In the event you’re planning on shifting to Washington State, add these cities to your checklist.
House to lush landscapes, various cities, and loads of recreation and employment alternatives, Washington State has all of it. The state is commonly break up into two sections, divided by the Cascade Mountains: Western Washington and Japanese Washington. The Columbia River, the fourth-largest within the nation, defines the state’s southern border.
Western Washington contains the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, and Puget Sound. It’s the place a majority of the state’s inhabitants lives, in cities like Seattle, Bellingham, Port Angeles, and Olympia are situated right here. The Puget Sound, San Juan islands, and Olympic Mountains adorn the panorama, together with quite a few rivers, lakes, and nationwide parks and forests.
East of the Cascades is Japanese Washington, which is drier and extra agriculture-focused. Spokane, Wenatchee, and Walla Walla name this space dwelling, with the Palouse hills, Lake Chelan, and Blue Mountains all fashionable landmarks.
However which cities within the Evergreen State are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered one of the best locations to reside in Washington, rating them on qualities corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You could find extra details about our methodology right here or on the backside of the article.
1. Seattle, WA
Inhabitants:
755,078
Common Commute Time:
27.7 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$63,610
Median Sale Worth:
$820,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,990
Unemployment Price:
3.0%
Seattle tops our checklist as one of the best place to reside in Washington. The town is understood for its wet climate, giant universities, revitalized waterfront, and thriving tech tradition. It’s constructed on the hills between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and is only a ferry experience from picturesque islands.
Initially well-known for its small-city weirdness, Seattle stepped into the nationwide highlight when it hosted the World’s Truthful in 1962 and constructed the Area Needle as its centerpiece. Then, music grew to become its calling card, with bands like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd dominating the rock and music scene. At this time, the Emerald Metropolis is extra related to know-how (Amazon) and low (Starbucks), however you possibly can nonetheless discover quirkiness all through Seattle’s neighborhoods, particularly in Fremont and Ballard.
Probably the most interesting elements of dwelling in Seattle is the straightforward entry to outside recreation. You’re solely 45 minutes away from fashionable hikes within the Cascade Foothills and inside an hour or so of greater than a dozen state parks, like Sprint Level State Park. Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades Nationwide Parks are additionally accessible for day journeys.
Seattle has a marine local weather and may see frequent rain from October to April. The town is at its greatest in the course of the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are heat and rain is much less possible. Summers will be beautiful, however a rise in wildfires, smoke, and warmth waves have made them more durable to deal with.
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2. Spokane, WA
Inhabitants:
229,447
Common Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$30,791
Median Sale Worth:
$374,990
Median Lease Worth:
$1,413
Unemployment Price:
3.7%
Spokane, the second-largest metropolis in Washington, is second on our checklist of one of the best locations to reside in Washington. Sitting at 1,843 ft above sea stage, Spokane is the hub of Japanese Washington and is identified for its historical past, pure magnificence, and basketball.
The truth is, basketball is a part of Spokane’s DNA. The town is formally often called Hooptown USA as a result of metropolis internet hosting the annual Spokane Hoopfest, the most important 3v3 basketball event on the earth. Gonzaga College additionally calls town dwelling, and often makes deep runs into the NCAA March Insanity basketball event. Lilac Metropolis is Spokane’s different widespread nickname, paying homage to the annual Spokane Lilac Competition.
Spokane has a markedly completely different local weather than Seattle. The town is situated on the Columbia Plateau between the Columbia Basin to the west and forested Selkirk Mountains to the east. As such, it’s pretty dry, seeing 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, however experiences the complete vary of the 4 seasons. Winters are often chilly and snowy, whereas summers are sunny and will be scorching. Spokane’s climate is greatest from June to September, though that is shifting later as summers get hotter.
Lastly, like many cities in Japanese Washington, wine and agriculture are an enormous a part of life. Apples are the state’s fourth-largest export, and Washington has change into the second-largest wine producer within the nation. Well-known wineries in Spokane embrace Barrister Vineyard and Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.
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3. Bellingham, WA
Inhabitants:
94,720
Common Commute Time:
19 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$32,419
Median Sale Worth:
$660,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,863
Unemployment Price:
2.9%
Bellingham is the third-best place to reside in Washington. Simply 20 miles south of the Canadian border within the far northwest of Washington, Bellingham is an enthralling coastal city with all of the facilities you count on of a giant metropolis. And because it’s simply 90 miles north of Seattle, it’s simple to go down for a day journey by automobile or practice with mates.
Widespread actions in Bellingham embrace visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Competition, having fun with native artwork, or exploring Fairhaven Village within the heart of city. Western Washington College additionally calls Bellingham dwelling, providing a college-town really feel (and many actions) good for full- and part-time college students.
One of many greatest perks of Bellingham is its outside recreation. The town is surrounded by lush, evergreen mountains and fertile waters, providing climbing, kayaking, climbing, and limitless different adventures. Deception Move, Lummi Island, and Larrabee State Park are a few of the hottest spots.
