From Urban to Rural: The Best Places to Live in Washington State for Every Lifestyle

Washington is notable for its exceptional natural beauty, which includes three national parks, more than 8,000 lakes, and 155 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline. However, the Evergreen State is also among the wealthiest in the nation; in 2022, the median household income in the state was $84,247, nearly $6,000 higher than the national average.

Major corporations like Microsoft and Amazon call Washington home, and there are plenty of excellent job opportunities there. Even though the Seattle area is still a popular place to relocate, there are many other towns throughout the state’s interior and along its coastline that entice newcomers with their picturesque surroundings, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, close-knit communities, and family-friendly amenities.

Here are 7 of the best places to live in Washington state, as rated by locals.

Best Places To Live In Washington State

Top Places To Live In Washington State

It can be tough to zero in on one city to call home when you choose the Washington state to pick from. But we are listing the best places to live in Washington state to make your life easier. Take a peek.

Cheney

Cheney

It’s worth considering other universities in eastern Washington besides Gonzaga. Eastern Washington University, a public university with 11,000 students and 800 faculty members, is located in Cheney. Although EWU is not the biggest university in the state, a sizable portion of Cheney’s population attends it. The population of the city is about 10,600 during the summer months. In academic terms, this increases to 17,600 inhabitants.

For students who prefer to be fully immersed in campus life but are concerned about getting lost in a bigger city, EWU is an excellent choice. Families looking to live or work close to a university may find it to be a good alternative to other towns on this list. Cheney is undoubtedly one of the best places to live in Washington state for young adults.

Spokane

Spokane

Although many of the greatest areas to live in Washington are located in the east, people tend to concentrate on the western side of the state. In stark contrast to the rainy weather in Seattle, the eastern portion of the state is level and experiences a desert climate. Spokane, which is located near the Idaho border, is the 99th most populous city in the country. With 500,000 residents, Spokane serves as a hub in opposition to Seattle.

For those who prefer to be outside, Spokane is a sanctuary. Within a few hours of the city, one can find hiking and rafting in addition to ski resorts. The men’s basketball team at Gonzaga University, which is based in Spokane, draws fans from all over the nation. In the NCAA March Madness tournament, the Bulldogs are always a formidable opponent.  

Portland

Portland

In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is not the only significant city. The Columbia River divides Washington and Oregon, with Portland, Oregon, situated along its border. Nike and Columbia Sportswear have their corporate offices in Portland, a sizable city.

Vancouver, Washington is the state across which Portland is located. Many people who live in this city make the daily commute into Oregon. One city to another can be reached by car in fifteen minutes, although traffic may make it take longer. The fact that Washington does not impose a state income tax is one advantage of relocating to Vancouver. This can save you money.

Ocean Shores

Ocean Shores

The coast of Washington has many of the best places to live, with huge rocky outcroppings and thick fog making for enigmatic and fascinating beach walks. Selecting the best city to stay in along the Pacific Ocean is difficult. One well-liked location is the town of Ocean Shores, which is home to about 6,000 people.

If you enjoy going fishing and cooking your catch, Ocean Shores is a great place to call home. It is known for the Razor Clam and Seafood Festival held every year in the spring. Sand and wood artists from all over the nation come to the Sand and Sawdust festival in the summer. For those who enjoy the sea and the arts, this town is fantastic.

Olympia

Olympia

Seattle is not the capital city of Washington, despite its size. It is Olympia’s turn to receive this honor. Both cities are situated near water, and they are about an hour’s drive apart with minimal traffic. Olympia has 46,000 people living in it, far fewer than Seattle.

Olympia is a center for theater and the arts. Fine art organizations such as the Olympia Symphony Orchestra as well as the Olympia Family Theater are popular among the locals. Families can enjoy hiking or lounging on the waterfront with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier on the weekends. Whether you work in government, this is a great city to live in.

Tacoma

Tacoma

Those who wish to live in a more tranquil area but still commute into the city frequently choose Tacoma, which is only thirty minutes from Seattle’s downtown. Known for Port Defiance, a park and family recreation area combined, it is situated along the water.

Look into Tacoma if you want to live in the Seattle region but are having trouble locating the perfect spot. This town offers waterfront living in addition to being a center for the art and culture. You might find that there’s more to do than you thought. Tacoma will prove to be more than what you expect. It is easily one of the best places to live in Washington state.

Seattle

Seattle

Seattle is not only Washington’s most populous city, but it also has a large metropolitan area spanning the Puget Sound. Many locals drive and ride their bicycles for work, averaging 138 hours a year (28.4 minutes each way) in the downtown area.

