The fifth largest city in the state, Bellevue is flanked by Lake Washington on its west and Lake Sammamish on its east. It is considered the retail center of the area with Bellevue Square, one of the West Coast's biggest malls, as the centerpiece. Two floating highway bridges link Bellevue to Seattle, just a 15-minute drive west. There are 56 parks, 10 of which are located on the water, and nearly 40 miles of trails in Bellevue.

Bellevue Community College has offered a range of classes here for 33 years. Known for its job preparation and technology programs, the college will open a new science wing and student union building on one of its two campuses this fall.