For mountain fanatics, Mount Baker and the North Cascades Nationwide Park are inside two hours from downtown. Watersport lovers can head all the way down to the Puget Sound or take a ferry to one of many many San Juan Islands.
Bellingham’s local weather is just like different cities within the PNW however tends to be among the many coldest. For instance, Bellingham is round 2.5°F cooler yearly than Seattle however receives about 5 fewer inches of rain. This makes summers lovely, which is right given town’s ample outside leisure alternatives.
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4. Vancouver, WA
Inhabitants:
196,442
Common Commute Time:
25.3 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$33,713
Median Sale Worth:
$485,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,884
Unemployment Price:
3.2%
Vancouver is available in because the fourth-best place to reside in Washington. Generally referred to as The Couve, this suburban metropolis is situated alongside the Columbia River on the border between Washington and Oregon, simply north of Portland.
Traditionally a small industrial city, Vancouver has grown quickly as Portland has change into costlier. These looking for Portland’s life-style with out the excessive prices typically transfer to Vancouver. In consequence, it’s widespread for residents to commute over an hour to and from Portland every day over the growing old Interstate Bridge. Vancouver’s housing costs now rival or exceed these in Portland.
Vancouver is greatest identified for its waterfront, and for good purpose: They’ve spent years revitalizing it. At this time, what was a stretch of previous industrial buildings has change into a vacationer attraction filled with motels, eating places, and a gorgeous pier. Principal Avenue can also be a spotlight receiving a facelift. Portlanders typically make enjoyable of their northern neighbor, however Vancouver’s waterfront could rival and even outclass Portland’s McCall Waterfront.
Vancouver’s climate is similar to Portland and Seattle, seeing pretty frequent rain from October to April. Nonetheless, temperatures are typically a bit hotter than extra northern cities. Late spring and early fall see one of the best climate.
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5. Olympia, WA
Inhabitants:
55,733
Common Commute Time:
21.1 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$35,914
Median Sale Worth:
$495,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,531
Unemployment Price:
4.3%
Olympia is the fifth metropolis on our checklist. 60 miles south of Seattle on the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Olympia is considerably faraway from a serious metropolitan space and thus pretty quiet and secluded. It’s additionally comparatively small, offering a small-town really feel however with big-city facilities. Quaint retailers just like the Olympia Meals Co-op and Olympia Espresso are beloved native staples, whereas Costco, Goal, and different nationwide chains present name-brand items.
Because the state capital, Olympia grows and shrinks with the legislative season; on even-numbered years, classes are 60 days, whereas on odd-numbered years, they’re 105 days. Washington legislators solely work part-time, so once they aren’t in session, they typically return to their dwelling districts and full-time jobs.
Like many cities within the area, pure magnificence is all over the place you look – and folks like to discover it. Tumwater Historic Park, Heritage Park, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Nationwide Wildlife Refuge are fashionable choices for play and exploration. The distinctive Evergreen State Faculty is nestled within the northwest of city, too.
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6. Edmonds, WA
Inhabitants:
42,701
Common Commute Time:
31.6 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$56,443
Median Sale Worth:
$1,000,000
Median Lease Worth:
$1,677
Unemployment Price:
2.4%
If Seattle feels too massive, Edmonds could also be an incredible choice. Simply half-hour (with out site visitors) north of downtown Seattle, Edmonds gives a pleasant mixture of city facilities and suburban, waterfront allure only a stone’s throw from the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands. Its coastal and mountain views are a few of its greatest options.
Edmonds is understood for its quiet coastal dwelling and quaint, charming, walkable downtown. Artwork installations abound, and amphitheaters, seasonal decorations, and inexperienced areas are all over the place you look. Many residents of Edmonds select to reside there for its allure, area, and greenery whereas working in Seattle. Commuting can take an hour or extra every approach on account of site visitors, however many discover the trade-off worthwhile for the advantages of dwelling in Edmonds.
A number of the most beloved elements of Edmonds are the Edmonds Marine Walkway, Edmonds Heart For the Arts, and Yost Park. Touring the close by wineries in Woodinville are additionally a preferred weekend choice for locals and vacationers.
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7. Tacoma, WA
Inhabitants:
222,906
Common Commute Time:
30.5 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$34,759
Median Sale Worth:
$465,500
Median Lease Worth:
$1,744
Unemployment Price:
3.2%
Tacoma is available in at quantity seven on our checklist of one of the best locations to reside in Washington. Recognized for its museums, parks, universities, and business, Tacoma has one thing for everybody.
Positioned on the shores of Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is a gorgeous place to reside, with well-developed waterfronts and quite a few parks. Level Defiance Park, for instance, is without doubt one of the nation’s largest city parks and options climbing, seashores, gorgeous gardens, and an acclaimed zoo and aquarium.
