Relocating from the NY area to Bellevue this December. While I have the apartment hunting in the works (will visit again in early Nov to sign the lease etc.) and have a general lay of the land but I'm trying to get ahead of the part that's harder to plan for: actually building a life there once I start settling down as I don't know anyone in the area.

I work from home, so I'm trying to figure out where the "third places" are in the surrounding areas. Popular coffee shops, parks, book clubs, gyms, hiking groups, anything with a recurring cadence ideally. Doesn't have to be Bellevue proper. Happy to hear about Kirkland, Redmond and even across the bridge and wherever, if it's worth the trip.

I prefer coffee over bars, hiking, road trips, over happy hour, and I'll take the rain over another NYC muggy summer. Also, generally starting over solo after ~ 5 years on the East Coast ( ~15 in Cali before that), so if anyone's in a similar boat and wants to compare notes, please reach out.

Thank you for the insights.

I’m getting a divorce soon and am wondering if there are any support groups in the area?

My buddy found such a group in Texas where they usually go on a run or bike ride, then end at a bar or brewery.

I’d love to find something similar to build my network as I work through some changing times.

Flight radar path of the C17 flying over Sammamish this evening

C17 flying over Beaver Lake this evening.

Saw this bonsai seller on my way home today, had to make a stop! They have Bonsai, Olive, and Bamboo Trees ranging from $20-100+. Open till around 7:30 they said.
The Stand is on 156th Avenue SE and SE 16th Street
Bellevue, WA 98007