Bellevue has been ranked No. 90 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026–2027 list of the 250 Best Places to Live in the United States, according to the newly released rankings.
The annual report includes four Eastside cities in total: Sammamish (No. 21), Redmond (No. 75), Bellevue (No. 90), and Kirkland (No. 151).
U.S. News & World Report evaluates cities using four primary categories: value, quality of life, desirability, and job market strength. These categories are weighted based on a February 2026 survey in which respondents identified the most important factors in choosing where to live. Value, which reflects affordability, carries the greatest weight at 28%, followed by quality of life at 27%, desirability at 24%, and job market conditions at 21%.
Bellevue’s placement reflects broader regional trends across Eastside communities, where housing costs remain well above national levels. All four Eastside cities included in the ranking have a higher cost of living than the national average. In Bellevue, the average home value exceeds $1.3 million, more than three times the national average, according to the report.
Education was also a factor reflected in supporting data. The Washington Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction reported that both the Bellevue School District and the Lake Washington School District recorded test scores above the state average during the 2024–2025 school year.
Bellevue is also noted for a diverse set of economic and community characteristics. The city is cited for employment opportunities across tech, finance, consulting, and law, supported in part by proximity to major employers such as Microsoft and Amazon. It is also recognized for indicators of livability, including safety, healthcare access, and green space, and has previously been ranked among the top cities nationally for quality of life.
In addition, the Bellevue School District is identified as a strong academic performer with high college readiness outcomes. The city is also characterized by its cultural diversity and a range of amenities, including a walkable downtown, parks, shopping, and dining options that contribute to its overall desirability.
The U.S. News methodology combines economic, demographic, and quality-of-life data with public perception to generate its annual list, balancing affordability with employment conditions, infrastructure, and broader livability factors.
