Hello Redditors of the fine city of Bellevue. I just landed a dream job with TPCI, and my wife and I are now in the panicked throws of uprooting our lives in Pennsylvania to move to Washington. If you’re willing to indulge us, as I know there is a person asking about moving to the PNW area every other day, would you please help give us some insights into the area? We plan on taking a trip out soon to visit several places of interest to us, but these questions are more so to help give us a local’s view of what we can expect.
1) Like any city, there will be varying degrees of safety dependent on neighborhoods and random acts of violence, but we were wondering what in your opinions are the “safest” areas around Bellevue. We really like what we are seeing in Kirkland, but of course, have no basis to know whether some neighborhoods / streets within the area are more suited for us than others. I also read that Bridle Trails was “chill”, but again, I lack any knowledge of what that necessarily means. (Additional question to this: Are there any areas you simply recommend we avoid in regards to safety?)
2) How bad is traffic generally? I don’t expect easy-breezy commutes, just based on the influx of people to the corporate centers, but I was curious if gridlock was a common circumstance I should prepare myself for.
Ok, now for some fun questions:
3) What would you as a local direct us towards in regards to “When you get settled, you have to check out [BLANK].” Alternatively, what would you say are things we should avoid (as in, tourist traps or overpriced experiences). We are very much nerdy people who love pop culture and sightseeing, but are also very active and into fitness, so we plan on getting out to hike / kayak as much as we can while the weather is pleasant.
I have been to Seattle twice before, so we will of course get over to Pike’s Market, the Space Needle, Aquarium, and all of that at some point for my wife to experience, but this question is more for the Bellevue side of the lake.
4) What are the best pizza shops? And if any have a solid Philly Cheesesteak, please hook me up so I can have a small taste of home every now and again. (I did see the chain “Philly Ya Belly”, which I will of course give a chance to as well.)
5) While I am not concerned with the notorious “freeze”, are there any local spots / bars that stream the Sounders games? We’re Philadelphia Union fans, but are willing to adopt the Sounders as our West Coast MLS team if we meet any chill fans in the area willing to indoctrinate us.
6) What is the best movie theater in town? I’m a stickler for people following proper film etiquette, so anywhere that cracks down on phone usage / obnoxious behaviors is ideal.
7) What is your favorite / safest running trail / park in the area?
8) What would you say is your favorite aspect of living in Bellevue?
submitted by /u/Mpickardart
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