Nonetheless, a lot of people believe that living in Seattle is worth the expense and commute. Along with dozens of other businesses, the city is home to the corporate offices of Amazon, Microsoft, Costco, Expedia, Alaska Airlines, and Starbucks. Seattle is home to the NFL’s Seahawks, MLB’s Mariners, NHL’s Kraken, and NBA’s Supersonics. Seattle is for you if you like a work-hard, play-hard lifestyle.

What Is The Pacific Northwest?

What Is The Pacific Northwest

The states in the northwest of the nation that are bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Cascade Mountain Range to the east are collectively referred to as the Pacific Northwest (PNW). The two states that are mentioned in the PNW the most are Washington and Oregon. But the area also includes portions of California, Idaho, and Alaska.

Does Washington Have A State Income Tax?

Does Washington Have A State Income Tax

Nine states do not impose an income tax, including Washington. The following states don’t have a state income tax: Florida, Alaska, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. States without income taxes either decrease the services provided to citizens or find other ways to raise money. To avoid paying taxes, some Washingtonians commute to Oregon.

What Is Seattle Famous For?

What Is Seattle Famous For

In addition to being the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle was once home to a sizable grunge music scene. The city has gained notoriety over the last ten years as the home of Amazon and is a sought-after location for tech companies to establish their operations. Living in the city has become more costly as a result.

Wrapping Up

States like Washington are our favorites because they have so many wonderful cities to choose from. There were so many, in fact, that we had to start by providing you with a list of three towns that you should definitely visit.

We understand that you may be experiencing analysis paralysis right now. Where does one call home with so many wonderful options? If you’re searching for a large city, Seattle is the only option. There is no doubt about that. However, if you’re willing to settle for a somewhat smaller city, Spokane or Tacoma are a better option than Seattle.

No matter where you choose to call home, never forget that we will assist you in getting there. Let us know if you choose to relocate to Washington. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the best places to live in Washington state, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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READ MORE is the bahamas safe

Is The Bahamas Safe For Tourists? Can I Travel To The Bahamas Right Now?

