Best Places to Live in the Washington State: From lush forests and pristine beaches to towering mountains, Washington boasts diverse landscapes that elevate its charm. The Evergreen State also features artsy boroughs, fascinating museums, and stunning coastal cities offering a plethora of outdoor recreational activities.
Many reputed companies such as Apple, Amazon, Costco, and Starbucks call the state home, adding to its robust job market scene. Couple that with no state income tax and many excellent schools and universities. No wonder it draws families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Planning to put down your roots here?
Let’s help you narrow down your choices with our list of the good places to live in Washington State
Seattle #1
Also known as Emerald City, Seattle offers the perfect combination of bustling city life with access to beautiful natural surroundings. With the Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here. It is also home to several tech companies that draw many young professionals.
What’s more?
The city has a lively art & culture scene and features plenty of museums, art galleries, and music venues.
From shopping at the Pike Place Market, and enjoying an immersive learning experience in the Museum of Pop Culture to exploring the Chihuly Garden and Glass, and soaking in panoramic city views from the Space Needle, there are endless activities to enjoy here.
Downtown Seattle features upscale dining & shopping options and numerous skyscrapers. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,954.Housing is expensive here but the offerings make it worth the splurge.
Olympia #2
How about waking up to spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains? Head to Olympia.
The capital city has a thriving arts and entertainment scene with numerous fascinating museums, art galleries, and music venues. Despite being the capital, it exudes a small-town vibe and features lush natural beauty. It is considered the most beautiful place to live in Washington state by many.
Its proximity to attractions such as Mount Rainier National Park, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Capitol State Forest, and Olympic National Park makes it a great place for adventure enthusiasts. Couple that with a variety of shopping and dining options. The city also hosts the Olympia Farmers Market from April until October where you can buy organic produce and artisanal goods. If you’re on a tight budget, the city offers affordable rental options for around $1,406.
Spokane #3
Looking for a budget-friendly option? Spokane may be a perfect choice.
The city is known for its many breweries and small-town vibe. It is home to Washington’s only “incubator brewery” that brings together many aspiring brew masters to create delicious concoctions. The city’s Downtown area also offers a host of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, perfect for a lively evening.
Love an active lifestyle? There are plenty of trails and parks here. With rental options averaging around $1,342, it’s a great place for those who are just starting out.
Tacoma #4
Looking for a tranquil vibe with easy access to the big city amenities?
Head to Tacoma.
Only 30 minutes from Downtown Seattle, this city has a vibrant arts and culture scene and is home to a tight-knit community. You’ll find numerous art galleries, museums, theatres, and buildings with historic architecture in this vibrant city. As compared to Seattle, the cost of living is affordable here.
What’s more?
Being located on Puget Sound, it features lush natural beauty and offers a host of outdoor recreational activities. It is also home to the popular 730-acre Point Defiance Park, which also has a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment here for around $1,395.
Bellingham #5
Looking for a vibrant college town vibe? Head to Bellingham. Whether you’re an artsy person, an adventure junkie, or a nature lover, this charming town won’t disappoint. Home to numerous colleges and universities, the town has a thriving arts and culture scene. From fascinating museums to art galleries and events, there is plenty to enjoy here.
It also has a bustling downtown area with numerous music venues, breweries, and restaurants. What’s more? It offers spectacular views of the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades. From fishing, kayaking, and hiking to swimming, there is an array of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy here.
Some of the most notable attractions for outdoor recreation include Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Park. With the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around $1,495, you can enjoy all these offerings without breaking the bank.
Vancouver #6
Located just across the border from Portland, Vancouver comes with a host of attractive offerings. The city not only offers an easy commute for those who work in Portland but also allows them to reap the benefit of zero state income tax in Washington.
There are plenty of recreational activities to enjoy here.
Learn about history at Fort Vancouver, go cafe hopping at Waterfront Park or attend a lively event at Esther Short Park, there is something here for everyone. With the Columbia River Gorge region and numerous parks, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation as well. A one-bedroom apartment’s rent here will cost around $1,500.
Cheney #7
Relocating with family? Cheney may fit your criterion. Located in the eastern part of the state, Cheney is home to Eastern Washington University and numerous good schools. The city has a rich railroad history and features many museums, art galleries, music venues, and natural attractions.
From grooving to the beats at Eagle’s Pub, enjoying wildlife sightings at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, to soaking in the city’s history at Cheney Historical Museum, there is no dearth of recreational activities to indulge in here. The rent for a one-bedroom apartment here will cost around $900 making it an affordable choice.
Bellevue #8
Looking for easy access to the big city entertainment scene without the congestion? Bellevue is the place to be in. This Seattle suburb is home to pristine beaches and beautiful waterfront parks. With the Downtown Park, the Coal Creek Trail, and the nearby Lake Sammamish, there are plenty of outdoor recreational activities on offer here.
The town hosts various exciting festivals that add to its lively entertainment scene. You’ll find many restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops here.
What’s more? Many reputed companies call it home, offering a host of job opportunities. Enjoying all these amenities doesn’t come cheap with the median rent of a one-bedroom apartment being around $2,345.
Redmond #9
This vibrant city has a booming tech culture with companies such as Microsoft and Nintendo calling it home. It is also home to the popular Marymoor Park which is known for hosting lively concerts. Some of the park’s other features include walking trails, a dog park, and a rock-climbing wall that offer a host of outdoor recreational activities.
You’ll also see many people cycling in this bike-friendly city. There are plenty of dining and entertainment options that add to its allure.
You can rent a one-bedroom apartment in this bustling city for around $2,186. The offerings make it worth the splurge.
Walla Walla #10
Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of big cities like Seattle? Head to Walla-Walla. Situated in the agriculture-rich part of the state, the city features numerous natural spaces. It is also known as the state’s wine country where you’ll find many sprawling vineyards.
Couple that with a rich culinary scene. If you love to run, the city features plenty of scenic trails and is home to a large running community. From the trails around Bennington Lake to the hiking paths of the Blue Mountains, there are many options to suit every taste. A one-bedroom apartment can be rented here for around $1,060, making it a great choice for the budget-conscious.
So, pick the one that attracts you the most and get ready to begin the next chapter of your life in your new home.
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FAQs:
Q. What is the prettiest part of Washington state?
The San Juan Islands and Olympic Peninsula are amongst the prettiest places in Washington state.
Q. What is the best area to live in Washington state?
Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellingham are some of the best cities to live in Washington state.
Q. What is the best small town to live in, in Washington state?
Port Townsend is one of the best small towns in Washington state.