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

Feb 17, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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?

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?

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?

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!

Read Also:

Sarmind Safi

Sarmind is a Writer and an aspiring Editor who has experience in various short and long-form niches. Her academic pursuits intensely mold her industry background in content creation. She holds a Master's degree in Literature, and when not writing for professional purposes, she can be found re-reading old classics of Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters. She is super fond of cats and enjoys hours of doom-scrolling through memes on social media while cuddled up with a cup of desi chai. She likes to think she is an intellectual badass (colloquial: nerdy bore), and now all she needs is a sewing kit to complete the look!

3 Ways to Enjoy Spring at Zion National Park

BY Ariana SmithNov 29, 2021

Situated on 229 square miles in beautiful Southern Utah, Zion National Park boasts some of the most iconic views and opportunities for adventure that one could find anywhere. Sprawling amongst the famous Southern Utah red rocks, and just over 160 miles from Las Vegas, you are just a short journey away from enjoying a beautiful landscape unlike any other by taking a Zion National Park tour. April in Zion National Park is nearly perfect. Temperatures are in the low 70s. The snow begins to gracefully melt in the valley while still providing a snowy-floor scenic view at higher elevations. Green and lush foliage are sprouting up. And it’s all complemented by pink and red rock formations. April is one of the best and most scenic times to enjoy all that Zion National Park has to offer. There is a lot of excitement in the air about the new-found spring life and visitors are enjoying the park throughout, so be sure to give yourself enough time to properly enjoy your time. There is no shortage of ways to breathe in all that Zion National Park has to offer in April. The views and the new spring life can be seen through a myriad of lasting experiences—including jeep tours, bike tours, horseback riding or good old-fashioned hiking. Guided tours are offered and can lead you through the sights and sounds of Utah’s first national park. For those who prefer the solace and adventure of exploration on their own, you’ll find many of the famous Zion National Park landmarks—Emerald Pools, Riverside Walk, and Weeping Rock—easily accessible. Here are 3 Ways to Enjoy Spring at Zion National Park: 1. Hiking Watching Zion National Park pass by from a vehicle has many advantages and offers beauty at every turn, but with a seemingly endless amount of hiking trails, Zion National Park has a trail for everyone. Visit Weeping Rock or check out the sights as you hike Angels Landing, just to name a few. The skill level of hiking trails is as diverse as the views and all skill levels of hikers are represented in the types of trails. For those preferring more of a peaceful, easier hike, The Narrows offers the chance to slip through scaling walls of color. The Zion Canyon Overlook trail and The Watchmen trail offer more moderate level hikes, while trails like Angels Landing and The Subway Trail are more on the challenging side. 2. Guided Tours: Everyone loves a good adventure on their own, but there’s value in exploring the vast landscape of Zion National Park with an expertly trained and fully knowledgeable tour guide leading you through Utah’s very first national park. The crafted guided tours offer flexible schedules—with many available seven days a week—and give adventure seekers the chance to see Zion National Park through many different perspectives including rock climbing, horseback tours, jeep tours, and even just hiking along the many trails. 3. Learn Along the Way: Seeing the sights of Zion National Park is phenomenal, to say the least, but for those interested in learning while they view, the Human History Museum is the perfect combination of stunning visuals and educational information regarding the park and surrounding areas and cultures. Inside you’ll find a 3D model of the park and learn more about the American Indian culture and early inhabitants of the area, as well as the creation of the park itself. What should I Pack? Yes, spring at Zion National Park is lovely as the warmth begins to appear and the skies clear up, but the threat of cold, rain, and sleet still exists, and travelers should be aware of and pack accordingly for many weather conditions. Mornings and evenings bring chilly temperatures—be prepared with beanies, gloves, long underwear, light jackets, and long-sleeved shirts. While the cold may be cause for bundling up, be prepared for the weather to warm up. Wear layers you can shed later, and don’t forget the sunscreen, which is a must for all-day ventures through the park’s many trails. Your adventure in Zion National Park will be one you won’t soon forget, and to help with keeping those memories fresh, you should remember to pack the most important item of all—your camera. Capture those moments and enjoy your time exploring nature’s beauty at Zion National Park. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q1: What Makes Zion National Park Special? A: The highlight of Zion National Park is the huge canyon, which is 2000 feet deep. It allows hiking, along with its floor which is 20 to 30 wide. another highlight is the natural rock arches in Zion National Park. Q2: Did Anyone Died In This Location? A: There have been 15 deaths in the last century. The source of this news is Dave Nally the author of Death and Rescues In Zion National Park. Q3: How Scary Is Angels Landing? A: Angels Landing is considered to be the most dangerous hike in the country. People fall off the tall chunk of rock, because of no guardrails. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Discovering The 11 Most Beautiful Places Of Adventure In The World