BY  Sibashree Apr 23, 2025

Is the Bahamas safe? Trust me! My mailbox is getting flooded with this question from the tourism businesses and professionals I know.  I think that the recent announcement from the Trump administration to avoid visiting the Bahamas has raised this concern.  But why is this sudden announcement? The growing crime rate, unsafe boating practices, and a rise in shark attacks have prompted the US State Department to issue an advisory on 31st March 2025 and an urgent warning against Americans visiting the Bahamas.  Now, the Bahamas, with the largest economy in the Caribbean, has often been under the radar as a nation with a Level 2 travel caution.  Level 2 caution means that a traveler needs to “exercise increased caution” while planning a trip to the Bahamas.  So, can I travel to the Bahamas right now? Yes, you can, but with increased safety precautions.  Do you want to know about travel safety in the Bahamas? You will find all the details in this Tour and Travel Blog. Is The Bahamas Safe? Hear It From The Travel Advisories "Violent crime—like armed robberies, burglaries, and sexual assaults—can occur anywhere in The Bahamas.”The Bahamas Travel Advisory, Bureau of Consular Affairs, The US Department of State Now, this is not great news for the Bahamas, a country heavily reliant on tourism. Further, in February this year, the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism confirmed the arrival of 11.22 million international visitors in 2024.  Everyone was pleased to see that the country had recorded such high numbers despite the ravages of hurricanes such as Oscar and Milton.  However, we cannot deny the fact that the Bahamas started the year 2024 with frequent reports of murders. The homicide rate in the Bahamas in 2024 was 29.7. It was a sharp 8% increase from the murder rate of 2023. No wonder that the growing number of crimes has raised concerns across the globe. We can consider the travel advisories issued by the governments of the USA, UK, and Canada as responses to the growing crisis.  1. The Bahamas Travel Advisory, The Bureau Of Consular Affairs, The USA Caution Level: Level 2, Increased Caution Date Issued: 31st March, 2025 Is Nassau Bahamas safe for tourists? No, it is not. In fact, Nassau, Freeport, and various areas in the Grand Bahama Islands and New Providence are not suitable for travelers.  There has been disturbing news of residents getting killed by gang members in these areas. The Bahamas Travel Advisory advises against selecting a vacation rental property without personal security guards.  Along with instructions on how to practice increased caution in these areas, the US Travel Advisory has also shared the following guidelines.  Safety Related To Weapons And Ammunition  Carrying firearms and ammunition is not allowed in the airport. If you are carrying one, even by mistake, you can face detention, jail, and more severe punishments.  The advisory tells a visitor to avoid combating robbery or theft physically. Moreover, a traveler must keep the doors of their room locked and use safety measures to avoid security threats.  Beach Safety: Is The Bahamas Safe?  Many unauthorized or unlicensed companies operate watercraft services in the Bahamas. However, the recent incidents of sexual assaults in downtown Nassau beaches have made it difficult to enjoy beach activities freely in Nassau.  Also, there has been news about the growing number of deaths caused by snorkeling and swimming.  Moreover, there has been an alarming rise in the number of shark attacks in the Bahamas. 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Criminals in Canada often add drugs to food and drink to commit robbery or sexual assault.  Further, the travel advice highlights road safety precautions, especially while driving through areas like Nassau.  It asks the travelers to keep the doors of the car locked and windows rolled up. Moreover, you must not get out of the car and try to remove anything that’s obstructing your road.  It can be a trick to rob or assault you as soon as you get out of the car.  Moreover, the advisory talks about water and power supply shortages in the Bahamas. Hurricanes are frequent, and Milton and Oscar are two hurricanes that have left major impacts on the Bahamas recently.  Hurricanes create problems in power supply, water supply, and the availability of essential services. So, always keep an adequate supply of water.  3. Are The Bahamas Safe For Families? The “Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas” By The UK Government Violent crimes, sexual assaults, and drink spiking are the most prominent crimes that travelers need to be alert about when traveling to the Bahamas.  Furthermore, despite the potential for the Bahamas to experience substantial growth in adventure tourism, safety concerns related to swimming and water sports are causing major problems.  Also, the Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas issued by the Government of the United Kingdom highlights the possible problems for LGBT+ travelers and how a traveler from the UK will experience major cultural differences there. “In The Bahamas, same-sex sexual relations have been legal since 1991, with an age of consent of 18. However, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public may receive unwanted and negative attention. Showing affection in public, especially for same-sex couples, is uncommon.”Foreign Travel Advice Bahamas  Are The Bahamas Safe For Families, And Why We Still Love The Bahamas See, the questions like “Is it safe to walk in the Bahamas?” or “Is the Bahamas safe for families?” will not fade anytime soon, as the crime rates are high in the country.  Also, countries such as the USA, the UK, and Canada have issued travel advisories that highlight almost the same major issues.  Having said that, we still love the Bahamas, which has endless stories about the voyages of Vasco da Gama, and it is the home to the Pirates of the Caribbean.  The major tourist attractions in the Bahamas are Nassau, the capital city, Freeport, Andros Island, San Salvador, and Exuma Cays. 

