In the event you’re planning on shifting to Washington State, add these cities to your listing.
Residence to lush landscapes, numerous cities, and loads of recreation and employment alternatives, Washington State has all of it. The state is usually 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 house, with the Palouse hills, Lake Chelan, and Blue Mountains all common landmarks.
However which cities within the Evergreen State are best for you? On this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the perfect locations to stay in Washington, rating them on qualities reminiscent of affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. Yow will discover 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 Hire Worth:
$1,990
Unemployment Charge:
3.0%
Seattle tops our listing as the perfect place to stay in Washington. 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 journey from picturesque islands.
Initially well-known for its small-city weirdness, Seattle stepped into the nationwide highlight when it hosted the World’s Honest in 1962 and constructed the House 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 present, the Emerald Metropolis is extra related to know-how (Amazon) and occasional (Starbucks), however you’ll be able to nonetheless discover quirkiness all through Seattle’s neighborhoods, particularly in Fremont and Ballard.
Probably the most interesting elements of dwelling in Seattle is the simple entry to outside recreation. You’re solely 45 minutes away from common 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. Town is at its finest throughout the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are heat and rain is much less seemingly. Summers will be attractive, however a rise in wildfires, smoke, and warmth waves have made them more durable to deal with.
Seattle houses on the market | Seattle homes for lease | Seattle flats for lease
2. Spokane, WA
Inhabitants:
229,447
Common Commute Time:
20.8 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$30,791
Median Sale Worth:
$374,990
Median Hire Worth:
$1,413
Unemployment Charge:
3.7%
Spokane, the second-largest metropolis in Washington, is second on our listing of the perfect locations to stay in Washington. Sitting at 1,843 ft above sea degree, Spokane is the hub of Japanese Washington and is understood for its historical past, pure magnificence, and basketball.
Actually, basketball is a part of Spokane’s DNA. Town is formally generally known as Hooptown USA as a result of metropolis internet hosting the annual Spokane Hoopfest, the most important 3v3 basketball event on the planet. Gonzaga College additionally calls town house, and often makes deep runs into the NCAA March Insanity basketball event. Lilac Metropolis is Spokane’s different frequent nickname, paying homage to the annual Spokane Lilac Pageant.
Spokane has a markedly completely different local weather than Seattle. 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 sizzling. Spokane’s climate is finest 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 turn out to be the second-largest wine producer within the nation. Well-known wineries in Spokane embody Barrister Vineyard and Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.
Spokane houses on the market | Spokane homes for lease | Spokane flats for lease
3. Bellingham, WA
Inhabitants:
94,720
Common Commute Time:
19 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$32,419
Median Sale Worth:
$660,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,863
Unemployment Charge:
2.9%
Bellingham is the third-best place to stay 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 an enormous metropolis. And because it’s simply 90 miles north of Seattle, it’s simple to move down for a day journey by automotive or prepare with associates.
In style actions in Bellingham embody visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Pageant, having fun with native artwork, or exploring Fairhaven Village within the middle of city. Western Washington College additionally calls Bellingham house, providing a college-town really feel (and plenty of actions) good for full- and part-time college students.
One of many greatest perks of Bellingham is its outside recreation. 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 number of the hottest spots.
For mountain lovers, Mount Baker and the North Cascades Nationwide Park are inside two hours from downtown. Watersport lovers can head right down to the Puget Sound or take a ferry to one of many many San Juan Islands.
Bellingham’s local weather is much 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 plentiful outside leisure alternatives.
Bellingham houses on the market | Bellingham homes for lease | Bellingham flats for lease
4. Vancouver, WA
Inhabitants:
196,442
Common Commute Time:
25.3 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$33,713
Median Sale Worth:
$485,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,884
Unemployment Charge:
3.2%
Vancouver is available in because the fourth-best place to stay in Washington. Generally known 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 turn out to be dearer. These looking for Portland’s life-style with out the excessive prices usually transfer to Vancouver. Consequently, it’s frequent for residents to commute over an hour to and from Portland each day over the growing older Interstate Bridge. Vancouver’s housing costs now rival or exceed these in Portland.
Vancouver is finest recognized for its waterfront, and for good purpose: They’ve spent years revitalizing it. At present, what was once a stretch of outdated industrial buildings has turn out to be a vacationer attraction stuffed with lodges, eating places, and a stupendous pier. Most important Road can also be a spotlight receiving a facelift. Portlanders usually make enjoyable of their northern neighbor, however Vancouver’s waterfront might 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. Nevertheless, temperatures are typically a bit hotter than extra northern cities. Late spring and early fall see the perfect climate.
Vancouver houses on the market | Vancouver homes for lease | Vancouver flats for lease
5. Olympia, WA
Inhabitants:
55,733
Common Commute Time:
21.1 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$35,914
Median Sale Worth:
$495,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,531
Unemployment Charge:
4.3%
Olympia is the fifth metropolis on our listing. 60 miles south of Seattle on the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Olympia is considerably faraway from a significant 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 outlets 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, periods are 60 days, whereas on odd-numbered years, they’re 105 days. Washington legislators solely work part-time, so after they aren’t in session, they usually return to their house 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 common choices for play and exploration. The distinctive Evergreen State Faculty is nestled within the northwest of city, too.