Starbucks – Best Review By Users In 2022 [Genuine Information]

BY Barsha BhattacharyaMar 2, 2022

How many of us craved for that coffee from Starbucks every morning while we were forced to work from home? My guess is too many to keep a count! In my living memory, I don’t remember the last time I thought about getting a coffee from somewhere else. So what is it about this coffee that makes so many around the world desire it? I have always wondered whether it was Starbucks’ policy of customized cups or the mouth-watering menu that continues to keep the brand relevant even today. A coffee addict’s paradise, the Starbucks near me is always packed but does that stop me? Well, not really. I simply move to the next chain shop around the corner. For everyone wondering why they have not visited a Starbucks yet, scroll down and read about this global brand in detail. Additionally, I have also added a few reviews that alone should be convincing about this chain coffee shop’s premium quality coffee and customer service! About Starbucks: The Brand When Jerry Baldwin, Zev Siegl, and Gordon Bowker launched Starbucks in 1971, they had no clue that the brand would remain relevant even after 50 years. Instead, what started with one outlet at the Pike Place Market in the Elliot Bay area of Seattle, Washington, expanded into 33,833 stores across the world. Of course, the founders had not anticipated the brand’s success in the international and local markets. In the 1980s, Howard Schultz bought the brand and took the wise decision of transforming the final product - from a coffee bean shop to a coffee shop. This was the change that is considered one of the biggest reasons behind the brand’s success. With a 114th rank on the Fortune 500 list and a 288th rank on the Forbes Global 2000, it does not look like Starbucks will stop expanding any time soon. The brand has consistently increased the number of stores in different countries, and even the Starbucks menu has undergone several transformations. Coffee Cup Size The Starbucks sizes for coffee cups have remained constant over the years. If you are not aware of the cup size, scroll down to find out! Short (240 ml) - Smaller of the two original sizes. Tall (350 ml) - Larger of the two original sizes. Grande (470 ml) - Italian for "large". Venti (590 ml and 770 mL) - Hot and Iced - Italian for "twenty." Trenta (890 ml) - Italian for "thirty". Products The Starbucks menu is golden, and there are so many things to try. If you have not been to a single Starbucks yet, update yourself on the menu! Low calorie and sugar-free products. Non-dairy milk offerings. Ethos Water. Instant coffee and coffee capsules. Coffee makers and single-use capsules. Alcoholic drinks. Fruit juices, fruit beverages, and sodas. Energy Drinks. Locations At present, Starbucks has its stores in 32,660 locations around the world, spanning as many as 79 countries and territories on six continents. Additionally, for people wondering what time does Starbucks close, you will be happy to know that most branches operate between 7 am to 8 pm. However, since the Starbucks hours of operation might vary from time to time, it’s best to check with the ones nearest to your locations. As of now, Starbucks is located in the following continents, Africa: Four countries. Europe: Twenty Eight Countries. North America: Fifteen Countries. Oceania: Two Countries. South America: Seven Countries. Asia: Twenty Six Countries. Starbucks - Best Reviews (https://www.consumeraffairs.com/food/starbucks.html) - Reference for three reviews. As a brand that has managed to stay relevant for more than half a century, Starbucks has a vast amount of reviews on Google from consumers all over the world. Check out a few of our favorite reviews! 1. Review By Denise Of Mckinney “I would like to give a huge shoutout to the Starbucks employees at the Kroger location in Plano, Tx. at Coit and Hwy 121. All of their employees are super friendly, efficient, and always remember my drink combo. I and my husband have been going to that Starbucks for six years now, and we love our Baristas. Most days, there is only one Barista tending to the store, but they are always efficient and seem to do an amazing job single-handedly. I would like to give a special shoutout to Michelle, she always greets me with a smile and a funny story, which makes my day amazing. Thank you, Michelle, for always being my ray of sunshine first thing in the morning.” 2. Review By Abhinav Of Abu Dhabi “Had a wonderful Christmas. Such an amazing experience this time at Starbucks. Mesmerizing taste and hospitality at its core. Delicious caramel frappe, turkey, and cheese pretzel sandwich yet chasing my taste buds. The Starbucks downstreet had a really tranquil environment and was great for having a hot coffee on a cold winter day. I love the sparkling bottled water and the painting on the walls, which give me a feeling of satisfaction. A relaxed and comforting environment to provide on a happy day. It's a great place to spend some time with friends, family, and converse. Thanks for the experienced Team Starbucks. It was 100% hostile and welcoming. Wish to see you soon.” 3. Review By M Of Cottage Grove “I have been to many Starbucks locations in several cities and states over the years. I want to take a moment to acknowledge Natatia at the Cottage Grove, MN, location. Natatia always has a very positive attitude, and I look forward to having her take my order when she is working. It is employees like Natatia that take the customer experience at Starbucks to the next level. Her customer service is "Star" worthy! I would highly recommend Starbucks in Cottage Grove to anyone.” Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 1. What Is The Best Drink At Starbucks? The five best drinks of Starbucks as rated by consumers all over the world are as follows, Nitro Cold Brew with Sweet Cream. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Caffé Mocha. Caramel Brulée Latte. Caffé Americano. 2. What Is The Review On Starbucks? Starbucks has a stellar 4.4 rating on Google with over 5169 reviews from consumers all over the world. The vast number of positive reviews indicates that consumers are pretty satisfied with the menu and quality of service. 3. Why Starbucks Is The Best? Most fans would agree that the coffee brew served at Starbucks keeps them going all day long! But coffee is not the only thing that makes this global coffee shop chain so popular with users - the menu and customer service also happen to be a massive hit with people. Conclusion There’s no denying that Starbucks has stayed relevant as a brand for a really long time and continues to evolve every year. So if you haven’t visited the famous chain coffee shop yet, then what are you waiting for? Visit today! Read Also: Cafe Coffee Day – Best Review By Users In 2022 Top 5 Best Coffee Shops Of India In 2022 – Must Read! Three Dollar Cafe – Reviews, Special Food, Pet Friendly Cafe

