Bellevue, Washington is consistently recognized at the national and regional level for livability, innovation, sustainability, and quality of place. These accolades reflect long-term investment in infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and a visitor experience shaped by both urban sophistication and access to nature.
Below is a curated list of verified recognitions for Bellevue, including honors for the city, public infrastructure, attractions, and the visitor economy.
Annually, Bellevue ranks among the very safest cities in the U.S., according to City Crime Ranks. Bellevue has been the only city in Washington consistently to be ranked in the top 100.
As reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Bellevue was ranked the ninth safest city in the country based on crimes per 100,000 population.
Environment
The National Arbor Day Foundation has named Bellevue a "Tree City" every year since 1992, earning a Growth Award for 30 years in 2022.
Bellevue Botanical Garden ranked as the Best Public Garden by KING 5 Evening's "Best Northwest Escapes"
Livability.com ranked Bellevue #2 on their list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live published in September 2015. Bellevue earned a LivScore of 670. Livability's editors noted Bellevue's abundant parks and access to outdoor recreation. Additionally, the fact that 40% of the city's population are minorities is seen as contributing to an overall diverse range of lifestyles and ideas.
Business Environment
In 2023, The City of Bellevue received T-Mobile For Business' Unconventional Award for Innovation in Community
Forbes Magazine in 2008 recognized Bellevue as the #1 city in the nation for entrepreneurs
In March 2008 Fortune Small Business Magazine rated Bellevue the best place in the United States to live and launch a new business
Education and Youth
Newsweek annually has ranked all 5 Bellevue high schools in the list of the Top 100 public schools in the United States - and three of them in the top 20 nationally.
In 2010, 2007 and 2006 America's Promise Alliance named Bellevue one of the 100 best communities for young people.
