Bellevue, the suburban sanctuary tucked in next to tech titans
Across Lake Washington from Seattle, the new capital of growing capital, lies the suburb I had the privilege to grow up in
If you’ve ever met me, it doesn’t take long to learn that I’m a travel addict. My life has for the last few years been a series of adventures abroad while working my education into the mix somehow. Since I graduated high school in 2012, I’ve traveled to Austria, Iceland, Morocco, Amsterdam, Miami, Las Vegas, Switzerland, Puerto Rico and Japan while living and studying in either France, Spain or New York City. However, one of the places that I’m happiest to come back to will always be my hometown, Bellevue.
My parents divorced when I was in elementary school and consequently my home moved around the area quite a lot. Even so, my home base was always Bellevue. This large suburb of Seattle, nestled between two large lakes and caressed by the Cascade Mountains on the horizon is the perfect balance between urban and suburban. For anyone who grew up here, it’s a city whose personality really shapes you.
If you’re from here, you’re definitely outdoorsy
It’s even possible that you don’t know it since it’s such a part of the culture. In the summer, you spend all sunny days above 70 degrees lounging next to one of the lakes that surround us. And once you got your license, you made the trip out to Alki for beach volley ball, ocean kayaking and bonfires.
In the winter, you were probably a ski bum at Snoqualmie Pass since it’s only 45 minutes from home but definitely had your fair share of trips to Whistler, Crystal and Stevens, all of which are within a few hours.
And of course our favorite form of exercise is walking through one of the many parks or hiking on any day that reaches the upper 60s.
You’re also a huge sports fan
Even before the recent success and attention that the Seahawks have had, we all grew up as Mariners, Seahawks and Sonics (RIP) fans. Win or lose, we’d be out there cheering on one of our many sports teams. If it rains, the face paint dripping down your face just adds to the ambiance.
You’re sure to have a distinct sense of fashion
Growing up in Bellevue means that most people around you can afford expensive clothes but often choose not to. I don’t know another city in which pairing your $1 Goodwill windbreaker or grandpa sweater with Lululemons and Uggs was the peak of fashion. Even today, I can’t bear to get rid of these thrift shop finds.
You have a unique conception of ‘good weather’
From September 1st through May 1st, it’s overcast and drizzling, so consequently, you get used to it. Even though I call myself a creature of the sun, where ever I am in the world, if it’s overcast and 60, I feel a certain sense of peace and contentment you just can’t understand if you’re not from the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand, you really appreciate the sun. In every place I’ve lived since, I am constantly asked if I’m cold because I get out my summer clothes at any hint of sun.
Give me clear skies and I’m ready to take the town. Sunshine, regardless of temperature means get outside and get active.
You’ll always come back
One thing I know is although most of the people I grew up with are off somewhere around the United States or the world, we all have our reasons for coming back. Even if just for a family visit, there is a feeling I get when I’m back I just can’t find anywhere else. Somewhere between the evergreens, I build a foundation that will stay with me where ever I go and keep pulling me back.