Pls help...trying to Decide Whether to Move to Bellevue from Chicago Northshore

Updated on February 17, 2012
T.Z. asks from Bellevue, WA
4 answers

Hi Ladies,
My husband has been offered a great job in Seattle. I have a 7 year old boy and a 4 year old girl. We currently live in Wilmette, IL. We are very torn over the decision to move since we would be basically starting over with finding everything (schools, classes, babysitters, etc) and moving away from family. The new job would allow my husband to be much happier in that it is a much better work environment than where he has been for almost 10 years, and to actually be able to be freed from his blackberry and needy clients 24/7, which would be a big improvement for us as a family. We went out for a visit recently and we really did like the area, but all I can find online as far as thoughts about people in Bellevue in particular is about how hard it is to make friends and that Bellevue is "Stepford Wives" land, etc. Living in the northshore area I certainly come across a fair number of people who could fit this description as well, but I have certainly found a decent number of friendly, down to earth ladies (and their husbands and kids as well), which is how I would describe myself. So, could you please give me some insight to your experience, especially if you have moved your kids to Bellevue about your transition as well as experiences? Even a few words would be helpful. One more thought - I know that making real, true friends is hard anywhere, and takes effort...I am just wondering if there is something exceptional or particular that you could tell me. Thank you so much in advance.

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So What Happened?

I really want to thank you all so much for taking the time to answer my question. It's so nice to hear from real people who really live there or have lived there and your insights are really encouraging. We will be deciding in the next two weeks. Thank you again so much!

More Answers

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J.C.

answers from Seattle on

great question. I hope that no one takes offense by my answer...this is purely my opinion based on my experience!
I am from the northern suburbs of Milwaukee, spent a ton of time in the Chicago suburbs growing up, and my best friend in the Seattle area is from the chi suburbs. There are actually a good number of people out here that I have met from HP, Skokie, Glencoe, etc. We live in a neighborhood on the border of Bellevue and Issaquah (it is actually where those who live in a great neighborhood of bellevue have their kids in school because thee issaquah school district leaks over the bellevue border just a little bit in an area called Lakemont. I think Mercer Island is more stepford like than Bellevue. A lot of Bellevue areas are actually much older and not all that nice...for living...we chose Issaquah because of this.

Meeting people is a whole other story. I have been here for 5 years - I think that Seattle/East Side is a really FRIENDLY place, but relationships with natives rarely go beyond the friendliness...it's known as the "Seattle Freeze". The good news is that there are a lot of transplants...so while the majority of my close friends are not natives, I have a few who are, there is not a lack of friends, but being friends with natives is not always the easiest.
Hope this helps...I think that you would love the life out here - it is beautiful, good schools.lots to do and see (much more outdoors stuff than the midwest).
For the record, I have a 6 year old and a 3 year old...happy to private message more if you would like more of my opinion!!!

2 moms found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

I guess my question is why you have to live in Bellevue, first of all? I live about 15 minutes east of Bellevue in a town called Issaquah and I LOVE it here! We first lived in Redmond, and I liked that as well. Everyone is very down to earth and I have not found the atmosphere at all Stepford Wives-ish. Bellevue is a nice place to shop and dine, but I would not choose to live there unless you want a more "city" vibe. And truthfully, the homes there that front the water are millions and millions of dollars, so I can see where that might lead to a more exclusive neighborhood vibe. Heading just a bit further east you get a lot more for your money house wise, and the schools are fantastic. We moved from California, so I was nervous too, but I wouldn't go back now if you paid me!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Seattle on

Hi - I grew up in Beaux Arts Village which is on the eastern shore of Lake Washington (in Bellevue)- it is very expensive - but occasionally you can find a little more reasonably price house there. If I could, I would move back there in a heartbeat, as it is very community oriented, they do all sorts of activities together - like all the kids go trick or treating together, Christmas cookie exchanges, beach parties, and more. The village has it's own community beach property, complete with teenage lifeguards and "beach Moms" each summer. The kids can walk to Enatai Elementary school from here - I love that!! Bellevue has definitely changed from when I was growing up (in the 70's and 80's) it has much more of a big city feel. But I go back a visit all the time, because I find it a beautiful city and a fun place to shop (and my parents still live there). Here is a link to Beaux Arts if you would like to check it out. Good luck!! http://www.beauxarts-wa.gov/

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from Seattle on

I'm not familiar with Chicago but I would absolutely move to Bellevue if the opportunity came! Haven't lived there, always lived in Seattle or north of Seattle but its great. The farther northeast (or north or east) in bellevue you can live the better! It's hard to make new friends anywhere, just get involved in the kids schools and activities and don't be shy, it will happen! I'd say in general more of the moms in Bellevue will be "done up" on a regular basis but there are exceptions everywhere.

Eta: I second the idea of looking at the surrounding communities..issaquah is amazing! I also like Kirkland, Redmond, mercer island, bothell, Medina, sammamish. The eastside of lake Washington is generally very desirable!

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