Bellevue, Washington, has been a hub for Amazon’s expanding workforce, with the company planning to create 15,000 jobs in the city. With its proximity to Seattle and a more suburban feel, Bellevue has become a popular destination for tech workers. If you’re one of the many Amazon employees in Bellevue, you may be wondering where the best places to live are.

Downtown Bellevue offers a variety of options for those looking to live close to work. The city is home to high-rise apartments, luxury condos, and townhomes, all within walking distance of Amazon’s offices. Downtown also offers a vibrant nightlife, with restaurants, bars, and entertainment options, making it a great choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action.

For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, the surrounding neighborhoods of Bellevue offer a more suburban feel. Communities like Somerset, Lakemont, and Eastgate offer a mix of single-family homes and townhomes, with easy access to parks and outdoor recreation. These neighborhoods are also a short commute to Amazon’s offices, making them a popular choice for those who want a more relaxed pace of life.

Understanding Bellevue

Bellevue is a city located in King County, Washington, and is considered one of the best places to live in the state. It is located on the east side of Lake Washington, just across from Seattle. The city is known for its excellent schools, low crime rate, and thriving economy. It is home to many tech companies, including Amazon, which has a significant presence in the city.

Bellevue is a relatively small city, with a population of around 150,000 people. Despite its size, it has a lot to offer residents. The downtown area is lively and features a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. There are also many parks and outdoor spaces in the city, including the Bellevue Botanical Garden and the Mercer Slough Nature Park.

One of the main advantages of living in Bellevue is its proximity to Seattle. The two cities are connected by several bridges, and it is easy to get from one to the other. This makes it convenient for residents to take advantage of all that Seattle has to offer, including its museums, theaters, and sports teams.

Bellevue is also known for its excellent schools. The city is part of the Bellevue School District, which is consistently ranked as one of the best in the state. The district has a strong focus on STEM education, and many of its schools have received national recognition for their academic programs.

Overall, Bellevue is a great place to live for anyone who wants to be close to the action of Seattle but still enjoy a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. It offers excellent schools, a thriving economy, and plenty of outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Amazon’s Presence in Bellevue

Amazon has been expanding its presence in Bellevue, Washington, rapidly over the past few years. The company plans to create 25,000 jobs in the city by 2025, making it one of the largest employers in the area. Amazon opened its first office building in Bellevue in 2017 and has continued to invest in the city’s growth ever since.

Bellevue is an attractive location for Amazon due to its proximity to Seattle, where the company’s headquarters are located. The city also offers a high quality of life, great amenities, and a talented workforce. Amazon’s investment in Bellevue is not just limited to creating jobs; the company is also committed to partnering with the community and investing in affordable housing, promoting sustainable mobility options, and supporting local organizations.

Amazon’s Bellevue presence is still small compared to its Seattle workforce, but the company is making good on its promise to expand the view of its first headquarters to the broader Puget Sound region. The company’s Bellevue 600 towers are set to be completed in 2024 and 2025, which will provide additional office space for Amazon employees.

Overall, Amazon’s commitment to Bellevue and the Eastside is a positive development for the city. The company’s investment in the area will create new job opportunities and contribute to the local economy.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Place to Live

When choosing a place to live, there are several factors to consider. For those who work at Amazon in Bellevue, it’s important to find a place that is convenient to work and offers a good quality of life. Here are some factors to consider:

Cost of Living

The cost of living is an important factor to consider when choosing a place to live. Bellevue is a relatively expensive city, so it’s important to find a place that is affordable. Some neighborhoods to consider include:

• Factoria: This neighborhood is located in the southern part of Bellevue and offers a lower cost of living than many other areas.
• Crossroads: This neighborhood is located in the eastern part of Bellevue and offers a mix of affordable housing and amenities.

Commute Time

For those who work at Amazon in Bellevue, commute time is an important factor to consider. It’s important to find a place that is close to work to minimize commute time. Some neighborhoods to consider include:

• Downtown Bellevue: This area is located close to Amazon’s offices in Bellevue and offers a short commute time.
• Eastgate: This neighborhood is located to the east of Bellevue and offers a relatively short commute time.

Quality of Life

The quality of life is an important factor to consider when choosing a place to live. Bellevue offers a high quality of life, but it’s important to find a place that offers the amenities and lifestyle that you’re looking for. Some neighborhoods to consider include:

• Downtown Bellevue: This area offers a vibrant city lifestyle with a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.
• Bridle Trails: This neighborhood is located in the eastern part of Bellevue and offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to parks and outdoor activities.

