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People who are moving to the Seattle area with plans to purchase a home often seek out family-friendly suburban areas.
If this describes you, you’ll want to put Bellevue on your list of communities to consider.
In this guide, we’ll explore the suburban housing options available in Bellevue, and other information potential home buyers need to know. We’ll also discuss why Bellevue’s suburban appeal attracts buyers to this city.
Bellevue, Washington, is a city located in the heart of the Eastside, a region situated across Lake Washington from Seattle. Interstate 90 and State Route 520 link the two cities via floating bridges, making them mutually accessible with a short drive or bus ride.
An extension to Sound Transit’s East Link light-rail line will eventually connect Seattle to Bellevue, offering more transportation options for residents of both cities.
Bellevue offers an attractive alternative for those seeking a more relaxed pace of life, while maintaining easy access to the amenities and job opportunities of the urban core.
The city’s prime location offers stunning views of Lake Washington and the Olympic Mountains to the west, and the Cascade Mountains to the east.
Compared to Seattle’s dense, mixed‑use neighborhoods and busy urban vibe, Bellevue feels more polished and planned with plenty of green space and family‑friendly neighborhoods.
To be clear, Bellevue does have a growing downtown area with high-rise condos similar to what you would find in Seattle. But much of the city is made up of residential neighborhoods with more green space, larger lots, and a quieter atmosphere.
Families considering real estate in Bellevue, WA will be happy to know that the city manages over 2,500 acres of parks. These include Mercer Slough Nature Park and the Bellevue Botanical Garden. The city also protects large swaths of open space on Cougar Mountain and along Kelsey Creek.
Many Bellevue neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations. This is especially true for the newer developments and planned communities.
HOAs are organizations that set and enforce rules regarding property maintenance, architectural standards, and the use of common areas. They typically collect monthly or annual dues from residents to cover the cost of maintaining shared amenities like parks, landscaping, and sometimes pools or community centers.
Home buyers who are considering the city of Bellevue should review HOA covenants for fees and rules. On average, Bellevue HOA fees cost about $360 per month.
Neighborhoods in Bellevue are generally well-maintained and have a strong sense of community. Street parking regulations can vary by neighborhood, so you might want to check local city ordinances and HOA rules in the areas you’re considering.
Roughly 47% of Bellevue, WA housing consists of detached single‑family houses, most of them built between 1940 and 1999. Lot sizes typically range from 6,000 to 10,000 square feet.
In the downtown area, high‑rise and mid‑rise condos and apartments are more common.
Attached homes, including townhomes and row houses, account for about 5% of units. Most of these are found in planned unit developments (PUDs) or on short plats near light-rail stations.
Bellevue is widely recognized as one of the most expensive cities in the Seattle metropolitan area, and the state of Washington as a whole.
In 2025, the median home price was nearly $1.6 million, well above the statewide median ($614,000) and miles above the national median price of $367,000.
Beyond the initial purchase price, buyers should also factor in property taxes, which are calculated based on the assessed value of the home, and potential HOA or PUD dues, which add to the monthly cost of ownership.
Bellevue’s effective property tax rate is about 0.71 percent of assessed value (or $7.10 for $1,000 of assessed value). On a home valued at $1 million, that’s roughly $7,100 per year.
While the cost of living in Bellevue is higher than the national average, many residents feel that it’s warranted. They find value in the city’s amenities, safety, and natural beauty. As such, the Bellevue real estate market continues to be a relatively healthy one.
In summary, Bellevue’s suburban appeal attracts many home buyers for several reasons. Bellevue offers a true suburban feel without giving up easy access to Seattle. You’ll find quiet, tree‑lined streets and family‑friendly neighborhoods alongside plenty of parks and open space.
Whether you choose a classic single‑family home with a large yard or a newer condo near future light‑rail stations when looking at Bellevue suburban homes, you’ll benefit from everything the city has to offer.
Yes, home prices and fees are higher here. But in exchange for that, residents can enjoy living in a safe, well‑maintained city with great views and a relaxed pace—just minutes from the urban core. Buying a home in Bellevue may be ideal for you if you’re looking for more space, natural settings, and an HOA community.
If you’re looking to buy in Bellevue, WA, we can help. Sammamish Mortgage is a Bellevue mortgage lender offering various mortgage options for you to choose from. Visit our website to get an instant rate quote or call us today to have your mortgage questions answered!
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.