Lake Hills, Bellevue facts for kids

Lake Hills neighborhood sign on the western end of Lake Hills Boulevard.

Lake Hills is a friendly neighborhood located in Bellevue, Washington. It sits just south of the Crossroads area and north of the Eastgate neighborhoods. Lake Hills is known for its green spaces and community feel, making it a great place to live and explore.

A Look Back: Lake Hills History

Lake Hills has an interesting past that shaped it into the neighborhood it is today.

Early Farming Days

In the early 1900s, the land that is now Lake Hills was mostly farmland. Many Japanese Americans moved here and started farms, especially between what we now call Larsen Lake and Phantom Lake. They grew crops and helped feed the growing communities around Bellevue.

A Time of Change

Farming in Lake Hills suddenly stopped in 1942. This happened during World War II, when many Japanese American families were forced to leave their homes and live in special camps. This was a difficult time for these families. After the war, the farms were replaced by new houses, and Lake Hills began to look more like a modern suburb.

Joining Bellevue

In 1969, Lake Hills officially became a part of the city of Bellevue. This meant that the neighborhood would receive city services and be part of Bellevue's larger plans for growth and development.

What You Can Find in Lake Hills Today

Today, Lake Hills is home to several important places and natural areas.

Bellevue College

One of the biggest places in Lake Hills is Bellevue College. This is a large school where students can take classes after high school. It offers many different programs, from learning new job skills to preparing for a four-year university.

Community Gardens and Nature

Lake Hills is also home to the Lake Hills Greenbelt Urban Demonstration Garden. This garden is also known as the Bellevue Demonstration Garden. It's a special place where people can learn about gardening and grow their own food. It's part of a larger greenbelt, which is an area of natural land that helps protect wildlife and offers outdoor spaces for people to enjoy.

Larsen Lake

You can also find Larsen Lake within the Lake Hills neighborhood. This beautiful lake is a natural spot where you can see local wildlife and enjoy the peaceful outdoors. It's a great place for a walk or to simply relax and enjoy nature.