Why did Valve Corporation move from Seattle, Washington to Bellevue, Washington?

 

Valve Corporation, the software development company behind popular games such as Half-Life and Portal, moved from Seattle, Washington to Bellevue, Washington in 2016. The reason for the move was not officially announced by the company, but it is believed to be due to a combination of factors.

One reason may have been the cost of living and the availability of affordable housing. Seattle has become increasingly expensive in recent years, with high housing costs and a competitive rental market. Bellevue, on the other hand, is located just east of Seattle and offers more affordable housing options for employees.

Another reason may have been the proximity to other technology companies. Bellevue is home to several other major technology companies, such as T-Mobile, Expedia, and Symantec. This proximity allows for more opportunities for collaboration and networking with other companies in the industry.

Additionally, Valve Corporation may have wanted to move to a location that better suited their company culture. The Bellevue area is known for its laid-back and suburban atmosphere, which may have been more appealing to Valve's employees compared to the bustling city of Seattle.

Overall, while the official reason for the move was not announced, it is likely that a combination of factors such as cost of living, proximity to other technology companies, and company culture played a role in Valve's decision to move from Seattle to Bellevue.