in King County, Washington, positioned along the eastern shore of Lake Washington. The downtown area features glass towers housing tech companies and retail spaces, while residential neighborhoods spread east toward Lake Sammamish.

A small farming community appeared here in the late 1860s but remained isolated for nearly a century. The construction of a floating bridge across Lake Washington in 1963 opened the way for growth, turning the settlement into a major urban center.

Residents and visitors often gather in parks and plazas throughout the year to enjoy open-air concerts, food festivals, and seasonal markets. The local arts museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary craft and design, where artists sometimes hold talks and workshops.

Public transit operates through a central bus terminal that connects the area with Seattle and nearby towns. Many downtown streets are walkable, but reaching outlying neighborhoods often requires a car or ride service.

A wetland covering more than 320 acres (around 130 hectares) sits within city limits and is open to walkers and bird watchers. The municipality manages over 2,700 acres (roughly 1,100 hectares) of parkland, much of it connected by trails.

Location: King County

Inception: 1869

Elevation above the sea: 26 m

Shares border with: Seattle

Website: https://bellevuewa.gov

GPS coordinates: 47.61444,-122.19250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 05:01