The ten Finest Locations to Reside in Washington State in 2025

When you’re planning on shifting to Washington State, add these cities to your checklist.

Residence 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 positioned 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 well-liked 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 corresponding to affordability, navigability, and variety of facilities. You 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 Revenue:

$63,610

Median Sale Worth:

$820,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,990

Unemployment Fee:

3.0%

Seattle tops our checklist as the perfect place to stay in Washington. The town is understood for its wet climate, massive 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 Honest 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. In the present day, 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.

Some of the interesting components of residing in Seattle is the simple entry to outside recreation. You’re solely 45 minutes away from well-liked 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 finest through the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are heat and rain is much less probably. Summers will be beautiful, however a rise in wildfires, smoke, and warmth waves have made them tougher to deal with.

Seattle properties on the market | Seattle homes for lease | Seattle residences for lease

2. Spokane, WA

Inhabitants:

229,447

Common Commute Time:

20.8 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$30,791

Median Sale Worth: 

$374,990

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,413

Unemployment Fee:

3.7%

Spokane, the second-largest metropolis in Washington, is second on our checklist 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. 

The truth is, basketball is a part of Spokane’s DNA. The town is formally often called Hooptown USA because of the metropolis internet hosting the annual Spokane Hoopfest, the biggest 3v3 basketball event on this planet. Gonzaga College additionally calls the town dwelling, and normally 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 totally different local weather than Seattle. The town is positioned 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 total vary of the 4 seasons. Winters are normally chilly and snowy, whereas summers are sunny and will be scorching. 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 properties on the market | Spokane homes for lease | Spokane residences for lease

3. Bellingham, WA

Inhabitants:

94,720

Common Commute Time:

19 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$32,419

Median Sale Worth: 

$660,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,863

Unemployment Fee:

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 a giant metropolis. And because it’s simply 90 miles north of Seattle, it’s simple to go down for a day journey by automotive or prepare with buddies. 

Common 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 dwelling, 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. The town is surrounded by lush, evergreen mountains and fertile waters, providing mountaineering, kayaking, climbing, and countless different adventures. Deception Cross, 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 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 stunning, which is right given the town’s ample outside leisure alternatives.

Bellingham properties on the market | Bellingham homes for lease | Bellingham residences for lease

4. Vancouver, WA

Inhabitants:

196,442

Common Commute Time:

25.3 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$33,713

Median Sale Worth:

$485,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,884

Unemployment Fee:

3.2%

Vancouver is available in because the fourth-best place to stay in Washington. Generally known as The Couve, this suburban metropolis is positioned 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 costlier. These looking for Portland’s way of life with out the excessive prices usually transfer to Vancouver. Consequently, it’s frequent for residents to commute over an hour to and from Portland day by day over the getting older Interstate Bridge. Vancouver’s housing costs now rival or exceed these in Portland.

Vancouver is finest identified for its waterfront, and for good cause: They’ve spent years revitalizing it. In the present day, what was a stretch of previous industrial buildings has turn out to be a vacationer attraction filled with inns, eating places, and a phenomenal pier. Principal Road can be a spotlight receiving a facelift. Portlanders usually 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. Nevertheless, temperatures are typically a bit hotter than extra northern cities. Late spring and early fall see the perfect climate.

Vancouver properties on the market | Vancouver homes for lease | Vancouver residences for lease

5. Olympia, WA

Inhabitants:

55,733

Common Commute Time:

21.1 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$35,914

Median Sale Worth: 

$495,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,531

Unemployment Fee:

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 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 once they aren’t in session, they usually return to their dwelling districts and full-time jobs.

Like many cities within the area, pure magnificence is in every single place you look – and other people like to discover it. Tumwater Historic Park, Heritage Park, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Nationwide Wildlife Refuge are well-liked choices for play and exploration. The distinctive Evergreen State Faculty is nestled within the northwest of city, too.

Olympia properties on the market | Olympia homes for lease | Olympia residences for lease

6. Edmonds, WA

Inhabitants:

42,701

Common Commute Time:

31.6 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$56,443

Median Sale Worth: 

$1,000,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,677

Unemployment Fee:

2.4%

If Seattle feels too large, Edmonds could also be a terrific choice. Simply half-hour (with out site visitors) north of downtown Seattle, Edmonds offers 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 residing and quaint, charming, walkable downtown. Artwork installations abound, and amphitheaters, seasonal decorations, and inexperienced areas are in every single place you look. Many residents of Edmonds select to stay there for its allure, house, and greenery whereas working in Seattle. Commuting can take an hour or extra every manner because of site visitors, however many discover the trade-off worthwhile for the advantages of residing in Edmonds. 

