I can't answer all of those question, but as a Southern British Columbian the climate's pretty similar, and I drive past Bellvue every month or so to visit my girlfriend in Tacoma (about 45 minutes south of there). From what I can tell, Bellevue is basically the same city as Seattle, since it's just across a bridge from the downtown. So, let's see about those questions...
Macheya wrote:My friends used to live right outside Seattle a few years ago, so they have an idea of the climate, weather, what the city will be like, etc. I'm curious if it's a good biking city
From what I've seen of Seattle, it's probably alright for biking, if you're okay with lots of hills. Not sure about Bellevue specifically, though.
Macheya wrote:how the snowfall is
Snow won't be a big issue for you most of the year. Even a few hours north and farther inland, I've gotten two or three snowfalls at most the last few years, and they tend to melt within a couple days. I'm sure the city is well equipped with snowplows and the like. December/January tends to get the bulk of it, but that close to the water, I doubt you'll see more than a couple inches most years. That said, if you want to see lots of snow, there are plenty of mountains within easy driving distance.
Macheya wrote:job market
Not knowing what your profession is it's hard to say, but if you're going to be looking at minimum wage level jobs, Seattle has a $15 minimum wage to look forward to, and wouldn't be a far commute. Not sure if that carries over into Bellevue, but I expect businesses try to be at least competitive. As for industries, all I know is that there's a very large tech industry to the city.
Macheya wrote:I currently live in Florida, but I prefer the cold to the heat.
It'll probably seem very nice and mild compared to Florida. There are hot days for sure, but make sure you get a nice windbreaker and shoes that are okay in the rain, too.
Macheya wrote:I've never lived in a really big city, but I visit Orlando often so I'm used to them.
Like I mentioned, I think Bellevue basically counts as Seattle, so you'll at the very least have easy access to a major city. And segueing into the next point...
Macheya wrote:I have a car as well (2002 Monte Carlo).
Seattle is
really busy. I think because of its geography sandwiched between two bodies of water, the main arteries get super congested for drivers. I'm sure locals can tell you the good routes to take, but as someone who just drives through the area and has been one or two places downtown, it can be pretty crazy and take a long time to travel a short distance, especially during rush hour.
Macheya wrote:I know WotC's HQ is in Washington State, and I know the BC Ferry has a stop in Seattle. One of the reasons I'm so excited for this move to become real is that I could visit Victoria once I'm settled in.
Yeah, the ferry isn't cheap, but I think it's a relatively short ride to get to Victoria from Seattle. It's also worth noting that you'll be a bit over two hour's drive from the border to mainland Canada, and it's a super easy, all highway drive from Seattle to Vancouver, and very straightforward for the other nearby crossings.
Other than that, as I understand it the cost of living is on the higher end for the US in the Seattle area, so do be prepared for that. But as someone completely biased who's grown up in the same climate and a similar regional culture, it's a pretty worthwhile investment.
Hope some of that helps, and I'm sure somebody with more specifically local experience will be able to chime in too!