Olympia houses on the market | Olympia homes for lease | Olympia flats for lease
6. Edmonds, WA
Inhabitants:
42,701
Common Commute Time:
31.6 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$56,443
Median Sale Worth:
$1,000,000
Median Hire Worth:
$1,677
Unemployment Charge:
2.4%
If Seattle feels too massive, Edmonds could also be a fantastic choice. Simply half-hour (with out 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 finest 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 stay there for its allure, area, and greenery whereas working in Seattle. Commuting can take an hour or extra every manner as a consequence of visitors, however many discover the trade-off worthwhile for the advantages of dwelling in Edmonds.
Among 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 well-liked weekend choice for locals and vacationers.
Edmonds houses on the market | Edmonds homes for lease | Edmonds flats for lease
7. Tacoma, WA
Inhabitants:
222,906
Common Commute Time:
30.5 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$34,759
Median Sale Worth:
$465,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,744
Unemployment Charge:
3.2%
Tacoma is available in at quantity seven on our listing of the perfect locations to stay in Washington. Recognized for its museums, parks, universities, and business, Tacoma has one thing for everybody.
Situated on the shores of Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is a stupendous place to stay, 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, beautiful gardens, and an acclaimed zoo and aquarium.
Town can also be house to an array of landmarks and sights. You possibly can 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 live shows proper to the doorstep, whereas the Ruston Manner waterfront provides an ideal spot for strolling or eating with views of Puget Sound.
Tacoma has lengthy been a sexy different to Seattle, significantly as a consequence of its extra inexpensive housing and decrease dwelling prices. This financial benefit attracts many to stay in Tacoma whereas commuting to work in Seattle, providing a budget-friendly choice with out sacrificing entry to the metropolitan space. That stated, visitors to and from Seattle alongside Interstate 5 (I-5) could be a slog, taking upwards of two hours each methods.
Tacoma houses on the market | Tacoma homes for lease | Tacoma flats for lease
8. Kirkland, WA
Inhabitants:
91,194
Common Commute Time:
27.4 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$64,268
Median Sale Worth:
$1,425,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,733
Unemployment Charge:
3.2%
The world over’s longest floating bridge (520) from Seattle, Kirkland is the eighth metropolis on our listing of the perfect locations to stay 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 common parks for waterfront leisure and recreation, whereas the Kirkland Crusing Membership & Faculty and Kirkland Efficiency Heart are nice for all-ages weekend enjoyable.
There’s loads to do in Kirkland’s downtown space, too. Central Manner is the primary throughway within the coronary heart of town, with boutique outlets, upscale eating places, and luxurious flats alongside the ten blocks that make up downtown. Fireplace, Cactus, and Feast are common choices. Central Manner ends at Marina Park, which is the place town’s Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from June by means of September.
Because it’s solely 11 miles east of Seattle, Kirkland’s local weather is almost equivalent to different cities within the space. The air smells a lot cleaner, although. Commuting will be difficult throughout the week.
Kirkland houses on the market | Kirkland homes for lease | Kirkland flats for lease
9. Renton, WA
Inhabitants:
104,491
Common Commute Time:
31.8 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$40,594
Median Sale Worth:
$680,000
Median Hire Worth:
$2,234
Unemployment Charge:
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 quite a lot 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 world. Boeing is an iconic PNW firm that additionally has a campus in Everett to the north, which is linked to Renton through 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 stay in Renton and commute to Seattle. Consequently, nevertheless, Renton has grown in a short time, particularly previously 10 years, inflicting commute occasions, rents, and home costs to rise. With these adjustments, 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.
Renton houses on the market | Renton homes for lease | Renton flats for lease
10. Bremerton, WA
Inhabitants:
45,450
Common Commute Time:
26.7 minutes
Per-Capita Earnings:
$31,624
Median Sale Worth:
$432,500
Median Hire Worth:
$1,524
Unemployment Charge:
3.1%
A pure paradise, Bremerton, WA rounds out our listing because the tenth-best place to stay 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 present, Bremerton is a rising and hip metropolis with a significant navy presence, with a big portion of residents working within the navy. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a portion of Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) are situated within the middle of city.
Commuting into Seattle is made potential through two ferries: one for vehicles, and a fast-ferry for walkers and cyclists. As such, it’s pretty frequent for folks to stay in Bremerton and work in Seattle. Commuters nonetheless spend not less than an hour day-after-day 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 price.
Aside from inexpensive housing and the navy, there’s loads 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 stay music Thursday-Saturday evenings, whereas the Manette Saloon provides 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.
Bremerton houses on the market | Bremerton homes for lease | Bremerton flats for lease
Methodology
Redfin’s Finest Locations to Stay rankings are supposed to assist house searchers make an knowledgeable choice when selecting the place to stay. To aim to measure the general high quality of a metro space, every rating takes into consideration a number of key components, together with entry to healthcare, open outside area, navigability, housing traits, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better have been thought-about for our Washington listing. Extra details about our methodology will be discovered right here.
Information legitimate January 2025. This text is for informational and academic functions solely.
