Urban Living

Chris Moreland is an expert when it comes to moving and travel— both as Vice-President of Account Management at Egencia, the corporate travel arm of Expedia headquartered in Downtown Bellevue, and from relocating his family eight times. For 16 years, Washington State had been on his wish list of places to live. He developed a passion for the outdoors, clean air and evergreens while attending the US Air Force Academy in Colorado. But he missed the lakes and ocean, so Washington became his natural destination.

What attracted Chris to Downtown Bellevue? “Bellevue’s public school system played a big factor in choosing Bellevue,” he said. “My five-minute walking commute also made the decision a no brainer. I’ve only filled my gas tank once since we moved here in August.” An avid cyclist, his bicycle was the first item he moved to their new apartment. “I consider this area to be one of the bicycle capitals of the world and am very excited to take advantage of the region’s bike-friendly environments.”

His family of six live in the recently opened Ashton Bellevue (NE 10th and 108th Avenue NE). Their residence boasts panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains, Lake Washington and the Space Needle. “The kids love it here at Ashton. From the fourth floor gardens, to the private movie screening theatre, to the 24-hour fitness center, there is something each member of my family can enjoy.” His kids can also play in nearby Downtown Park, Ashwood Playfield and McCormick Park.

Top picks for the Moreland family include McCormick & Schmick’s, Bellevue Square and the IMAX theatre at Lincoln Square Cinemas. For date night, top choices for Chris and his wife are the new Purple Café and Wine Bar at Bellevue Towers and Wild Ginger at The Bravern. “There are so many options for dining, shopping and entertainment right outside our doorstep. Downtown Bellevue is quite the exciting place to be right now.”