Bellevue Questions (Issaquah, Newcastle: homes, neighborhoods, YMCA)

[sofia76]

What neighborhoods in Bellevue do you think would be good for a fairly hip (but not hipster or yuppie) young couple with a baby ... I'm thinking something with good walkability to conveniences (restaurants, bookstore, library) and local businesses; a neighborhood with sidewalks! Good schools are not an issue, but daily quality of life is. Mid-range in pricing is good. Husband is an engineer, and I'm a stay at home mom to an infant. We are not Christian, by the way, so don't need big churchgoing neighbors.

[LongDawson]

Originally Posted by sofia76

We are not Christian, by the way, so don't need big churchgoing neighbors.

Would you be upset to live near Hindu?

[Pittgal]

I am a sahm with an infant and we live in the Lakemont neighborhood of Bellevue however we are in the Issaquah school district. We love it here, nice neighborhood and we walk to the local little shopping center every day its nice out! There is a grocery store, starbucks, spa, vet, UPS, food, and a blockbuster in there. Check the area out! Lots of young families up here!

[sofia76]

No, don't have problem with religious folk, just don't need big church or church activities (it's a big part of some folks' lives). Also, don't want to be looked at funny because we aren't Christian. No problem with Hindus, Muslims, etc.

Originally Posted by LongDawson

Would you be upset to live near Hindu?

[Heiwos]

I'm guessing you're not from here. Religion is not a significant factor here (thank God ). When you first move in, the Mormons will do a door check to see if you want to start tithing, and that's about it.

[jenlion]

HAHAHA we got the Mormon door check within days of moving in!!!!

Yeah, in the year we've lived here, nobody has asked me if I have a "church home". Well, nobody except friends that I've said to, How great is that nobody here has asked me that like they did in Texas all the time. Then they ask to be funny. But still.

My experience here is that it's just not something most people feel compelled to put on their sleeves. There are always a few evangelical-types, but you can pretty much ignore them.

[MFetch]

I've never had a Mormon come to my door, do they target the Bellevue area? We only get the Jehovah's Witnesses where I live.

[michellewoo]

Hi Sofia76,

Have you thought about Newcastle? It's loaded with SAM's, kids, sidewalks and plenty of homes to choose from in the mid-range. They are planning a new library and are currently building a YMCA (to be completed in the Fall '09) and you can definitely walk to the grocery stores. They have a great fruit stand that is open usually mid-April through October that I walk to in the summer months. It's fabulous!

[Ira500]

Yup, the quality of stuff at that fruit stand in Newcastle is absolutely awesome. At the right time of year, they have melons to die for...And Newcastle is so close to a bunch of great hiking trails.

[sofia76]

Michellewoo - I've never heard of Newcastle; how far is that from Bellevue driving time? Is there a lot of traffic jam going to/from.