Bellevue
Amazon's second home. Meta's Eastside HQ. High-rise urban living meets tech innovation.
Redmond
Microsoft's global headquarters. Nintendo of America. Campus lifestyle meets family-friendly suburbs.
Tech Titans Showdown
Two Eastside powerhouses. The battle for tech supremacy. Amazon & Meta's urban fortress vs Microsoft's sprawling campus kingdom. Which tech titan territory is right for your move?
By The Numbers
Tech Industry Presence
Both cities are tech powerhouses, but with different corporate cultures and opportunities.
Bellevue Tech Scene
Urban Tech Winner-
Amazon - 25,000+ employees, multiple towers in downtown Bellevue
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Meta (Facebook) - 4,000+ employees, Reality Labs HQ
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Google, Salesforce, Oracle - Major satellite offices
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Startups - Growing tech startup ecosystem downtown
Vibe: High-rise offices, urban energy, diverse tech companies, networking opportunities at every corner.
Redmond Tech Scene
Campus Lifestyle Winner-
Microsoft - 47,000+ employees, 500-acre global HQ campus
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Nintendo of America - Headquarters for NA operations
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Mixed Reality - HoloLens and VR innovation hub
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Azure, Xbox, LinkedIn - Major product teams
Vibe: Campus-style offices, bike-friendly, deep Microsoft culture, established tech community, suburban serenity.
Cost of Living Comparison
Both cities are expensive, but Bellevue's urban premium adds up. See the real numbers.
Bellevue Median Home
$1.65M
Downtown premium included
Redmond Median Home
$1.35M
More space for your money
You Save in Redmond
$300K
On average home purchase
Head-to-Head Comparison
Visual breakdown of how each city scores across key categories.
Downtown Vibe
High-rise towers, luxury shopping, upscale dining, nightlife. True urban energy.
Family-Friendliness
Parks, trails, younger population, suburban safety, more space for kids.
Commute to Microsoft
Living near campus vs battling traffic. Time is money for tech workers.
Entertainment & Dining
Upscale restaurants, bars, shopping, nightlife. Bellevue is the social hub.
Schools
Both excellent. Bellevue SD #1 in WA. Lake Washington SD also top-tier.
Outdoor Recreation
Marymoor Park's 640 acres, extensive trails, biking culture, nature access.
Top Neighborhoods
Bellevue Neighborhoods
Downtown Bellevue
Urban high-rise living, walking distance to Amazon offices, luxury condos, The Bellevue Collection shopping.
West Bellevue
Prestigious waterfront homes, Meydenbauer Bay views, established families, top-rated schools.
Crossroads
Diverse, affordable (for Bellevue), international food scene, great starter neighborhood.
Redmond Neighborhoods
Education Hill
Top school zone, quiet streets, family-oriented, 10-min bike to Microsoft campus.
Downtown Redmond
Walkable downtown, breweries, local shops, new apartments and condos, light rail access.
Grass Lawn / Overlake
Adjacent to Microsoft campus, modern townhomes, easy commute, growing dining scene.
Experience Both Cities
The Verdict: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Bellevue If You...
- Work at Amazon, Meta, or downtown Seattle
- Want urban nightlife, upscale dining & shopping
- Prefer high-rise condo or luxury living
- Value walkability and public transit
- Want #1 ranked school district in WA
Choose Redmond If You...
- Work at Microsoft (5-15 min commute!)
- Want more house for your money
- Have young kids & want family-focused community
- Love biking, trails & outdoor recreation
- Prefer a quieter, suburban tech campus vibe
Frequently Asked Questions
Bellevue hosts Amazon's growing presence with 25,000+ employees, Meta (Facebook) with 4,000+ employees, and numerous other tech companies in downtown Bellevue's towers. Redmond is home to Microsoft's global headquarters with 47,000+ employees on the main campus, plus Nintendo of America. The Eastside has become a true tech corridor rivaling Silicon Valley.
Yes, Bellevue is notably more expensive. Median home prices in Bellevue average $1.5M-$1.8M, while Redmond ranges $1.2M-$1.5M. Bellevue's downtown condos and urban amenities command a 15-25% premium. However, both cities are expensive by national standards due to tech salaries. Both benefit from Washington's no state income tax.
Both cities have excellent schools. Bellevue School District is consistently ranked #1 in Washington state with a 95%+ graduation rate and exceptional test scores. Redmond is served by Lake Washington School District, also top-tier with strong STEM programs. School quality is essentially a tie - both are among the nation's best.
From downtown Bellevue to Microsoft's Redmond campus is 15-25 minutes off-peak via SR-520 or local roads. During rush hour, expect 25-45 minutes. Many employees use Microsoft's shuttle service. Living in Redmond near campus reduces commute to 5-15 minutes. The new Link Light Rail extension improves transit options.
Both are excellent for families but offer different experiences. Redmond has a younger population, more affordable homes, Marymoor Park's 640 acres, and a suburban feel perfect for raising kids. Bellevue offers more urban amenities, Bellevue School District's #1 ranking, and downtown activities but at higher costs. Redmond edges out for value-conscious families.
Bellevue has a true urban downtown with high-rise towers, luxury shopping at The Bellevue Collection, upscale restaurants, and a buzzing nightlife scene. Redmond's downtown is smaller and more charming with a tech campus vibe - casual restaurants, breweries, and a walkable but quieter atmosphere. Bellevue feels like a mini-Seattle; Redmond feels like a tech suburb.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Whether you're joining the Amazon army in Bellevue or the Microsoft family in Redmond, Next Phase Moving is your trusted partner for Eastside relocations.
Trusted by 500+ Eastside tech workers for seamless relocations