READ MORE Things to Do in San Diego

10 Best Things to Do in San Diego (USA)

BY  Mashum Dec 9, 2021

Whatever you are doing, do not start the trip to San Diego, and do not even begin planning for it minus this list of things to do in San Diego. You will love them when you get to the destination. The last one in the list is the most populous, therefore hold onto the seat and brace yourself for the thrill and fun things to do in San Diego with your kids, your partner, or while on a solo trip to southern California. 10 Best Things to Do in San Diego (USA): 1. Visit La Jolla: La Jolla is an upscale prime beach in San Diego. It means 'the jewel' in Spanish and it offers cliffs overlooking the ocean which makes it be among the best things to do in San Diego. You will find excellent restaurants to stop at to eat before lovely ocean views. For an active visitor, this is a lot as it includes tide pool hopping, ocean kayaking, and running, biking, and surfing along the beach. You can choose to take a walk along the cliff that overlooks the water and then to the tide pools. Spend some time at the beach then take dinner there enjoying the sunset. 2. A tour to USS Midway aircraft carrier: Given the military ties of San Diego, it is a perfect place for turning the long aircraft carrier into an attraction. Do not skip this one as it is the best thing you can do. You need to note that trip advisors rate this as the first attraction in San Diego making it one of the things to do in San Diego today. This aircraft appeals person of all genders and ages. You need to be fit before visiting this carrier because of the lengthy walking and stairs. You may end up skipping some parts while on the tour. 3. The Balboa Park: The construction of this park was done temporarily during the Panama – California exposition. It became the most beloved part of the city. It has very beautiful buildings that are attractive most likely to photographers. They are among the fun things to do in San Diego as they have surroundings of lawns, trees, and fountains. People and families of all interests and gender enjoy this park. In this park, you can ride a carousel, see a Shakespeare play, walk, ride a bike, or go to the zoo. You will busy here for many days. 4. The Coronado islands: Coronado is much of a peninsula than it is an island. This fact does not go in the way of many individuals visiting there. Whatever the name, it is a narrow strip between the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. This island lacks in size but it has the most fun things to do in San Diego. It has a compact little downtown, and a classic hotel. It gives you a break from the busy parts of San Diego. You can stroll the beach and stop at Del Coronado hotel for ice cream, drink at the bar, and hang out downtown. 5. Harbor cruise: Water bears a crucial role in San Diego. Coronado and Point Loma surround the calm, large bay. With the oceanfront location, there are so many thongs to see on the shore and you can explore them with a boat. Everybody loves city views and this is one of the free things to do in San Diego. You will also see the Pacific fleet while going for a feel at the Coronado Bridge. 6. The San Diego Zoo: San Diego Zoo usually comes on top of lists of zoos and is active in conserving animals. This zoo displayed the first animal in 1916, a Kodiak that was called Caesar. It is totally different from yesteryear zoos as animals are in these most natural settings possible. This zoo is an inhabitant for the populous Giant Panda. This is one of the San Diego things to do because you can see over four thousand endangered animals on one hundred acres land. 7. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: This safari park offers a dissimilar experience for animals. The name is the clue and offers an experience like the safari. Many large animals live in similar areas for keeping predators away. 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You will find dinosaurs, life-cops, dizzying creators from Lego blocks, but are just decorations surrounding park rides. Kids will find rides for them with their age limit keeping bigger kids from running over them. Adults get a kick for big creations of the Lego. 10. The birch aquarium creatures: The birch aquarium is found in La Jolla, north San Diego. It is not very big as other aquariums or as flashy as big sea-themed parks in California. Instead, it has interesting exhibits and is home to leafy sea dragons. It has improbable creatures that are more similar to those in the book of a kid that they are from the ocean. This aquarium has a nice size and feels great for children, and is of the right price also. Accommodation In San Diego There are some cheap hotels in San Diego County that starts from 49 dollars. if you are looking for a clean place that has a beautiful ambience then these hotel names will help you out. Pleasent Inn (4.1/5). E-Z 8 motel old yown (3.7/5). Motel 6, San Diego, near sea world (3.7/5). The Rambler motel (4.5/5). Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What should I not miss in San Diego? A: if you are in San Diego and confused about what to visit and whatnot, let e tell you four places that you must visit.  Little Italy. Pacific Beach. The craft beer scene. Glass lamp quarter. Q2: How many days are enough to stay in San Diego? A: The finest city in America that is full of food, adventure, culture, and several neighborhoods to explore, I personally recommend you to stay in the city for at least three days and nights.  Q3: Which is more expensive to visit LA or San Diego? A: LA is 8.2% more expensive than San Diego, the housing costs are expensive compared to housing costs in San Diego as well as the health-related activities.  Q4: What is unique in San Diego? A: There are many but I will name 4 places that are uniquely beautiful in San Diego. An underwater park. A sea cave that is hidden in a small shop. Taco restaurant to show respect to the Mexican wrestlers.  Haunted museums.  Conclusion: Getting to San Diego will make sure that you see it all. You will spend your time there and get back home feeling satisfied. There are so many things to do in San Diego while traveling. Book your travel now and explore the world of fun south of California. Read Also : 10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix(Arizona) 10 Best Things to Do in Prague 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain) 10 Best Things to Do in Dublin (Ireland)

READ MORE waterfalls in Texas

Best Waterfalls In Texas To Visit And Swimming Holes For The Most Fulfilling Experience