Among the most beloved components of Edmonds are the Edmonds Marine Walkway, Edmonds Middle 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 properties on the market | Edmonds homes for lease | Edmonds residences for lease

7. Tacoma, WA

Inhabitants:

222,906

Common Commute Time:

30.5 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$34,759

Median Sale Worth: 

$465,500

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,744

Unemployment Fee:

3.2%

Tacoma is available in at quantity seven on our checklist of the perfect locations to stay in Washington. Recognized for its museums, parks, universities, and trade, Tacoma has one thing for everybody. 

Situated on the shores of Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is a phenomenal place to stay, with well-developed waterfronts and quite a few parks. Level Defiance Park, for instance, is among the nation’s largest city parks and options mountaineering, seashores, beautiful gardens, and an acclaimed zoo and aquarium.

The town can be dwelling to an array of landmarks and points of interest. 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 Means waterfront gives an ideal spot for strolling or eating with views of Puget Sound.

Tacoma has lengthy been a sexy various to Seattle, notably because of its extra reasonably priced housing and decrease residing 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, site visitors to and from Seattle alongside Interstate 5 (I-5) could be a slog, taking upwards of two hours each methods.

Tacoma properties on the market | Tacoma homes for lease | Tacoma residences for lease 

8. Kirkland, WA

Inhabitants:

91,194

Common Commute Time:

27.4 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$64,268

Median Sale Worth: 

$1,425,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$2,733

Unemployment Fee:

3.2%

Internationally’s longest floating bridge (520) from Seattle, Kirkland is the eighth metropolis on our checklist 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 well-liked parks for waterfront leisure and recreation, whereas the Kirkland Crusing Membership & Faculty and Kirkland Efficiency Middle are nice for all-ages weekend enjoyable.

There’s rather a lot to do in Kirkland’s downtown space, too. Central Means is the primary throughway within the coronary heart of the town, with boutique outlets, upscale eating places, and luxurious residences alongside the ten blocks that make up downtown. Fireside, Cactus, and Feast are well-liked choices. Central Means ends at Marina Park, which is the place the 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 through the week. 

Kirkland properties on the market | Kirkland homes for lease | Kirkland residences for lease

9. Renton, WA

Inhabitants:

104,491

Common Commute Time:

31.8 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$40,594

Median Sale Worth: 

$680,000

Median Hire Worth: 

$2,234

Unemployment Fee:

2.5%

Simply southeast of Seattle, Renton is understood for its comparatively reasonably priced residing 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 Middle, 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 related to Renton by way of the congested I-405.

For many years, Renton has served as an reasonably priced choice to homebuyers and renters priced out of Seattle, main many to stay in Renton and commute to Seattle. Consequently, 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 adjustments, Renton has began shifting from an reasonably priced commuter city to a reasonably costly metropolis in its personal proper. Home costs are nonetheless far under Seattle’s, although, and upcoming transportation enhancements will make getting round simpler than ever.

Renton properties on the market | Renton homes for lease | Renton residences for lease

10. Bremerton, WA

Inhabitants:

45,450

Common Commute Time:

26.7 minutes

Per-Capita Revenue:

$31,624

Median Sale Worth: 

$432,500

Median Hire Worth: 

$1,524

Unemployment Fee:

3.1%

A pure paradise, Bremerton, WA rounds out our checklist because the tenth-best place to stay in Washington. Bremerton is positioned 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. In the present day, Bremerton is a rising and hip metropolis with a serious army 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 positioned within the middle of city.

Commuting into Seattle is made attainable by way of two ferries: one for automobiles, 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 no less than an hour on daily basis on the ferry (2+ hours for automobiles), however extra reasonably priced housing is a good commerce off. Home costs are about half as costly as Seattle, that means you may get million-dollar water views for a fraction of the price. 

Other than reasonably priced housing and the navy, there’s rather 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 stay music Thursday-Saturday evenings, whereas the Manette Saloon gives a wine and martini lounge with music and trivia. Lastly, the outside provide one thing for everybody: Seashores, mountains, trails, parks, and extra are all inside an hour’s drive. 

Bremerton properties on the market | Bremerton homes for lease | Bremerton residences for lease

Methodology

Redfin’s Finest Locations to Reside rankings are supposed to assist dwelling 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 elements, together with entry to healthcare, open outside house, navigability, housing tendencies, employment statistics, revenue, and journey time to work. Solely metros with a inhabitants of 20,000 or better had been thought of 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.