Washington state is an increasingly popular area to move to for people of all backgrounds and individuals and families alike. This state is also a popular place to move to for large corporations and businesses, bringing many job opportunities.
On top of a booming job market, beautiful scenery, tons of outdoor activities, and many opportunities for housing for those of all budgets and outlooks. From its beautiful coast and Puget Sound to its mountainous regions, this state also offers a variety of environments to enjoy and live in. If you’re considering a move to Washington state this year, continue reading to discover why this state might just be right for you.
What are the Most Popular Areas in Washington State?
Seattle is unquestionably the most popular area in Washington state, housing around 60% of the state’s total population. It’s a bustling job market, with varied neighborhoods to choose from, and cozy coffee shops and restaurants to enjoy or work from.
Seattle is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and features a unique and eclectic culture that attracts people from all over the nation and the world. Undoubtedly, a huge draw of living in Seattle is its huge job market, which is fueled by the many tech companies and startups based in the area. Home to big companies like Adobe, Google, Apple, Facebook, and more. That being said, there’s a lot of competition for these high-level jobs in this area, so be prepared to face a lot of other applicants in your job searches.
Though Seattle is a hugely in-demand area to live in, there are a couple of drawbacks to living in the area. The most notable of these drawbacks is the high cost of living and of housing in the area. Though Washington state also does not have a state income tax, Seattle does have very high sales taxes, in addition to the state’s already-high sales taxes.
Besides the Seattle metropolitan area, however, there are tons of amazing cities and towns in Washington to move to if you don’t want to deal with Seattle’s high cost of living or job competition.
Why Move to Washington?
As we mentioned, a big draw to Washington state is the area’s lack of income tax, which can make a huge difference in the cost of living for cheaper areas outside of Seattle. Another huge draw of living in Seattle is, of course, the breathtaking nature and outdoor activities the state offers. Greenery surrounds much of its cities and towns year-round thanks to its Pacific coastal climate, and its beautiful evergreen forests that stretch across the entire state make it incredibly picturesque.
This state also features incredible national parks, like Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park. These beautiful natural areas are largely accessible from major cities like Seattle and can offer a welcome reprieve from every day for a weekend or a week-long getaway (or even longer!).
Because of these huge perks of living in this state, it’s no wonder why Seattle has a lot of draws. But which areas outside of Seattle could be right for you? We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular areas in the state for your consideration.
Where to Move in Washington?
Though Seattle is a huge hotspot, there are a lot more beautiful areas to choose from in Washington that might be more attuned to your lifestyle or budget. The following are some of the best places to move to in Washington state.
Bellevue
25 minutes outside of Seattle, this suburb offers close proximity to the main city for commuters but is separated enough to bring you away from the hustle and bustle of the city lifestyle. Separated from the city by Lake Washington, this area features beautiful mountain views, amazing public parks, and green space, and has a thriving economy and job market of its own. This town also has a wonderful and eclectic cultural and arts scene, including big draws like the Bellevue Arts Museum and the annual Festival of the Arts.
Olympia
As the capital of Washington, this city offers a lot of government jobs for those involved, in addition to an amazing food and drink scene and great educational opportunities. Located nearby Olympic National Park, this city also is a great location for those who want to balance their everyday industrial lifestyle with the opportunity for escape in nature.
Spokane
Spokane is known for its vibrant downtown area and thriving food and drink scene. The valley has a beautiful river that crisscrosses the city, offering amazing views and great walking or biking trails for those who love to get outside and get active. Located on the eastern edge of the state, Spokane is rich with history and tons of opportunities for natural escape.
Bellingham
This town is a secret gem of Washington state and is ideal for those who want a more laid-back lifestyle and access to more outdoors-focused activities. Located just nearby Whatcom Falls Park and Bloedel Park on Lake Whatcom, Bellingham offers tons of nearby activities for outdoor lovers, including swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and more. The town also has a vibrant food and restaurant scene where you can always find live music and good food.
No matter where you’re looking to move in Washington state, make sure you have the right Washington state moving company by your side to assist you in everything your relocation entails. Bekins Northwest Moving & Storage are the best Washington state movers for your residential moving process, whether you’re moving locally or embarking on a long-distance moving adventure. With the best service and pricing, we’ll have your back throughout your move so you can focus on your new home instead of the moving process. See what we can do for you and your household items today!
