With its glorious views of mountains, forests, waterways, and balance of urban and rural areas, the state of Washington offers the quintessential Pacific Northwest experience to singles, couples, and families alike. It’s home to up-scale neighborhoods, artsy boroughs, and outdoor adventurer meccas, so you’re sure to find the perfect town to call home. Though Seattle is the state’s most recognizable city, check out these six best places to live in Washington state and find out what else the PNW has to offer:
1. Seattle
2. Bellevue
3. Olympia
4. Spokane
5. Bellingham
6. Tacoma
1. Seattle: The Emerald City
Seattle, also known as the Emerald City, is a vibrant and culturally rich city located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The city is surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Seattle is home to a diverse population and a thriving economy, with several major tech companies headquartered in the area. The city also boasts world-class museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues, making it a hub for arts and culture.
One of the most famous landmarks in Seattle is the Space Needle, which provides breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains. Other popular attractions include the Pike Place Market, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Chihuly Garden and Glass.
In terms of neighborhoods, Seattle offers a wide variety of options for residents. Downtown Seattle is a bustling commercial center with high-rise buildings, luxury condos, and upscale shopping and dining options. Other popular neighborhoods include Capitol Hill, known for its vibrant nightlife and LGBTQ+ community, and Queen Anne, which offers stunning views of the city and the Space Needle.
Overall, Seattle is a fantastic place to live for those who value a thriving city life with access to beautiful natural surroundings. With its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and excellent job opportunities, it’s no wonder why Seattle consistently ranks among the best places to live in Washington state.
2. Bellevue: A thriving suburb
If you’re looking to stay close to the action in Seattle but have a bit more breathing room, you might be calling Bellevue home pretty soon. This lively suburb is sandwiched between Lake Washington, which separates it from Seattle, and Lake Sammamish. There are also mountains in the distance, so its French name for “beautiful view” is totally accurate.
With access to these waterways, you can spend your days at the lakefront parks enjoying strolls and waterskiing. Bellevue is also home to a botanical garden, hiking and water trails, and a zipline tour for all adventurers. Plus, local restaurants get fresh-caught seafood for their daily menus, a big treat for foodies. For those rainy days, head inside the children’s museum, the Bellevue Collection shopping centers, or the art museum.
And if you’ve got kids, putting them in the Bellevue public school system means giving them a top-notch education from some of the best schools in the nation. To call Bellevue home, expect to pay $2,406 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
3. Olympia: The State Capital
Named after the fantastic view of the nearby Olympic Mountains, the capital city is one of the best places to live in Washington state because of its family-friendly amenities and renter-friendly prices. A one-bedroom place runs, on average, $1,462 per month in Olympia. These places can feel like a steal when you’re getting an active arts and entertainment scene, convenient local farms, stunning natural beauty, and interesting museums in this city that feels like a small town.
Stock up on local fruits, veggies, and artisan goods at the Olympia Farmers Market that comes around every April through October. Enjoy the nice weather on a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, or Capitol State Forest. And dine and drink at local spots like The Fishing Brewing Company, Dockside Bistro and Wine Bar, and the Bread Peddler.
4. Spokane: The Lilac City
Living in Spokane is a bit cheaper, offering many renters some reprieve from Seattle-high prices, and this humble city has a great mix of urban and eclectic small-town vibes. If you’re a beer enthusiast, you’ll really love all of the city’s many breweries, including the state’s only “incubator brewery,” where aspiring brewmasters share equipment and space to make some of the best hop-filled drinks you’ve ever tasted. Oh, and there are many more wineries within the metro area and throughout the region, too.
Spokane is full of trails where you can run, walk, hike, and bike to your heart’s content, and the downtown area has shopping, dining, and entertainment that you can easily walk to. You’ll find that one-bedroom apartments rent for $1,105 per month in Spokane, making it a great place to save money in rent and spend more on cool PNW excursions you can easily find within the city and outside the area.
5. Bellingham: A college town with a view
Bellingham, located in the northern part of the state, is a charming college town known for its stunning views of the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades. With a thriving arts and culture scene, excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, and a strong focus on sustainability, Bellingham is a great place to live for those who value a healthy and active lifestyle. For quality outdoor adventuring in a smaller-town setting, Bellingham is one of the state’s top spots. It’s home to Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Park where you can find some of the best trails for hiking and waterways for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. You can also head downtown for live music venues, diverse cuisines, and breweries like the Boundary Bay Brewery and Bistro. Plus, you can have a quick jaunt to Vancouver, British Columbia, since Canada is about 50 miles over the border.
Get a one-bedroom rental in Bellingham for $1,195 per month. Choose from more than 20 distinct neighborhoods like Fairhaven Historic District and Lettered Streets.
6. Tacoma: The city of destiny
Located just south of Seattle, Tacoma is a diverse and vibrant city known for its historic architecture, thriving arts and culture scene, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. With a growing economy and plenty of job opportunities, Tacoma is a great place to live for those who value urban amenities and a strong sense of community.
Known as the “City of Destiny,” Tacoma is home to a diverse population and a thriving arts scene. If you’re looking for a place to live that’s both affordable and culturally rich, Tacoma might be the perfect spot for you.
One of the biggest draws of Tacoma is its affordability. Housing prices in Tacoma are generally lower than in Seattle or Bellevue, making it a great choice for people on a budget. However, despite its lower cost of living, Tacoma still has plenty to offer in terms of amenities and attractions. The city has a vibrant arts community, with galleries, theaters, and museums showcasing everything from contemporary art to historical artifacts.
In addition to its cultural offerings, Tacoma is also home to a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities. The city is situated on the Puget Sound, providing access to water sports like kayaking and sailing, as well as scenic views of the Olympic Mountains. The city also has a number of parks and green spaces, including Point Defiance Park, which is home to a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden.
The pros and cons of living in Washington State
Pros:
- Stunning natural beauty
- Thriving economy with plenty of job opportunities
- Diverse cultural scene
- Excellent outdoor recreation opportunities
- Strong focus on sustainability and environmental conservation
Cons:
- High cost of living, especially in urban areas
- Heavy traffic and limited public transportation options in some areas
- Rainy and cloudy weather for much of the year
- High state taxes compared to some other states Growing population and housing demand, leading to higher housing costs in some areas.
Frequently asked questions
Some of the most affordable places to live in Washington State include Spokane, Yakima, and Pasco.
Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Pioneer Square are some of the most walkable neighborhoods in Seattle.
Some popular outdoor activities in Washington State include hiking in the Cascades, skiing at one of the many ski resorts, and visiting one of the many state parks.
Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Washington State include Seattle’s Pike Place Market, Mount Rainier National Park, and the San Juan Islands.
Final thoughts
Washington state offers a wide range of options for those looking to settle down in a new city. From the vibrant and diverse Seattle to the historic and charming Olympia, there is something for everyone in the Evergreen State. The best places to live in Washington state are characterized by beautiful natural scenery, friendly communities, and excellent amenities. Before making a decision, it’s important to consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and career prospects. By doing your research and exploring your options, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home in Washington state.
If the Pacific Northwest is calling you, move to one of these amazing areas in Washington state. Browse thousands of Washington apartments for rent on Zumper and find the PNW rental of your dreams.
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