The town can also be dwelling to an array of landmarks and sights. You’ll be able to discover native legend Dale Chihuly’s genius on the Museum of Glass, or dive into regional historical past on the Washington State Historical past Museum. The Tacoma Dome brings big-name concert events proper to the doorstep, whereas the Ruston Means waterfront affords an ideal spot for strolling or eating with views of Puget Sound.
Tacoma has lengthy been a beautiful various to Seattle, notably on account of its extra inexpensive housing and decrease dwelling prices. This financial benefit attracts many to reside in Tacoma whereas commuting to work in Seattle, providing a budget-friendly choice with out sacrificing entry to the metropolitan space. That mentioned, site visitors to and from Seattle alongside Interstate 5 (I-5) is usually a slog, taking upwards of two hours each methods.
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8. Kirkland, WA
Inhabitants:
91,194
Common Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$64,268
Median Sale Worth:
$1,425,000
Median Lease Worth:
$2,733
Unemployment Price:
3.2%
Throughout the world’s longest floating bridge (520) from Seattle, Kirkland is the eighth metropolis on our checklist of one of the best locations to reside in Washington. Kirkland is understood for being a quiet, upscale Seattle suburb with Lake Washington views and loads of facilities. Juanita Bay Park and Heritage Park are fashionable parks for waterfront leisure and recreation, whereas the Kirkland Crusing Membership & College and Kirkland Efficiency Heart are nice for all-ages weekend enjoyable.
There’s so much to do in Kirkland’s downtown space, too. Central Means is the primary throughway within the coronary heart of town, with boutique retailers, upscale eating places, and luxurious flats alongside the ten blocks that make up downtown. Fireplace, Cactus, and Feast are fashionable choices. Central Means ends at Marina Park, which is the place town’s Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from June via September.
Because it’s solely 11 miles east of Seattle, Kirkland’s local weather is sort of equivalent to different cities within the space. The air smells a lot cleaner, although. Commuting will be difficult in the course of the week.
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9. Renton, WA
Inhabitants:
104,491
Common Commute Time:
31.8 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$40,594
Median Sale Worth:
$680,000
Median Lease Worth:
$2,234
Unemployment Price:
2.5%
Simply southeast of Seattle, Renton is understood for its comparatively inexpensive dwelling and suburban really feel. Renton borders Lake Washington to the north and extends into the Cascade Foothills to the east, offering a wide range of surroundings and wonder.
The Cedar River Park Path, the Seahawk’s Virginia Mason Athletic Heart, and Boeing’s Renton campus are highlights of the realm. Boeing is an iconic PNW firm that additionally has a campus in Everett to the north, which is linked to Renton by way of the congested I-405.
For many years, Renton has served as an inexpensive choice to homebuyers and renters priced out of Seattle, main many to reside in Renton and commute to Seattle. In consequence, nonetheless, Renton has grown in a short time, particularly prior to now 10 years, inflicting commute instances, rents, and home costs to rise. With these modifications, Renton has began shifting from an inexpensive commuter city to a reasonably costly metropolis in its personal proper. Home costs are nonetheless far beneath Seattle’s, although, and upcoming transportation enhancements will make getting round simpler than ever.
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10. Bremerton, WA
Inhabitants:
45,450
Common Commute Time:
26.7 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$31,624
Median Sale Worth:
$432,500
Median Lease Worth:
$1,524
Unemployment Price:
3.1%
A pure paradise, Bremerton, WA rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to reside in Washington. Bremerton is situated about 18 miles west of Seattle alongside the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded by the Puget Sound with views of the Olympics.
Traditionally inhabited by Coast Salish peoples, Bremerton grew to become the northwest’s preeminent naval hub within the early 1900s. At this time, Bremerton is a rising and hip metropolis with a serious navy presence, with a giant portion of residents working within the navy. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a portion of Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) are situated within the heart of city.
Commuting into Seattle is made potential by way of two ferries: one for vehicles, and a fast-ferry for walkers and cyclists. As such, it’s pretty widespread for individuals to reside in Bremerton and work in Seattle. Commuters nonetheless spend not less than an hour on daily basis on the ferry (2+ hours for vehicles), however extra inexpensive housing is a good commerce off. Home costs are about half as costly as Seattle, which means you will get million-dollar water views for a fraction of the associated fee.
Other than inexpensive housing and the navy, there’s a lot to like about Bremerton. Foodwise, native eateries like Lola, H&B, and Khao Soi are nice for lunch or dinner. For occasions, The Charleston hosts reside music Thursday-Saturday evenings, whereas the Manette Saloon affords a wine and martini lounge with music and trivia. Lastly, the outside supply one thing for everybody: Seashores, mountains, trails, parks, and extra are all inside an hour’s drive.
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Methodology
Redfin’s Greatest Locations to Dwell rankings are supposed to assist dwelling searchers make an knowledgeable resolution when selecting the place to reside. To try to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside area, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better had been thought-about for our Washington checklist. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Knowledge legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.