Bellevue, Washington, with a population exceeding 150,000, sits on the opposite shore of Lake Washington from Seattle. Recognized for its thriving tech industry, luxurious shopping centers, and picturesque parks, the city also contends with crime and violence, much like any urban area.
This article delves into the five neighborhoods in Bellevue deemed the most perilous, drawing insights from crime rates and statistics from diverse sources.
Neighborhood | Population | Median Income | Crime Rate (per 1,000) |
Factoria | 12,000 | $78,000 | 76.8 |
Crossroads | 18,000 | $66,000 | 58.6 |
Downtown | 13,000 | $95,000 | 56.9 |
Lake Hills | 19,000 | $81,000 | 46.3 |
Wilburton | 7,000 | $69,000 | 44.5 |
Factoria
Factoria, situated in the southern part of Bellevue, near the convergence of I-90 and I-405, serves as both a commercial and residential hub. Boasting a population of approximately 12,000 residents, the area features a median household income of $78,000.
The locality hosts a variety of significant establishments, including large retail stores, restaurants, and office spaces, with the Marketplace at Factoria shopping center being a notable attraction. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that Factoria carries the highest crime rate in Bellevue, with 76.8 crimes reported per 1,000 residents.
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Crossroads
Crossroads, located in the eastern part of Bellevue, is a vibrant and multicultural neighborhood boasting a population of approximately 18,000 people and a median household income of $66,000.
The focal point of Crossroads is the Crossroads Shopping Center, home to a diverse array of ethnic shops, restaurants, and services. Additionally, the area features a public library, a community center, and a park.
Throughout the year, Crossroads comes alive with various cultural events and festivals, including the Lunar New Year Celebration, the Strawberry Festival, and the Cultural Crossroads Festival.
However, it’s essential to note that Crossroads grapples with a higher-than-average crime rate, standing at 58.6 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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Downtown
Downtown serves as the central business district and cultural focal point in Bellevue. It boasts a population of approximately 13,000 people and a median household income of $95,000.
The area is characterized by numerous skyscrapers, corporate headquarters, luxury condos, hotels, and notable attractions such as the Bellevue Square mall, Bellevue Arts Museum, and Meydenbauer Center.
This bustling district offers a lively nightlife scene, featuring a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. However, it’s important to note that Downtown also faces challenges, including a relatively high crime rate, with 56.9 crimes reported per 1,000 residents.
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Lake Hills
Lake Hills, situated in the southeast of Bellevue, is a residential neighborhood boasting a population of approximately 19,000 residents and a median household income of $81,000. The neighborhood derives its name from the two lakes that flank it: Lake Sammamish and Phantom Lake.
In addition to its residential character, Lake Hills features numerous parks, trails, and golf courses.
The community is further enriched by amenities such as the Lake Hills Library and the Lake Hills Village shopping center. However, it is important to note that Lake Hills contends with a relatively high crime rate, standing at 46.3 crimes per 1,000 residents.
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Wilburton
Wilburton, situated in the northeastern part of Bellevue, is a diverse neighborhood boasting a population of approximately 7,000 people and a median household income of $69,000.
This area is home to notable attractions such as the Bellevue Botanical Garden, Kelsey Creek Farm, and Wilburton Hill Park. Additionally, it houses various medical facilities, offices, and schools.
Despite these positive aspects, Wilburton faces a challenge with a relatively high crime rate, recording 44.5 crimes per 1,000 residents.
To Conclude
This look into Bellevue’s neighborhoods underscores that despite its prosperity and liveliness, the city isn’t immune to crime concerns. Factoria, Crossroads, Downtown, Lake Hills, and Wilburton—identified as the main areas—all contend with crime rates above the national average.
Each neighborhood has its own unique strengths and challenges. For example, Factoria serves as a bustling commercial center but deals with higher crime due to its transient populations.
On the other hand, Wilburton boasts green spaces and cultural attractions alongside safety concerns.
Simply branding these areas as “dangerous” is inadequate. It’s crucial to delve deeper, comprehend the underlying causes of crime in each locality, and collaborate on solutions.
Community involvement, targeted police efforts, social programs addressing poverty and inequality, and investments in infrastructure and education can all contribute to fostering safer environments for all residents.
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