3 Intriguing Reasons to Cruise in Alaska

BY Mashum MollahJan 26, 2021

Thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise? A cruise in Alaska is one of the most immersive ways of taking in all the beauty that the state has to offer. There are exciting and spectacular views and plenty of activities for you to do. Alaska is known for its scenery and sheer beauty. Taking a cruise allows you to view all the wonders of Alaska in an organized way, but that's not the only reason. Here's a look at some other compelling reasons to take an Alaskan cruise. 1. A Cruise in Alaska Is Affordable Believe it or not, taking a cruise to Alaska is one of the least expensive ways to see the many sights of Alaska in the shortest possible time. If you are on vacation for two weeks or even a shorter period of time, it will be hard to find a cheaper and easier way to see the sights of Alaska. You can choose the type of cruise that you want. You can choose Inside Passage roundtrips or one-way itineraries that start and finish in Seward or Whittier. Whatever you fancy, you will get a great overview of the state at a good price. 2. See the Glaciers Even when there are no port calls, your Alaskan cruise will take you so through some spectacular scenery. When you visit the inside passage there are thousands of islands and hundreds of miles of beautiful rainforests along the shoreline. You will see mountains that rise to at least 3000 feet out of the sea. You get to experience wildlife, such as humpback whales, dolphins, and orcas. However, while these are spectacular, one of the most beautiful things to see is the glaciers. Alaska has thousands of glaciers. Most Alaskan cruises make glacier stops so that you can get an up-close view of these beautiful gifts of nature. 3. Activities for Everyone An Alaskan cruise provides you with many activities that you can try. There is something that will appeal to everyone. You can go gold panning, kayaking, bear touring, whale watching, dog sledding, fishing, and hiking just to name a few. If you are traveling with your family or friends, everyone is likely to find something that will appeal to them. There will never be a dull moment, so book a trip now so you can find the best time to cruise. Book Your Trip Now Now that you know all the benefits that can be derived from taking a cruise in Alaska, you shouldn't procrastinate any longer. Go ahead and book your trip early so that you will be able to know your itinerary long in advance. Think about what you would like to do and what you would like to see while you're visiting Alaska. Knowing what interests you the most makes it easier for you to pick the type of cruise that you wish to book. If you would like to explore more exciting destinations, please visit the destinations section of the website. Read Also: 10 Best Things To Do In San Diego (USA) Why You Should Move To San Diego

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