Bellevue 2044 - Housing

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Housing is a key issue facing the city and the issue raised most often by community members. Over half of all respondents to the Bellevue 2044 Questionnaire rated the city’s progress towards providing a range of housing options that are affordable for people to rent or own as “below average” or “very poor.”

Planning for a range of housing types at different affordability levels is a key focus of the Periodic Update to the Comprehensive Plan. As a city we need to consider what type of housing is needed, where to put more housing, and how much housing we need to plan for to meet our goals. Some of those goals include:

  • Planning for a range of housing types and densities that allow us to maximize recent investments in transit
  • Prioritizing affordable housing for very low income families
  • Addressing past inequities that have shaped the city
  • Planning for residential neighborhoods that protect and promote the health and well-being of residents by supporting equitable access to parks, a clean environment, educational and economic opportunity, and transportation options.

On this project page we invite you to learn more about key housing data, share your housing story, and provide input that will help shape the future of housing in Bellevue.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT READY FOR REVIEW

On Thursday, April 27 the city released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. Community members and organizations with an interest in the future growth of Bellevue can now comment on the DEIS until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12. To read the DEIS and find out how to submit comments, please visit the city's Environmental Review webpage.

Housing is a key issue facing the city and the issue raised most often by community members. Over half of all respondents to the Bellevue 2044 Questionnaire rated the city’s progress towards providing a range of housing options that are affordable for people to rent or own as “below average” or “very poor.”

Planning for a range of housing types at different affordability levels is a key focus of the Periodic Update to the Comprehensive Plan. As a city we need to consider what type of housing is needed, where to put more housing, and how much housing we need to plan for to meet our goals. Some of those goals include:

  • Planning for a range of housing types and densities that allow us to maximize recent investments in transit
  • Prioritizing affordable housing for very low income families
  • Addressing past inequities that have shaped the city
  • Planning for residential neighborhoods that protect and promote the health and well-being of residents by supporting equitable access to parks, a clean environment, educational and economic opportunity, and transportation options.

On this project page we invite you to learn more about key housing data, share your housing story, and provide input that will help shape the future of housing in Bellevue.

DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT READY FOR REVIEW

On Thursday, April 27 the city released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update. Community members and organizations with an interest in the future growth of Bellevue can now comment on the DEIS until 4:30 p.m. on Monday, June 12. To read the DEIS and find out how to submit comments, please visit the city's Environmental Review webpage.

Share Your Housing Story

As part of the planning process the team will review a lot of data related to housing, but it's also important to hear about people's personal experience. We invite you to share your housing story. Have you or a member of your family struggled to find housing in Bellevue? Considering moving due to housing costs? Looking for a certain type of housing that you can't find?  


Thank you for sharing your story with us.
This discussion is currently paused while the community reviews the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). To learn more about the DEIS please visit https://bellevuewa.gov/2044-environmental-review.
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    Hard to move out

    by Fallon, 12 months ago
    I am a 21 y/o student currently living in Bellevue. I live with my parents still. I am currently job hunting to start saving up to move out, but not only is it hard to find a job I want, but I have chronic illnesses and pain that limit me from applying for some jobs. When I look at rental costs in the Bellevue area, I don’t think I can afford to live here once I move out. Having affordable housing in the Bellevue area would mean that I can live comfortably by my family, and not be far away... Continue reading
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    Multi-Generational Household

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    My family has lived in Bellevue since 1990, and we moved to Washington in 1987. We lived in Redmond at an apartment. We live in a two generation home. We bought a townhouse in 2002. We would not be able to live here if we not live together and share expenses. None of us could pay for housing alone in this area. I have a visual impairment and have to be near public transit. We need to have housing that is affordable for all income levels, not just the rich. We need to have housing near public transit. We need... Continue reading
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    Buying is Impossible

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago

    We've been looking for housing for two years. Buying is impossible on a salary of $50K and rent takes 1/3 to 1/2 of the net paycheck. Affordable housing is needed for renters and owners.

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    Pay Not Keeping Up with Housing Costs

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    I bought my condo (2-bedroom) in 2016. My mortgage is very high and my property taxes went up every year. I am not getting pay increases at the same rate. The most increase I got all these years is about 2 - 3.5 or 4% COLA. I am the only bread winner in the family. Imagine about people like me if you anc.
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    Can't Save Fast Enough

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    Forty years old, married with one child and a life-long renter as we have never been able to save as fast as home prices rise. We have been renting a 2-bedroom condo in Bellevue since 2014. We don't work in tech so don't have those crazy high salaries. Luckily our landlord charges us below market rent, so that helps us to try and save enough to one day afford a townhome, if there are enough on the market, cuz we will never afford an actual house at this point.
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    Finally Moved Back, But May Have to Leave

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    I grew up in Bellevue and Redmond, moving to Bridle Trails as a teenager. I never thought that I could move back to Bellevue but I did. I live in a place that has incredible access to everything, allowing me to walk to transit, grocery store, restaurants, parks, and more. I can, after many years, finally commute quickly to work in Bellevue. But unfortunately, after 1 year here, my rent went up 16%. I now know that if it goes up more I will likely not be able to live here the next time around. This perfect place will no... Continue reading
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    Reestablishing

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    Transient, disabled, with service dog. Reestablishing our lives in the Bellevue area. Grew up around and traveled a lot. Came back to Seattle to build a home and join a community. The Eastside is where we landed. We have a long way to go to build, but we have been embraced and inspired to be a part of this side of King County community. Affordability!
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    Bellevue by Default

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    We ended up in Bellevue by default and I feel very lucky to have raised our family here. The schools, parks, green spaces and beauty have always awed me. Going to the parks with my children we were often the only English speakers. Despite what the guide books said Bellevue was quite diverse. I have been concerned about the cost of housing making it hard to maintain the diversity and cultural richness I have experienced.
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    Two Years And Still Looking

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    Looking for affordable housing for two years - been discouraged. Originally moved into a place with mold and have had to stay because its the most affordable. Hoping rental units become available, but outlook seem dim.
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    Kids Back at Home

    by Eastgate Resident, almost 1 year ago
    Bought in 1985 - newly married. Thought of it as starter house. Raised three kids and glad to be in Bellevue School District. Two of our three kids, in their 20s, are living with us due to affordability issues. they both have masters degrees, great jobs and want to move out, yet affordability prevents that. My neighborhood is largely childless and now our neighborhood school, Eastgate, is to be closed. This is directly tied to affordability.


Page last updated: 08 Oct 2023, 11:56 AM