Schools and Education

For those with children, schools and education are an important factor to consider when choosing a place to live. Bellevue offers a high-quality education system, but it’s important to find a neighborhood that offers the right fit for your family. Some neighborhoods to consider include:

• Somerset: This neighborhood is located in the southern part of Bellevue and offers access to some of the best schools in the area.
• Newport Hills: This neighborhood is located in the eastern part of Bellevue and offers a mix of affordable housing and good schools.

Best Neighborhoods for Amazon Employees

Bellevue is a great place to work and live, and Amazon employees have several neighborhoods to choose from when looking for a place to call home. Here are some of the best neighborhoods for Amazon employees in Bellevue:

Downtown Bellevue

Downtown Bellevue is a popular neighborhood for Amazon employees due to its proximity to the company’s offices. It offers a range of housing options, from luxury high-rise apartments to more affordable townhomes and condos. The neighborhood also boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to live for those who enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere.

West Bellevue

West Bellevue is another popular neighborhood for Amazon employees. It is an upscale residential area with beautiful homes and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is close to downtown Bellevue and offers easy access to major highways, making it a great choice for those who want to be close to work but also enjoy a quieter, more suburban lifestyle.

Factoria

Factoria is a neighborhood located just south of downtown Bellevue. It offers a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a variety of housing options ranging from apartments to single-family homes. The neighborhood is also home to several shopping centers, making it a convenient place to live for those who enjoy shopping and dining out.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a diverse neighborhood located in the eastern part of Bellevue. It offers a range of housing options, from single-family homes to apartments and townhomes. The neighborhood is also home to several parks and community centers, making it a great place to live for families with children.

Lake Hills

Lake Hills is a residential neighborhood located in the southeastern part of Bellevue. It offers a mix of single-family homes and apartments, with easy access to several parks and outdoor recreation areas. The neighborhood is also close to major highways, making it a convenient place to live for those who commute to work.

Overall, Bellevue offers a range of neighborhoods to suit the needs and preferences of Amazon employees. Whether you prefer a vibrant city atmosphere or a quieter suburban lifestyle, there is a neighborhood in Bellevue that will suit your needs.

Renting vs Buying a Home

When deciding where to live while working at Amazon in Bellevue, one of the first considerations is whether to rent or buy a home. There are pros and cons to both options, and the decision ultimately depends on individual circumstances.

Renting

Renting a home in Bellevue can be a good option for those who are not ready to commit to a long-term investment or who want more flexibility in their living arrangements. Renting also allows for easier budgeting, as monthly rent payments are usually fixed and do not include additional expenses such as property taxes, maintenance fees, and homeowners insurance.

However, renting can also be more expensive in the long run, as rent payments do not build equity in a property. Renters also have less control over their living space and may face restrictions on making changes or improvements to the property.

Buying

Buying a home in Bellevue can be a good option for those who are ready to make a long-term investment and want more control over their living space. Homeownership also allows for the potential to build equity over time and potentially see a return on investment when selling the property.

However, buying a home also comes with additional expenses such as property taxes, maintenance fees, and homeowners insurance. It also requires a significant upfront investment, including a down payment and closing costs. Homeowners also face the risk of property value depreciation and may face challenges if they need to sell their home quickly.

Ultimately, the decision to rent or buy a home while working at Amazon in Bellevue depends on individual circumstances and priorities. It is important to carefully consider all factors and consult with a financial advisor before making a decision.

Conclusion

Bellevue, Washington is a great place to live and work, and with Amazon’s growing presence in the area, there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to work for the tech giant. When it comes to finding the best places to live in Bellevue for Amazon employees, there are a few factors to consider, including proximity to the company’s offices, access to public transportation, and the overall cost of living.

Some of the top neighborhoods for Amazon employees in Bellevue include Downtown, West Bellevue, and Crossroads. These areas offer easy access to public transportation, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Downtown Bellevue is particularly popular among young professionals, with a vibrant nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities for networking.

For those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, neighborhoods like Eastgate and Newport Hills offer a more suburban feel, with plenty of parks and green spaces for outdoor recreation. These areas are also more affordable than some of the more urban neighborhoods, making them a great option for those who are just starting out in their careers.

Ultimately, the best place to live in Bellevue for Amazon employees will depend on their individual preferences and priorities. However, with its strong job market, high quality of life, and diverse range of neighborhoods, Bellevue is a great place for anyone looking to build a career in tech while enjoying all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.