BY  Sibashree Apr 25, 2025

In 2025, we lost Victor Emanuel, the top-notch birder and the founder of the Austin ecotourism company.  Now, one month after his passing, it is the ideal time to have an in-depth discussion about the ecotourism scenario of Texas, a state he called home.  The ecotourism industry in Texas has experienced significant growth over the past few years. Further, it is an important element in the tourism and economic landscape of the state, generating employment and revenues.  Again, ecotourism in Texas is a part of sustainable tourism in the state, emphasizing the importance of ethical and responsible travel practices.  The waterfalls in Texas, located in state national parks and other locations, are important components of ecotourism in the state. These waterfalls are often at the epicenter of diverse ecosystems.  Moreover, many of these waterfalls are part of bigger conservation projects, playing a bigger role in the environmental protection of the state.  By now, you must have an idea that this Tour and Travel Blog is going to be about the best waterfall in Texas.  So, let’s explore! What Is The Best Time To Visit The Best Waterfalls In Texas? Spring is the best time to visit the best waterfalls in Texas. During March and April, the waterfalls receive adequate water from rainfall in the winter season and melting snow.  Further, the summer months from May to August are a good time to explore the waterfalls in Texas. The cascading water with mists around offers a cool escape in the scorching summer of Texas. What Are The Best Waterfalls In Texas?  Today, we mostly associate Texas with stunning urban areas and the most dramatic desert landscape.  However, we often overlook the beautiful waterfalls and swimming holes in the state, offering the right fusion of adventure and immersive experience for tourists. 1. Gorman Falls Location: Colorado Bend State Park Height: 70 Feet Hours Open: 6 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee for Adults: $5, Children below 12: Free Entry Gorman Falls near Dallas is so grand that you cannot capture the whole of it in a single frame. Further, Gorman Falls is a popular hiking destination with a rocky trail.  Moreover, various springs and Gorman Creek feed this waterfall, and the pool near the fountain is home to Guadalupe bass fish.  2. Cattail Falls Location: Big Bend National Park Height: 80 Feet Hours Open: 24*7 Entry Fee: Standard Pass - $15.00–$30.00 Cattail Falls is one of the hidden gems when we talk about the best waterfalls in Texas. It is a popular hiking destination for adventurous tourists.  The hiking trail is 3 miles long, and hiking is tricky through the trail. However, a glimpse of the waterfall falling as multiple streams of water is worth the effort. 3. Westcave Preserve Falls Location: Hamilton Pool Road Height: 40 Feet Hours Open: Tuesday-Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM Entry Fee: $20 for Adults 16+ and $10 for Children Aged 4-15 years Westcave Preserve Falls is the ultimate fantasy destination with stories of unicorns floating in the air.  Further, this waterfall is pristine, and the little cave here creates a sense of intrigue. 4. Chalk Ridge Falls Location: Belton Height: Around 206 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM Entry: Free If you are looking for a tranquil getaway, Chalk Ridge Falls in Belton will be your go-to destination.  Surrounded by trees, Chalk Ridge Falls exudes a pristine charm. Also, you will love swimming in the shallow side of the lake. 5. Pedernales Falls Location: Pedernales Falls State Park Height: 50 Feet Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years And Above, Free Entrance for Children Aged 12 Located near San Antonio, Pedernales Falls is all about finding peace. The sound of the water is music to the ears.  Here, you can bike and hike around the trail and swim in the calmest water.  6. Hamilton Pool Waterfall Location: Hamilton Pool Road, Dripping Springs Height: Around 50 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 12:30 PM and 2-5:30 PM Entry Fee: $8 for Adults and Free for Children Below 12 Years  Hamilton Pool Waterfall has been formed with the creek spilling streams of water over limestone structures.  There is a beautiful pool below the waterfall in a canyon. You can reach Hamilton Pool Waterfall after a hike of 1.9 miles through a moderately challenging route. 7. Krause Springs Location: Spicewood Road Height: 8 Feet Hours Open: 9 AM to 8 PM (Usually Closed between November 1st and February 15th for Maintenance.) Entry Fee: $10 for 12 Years and Old, $6 for Children from 4 to 11 Years, and Free for Kids Under 4 Years A property of the Krause Family for the last 50 years, Krause Springs has 32 springs. Furthermore, the waterfall here enhances the appeal of the serene landscape.  You can swim in the pool, camp, or even hike the small trail to spend some time in nature. Also, do not forget a walk in the beautiful butterfly garden.  8. McKinney Water State Park Location: Austin Hours Open: 8 AM to 10 PM Entry Fee: $6 for 13 Years and Above, Free for Children up to 12 Years Home to the Onion Creek, McKinney Water State Park has the Lower and Upper Falls. You can reach the waterfalls fed by the water of the Onion Creek by hiking through endless trails here.  Moreover, the gigantic bald cypress tree, or Old Baldy, stands as the eternal witness to humankind in this state park.  What Are The Best Swimming Holes In Texas? Do you want to escape the summer heat of Texas? Why don’t you plan a trip to these amazing swimming holes? These swimming holes are ideal for a fun time with family and friends. 1. Barton Springs Pool Barton Springs Pool is located in Zilker Park in Austin. Fed by spring water, this 1000-foot-long pool maintains a temperature of 68 degrees F throughout the year.  It is a perfect summer escapade for families.  2. Devil's Waterhole Located in the Inks Lake State Park, Devil's Waterhole is a popular swimming hole in Texas. You can also hike through the canyon in the Inks Lake State Park. Further, you can plan camping and overnight stays in this beautiful state park.  3. Blanco State Park Blanco State Park has a dam that creates a beautiful lagoon and waterfall. You can swim here and indulge in the scenic beauty.