If you’re looking for a great place to live in Washington, there are plenty of options to consider. From vibrant cities with breathtaking views to small towns full of natural beauty, the state has something for everyone.
Attractions To Places To Live In Washington State
Washington is a beautiful state known for its pristine forests, huge mountains, white water rivers, and 157 miles of coastline. Its natural beauty has drawn many people to move here, making it an increasingly popular place to live.
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The city of Seattle is one of the best places to live in Washington, with all its sightseeing opportunities and world class business activity. It is home to many renowned companies, including Amazon, Costco and Microsoft.
Aside from the bustling economy, Seattle offers some of the best hiking and outdoor recreation in the state. Its vast stretches of untouched forests, snow-capped volcanoes and dazzling lakes attract tourists from all over the world.
Its low crime rate and proximity to nature make it a great place for families and retirees alike, as well as those looking to start their own business or further their education.



If you’re looking for a more laid back lifestyle in a city that’s also less expensive than Seattle, consider Tacoma. Its thriving economy, lively arts scene and clear views of Mount Rainier are reasons why it’s become one of the best places to live in Washington.
Another place to consider is Pullman, a small town near Idaho’s border that offers a lower crime rate and college town vibes. It has a strong public school system and is home to Washington State University, which helps keep the city vibrant and bustling.
Other places to consider include Kenmore, an affluent suburb of Seattle that sits on the northern shore of Lake Washington. This friendly and welcoming community is a great option for new home buyers looking to relocate to the area.
The state’s low crime rate, high-tech job market, and healthy economy make it an appealing place to relocate. Here are a few of the best places to live in Washington State for families, tech entrepreneurs, and nature lovers alike.
Bellevue #1
Located on the shores of Lake Washington in King County, Bellevue is a great place to live if you want to combine scenic beauty, a bustling downtown, and plenty of entertainment. The city also has a reputation for being one of the safest in the state.
The city has a strong sense of community, which is reflected in the number of restaurants and small businesses. The downtown area is a buzz of activity, with events like BAM ARTSfair taking place throughout the summer.

In addition to its diverse cultural scene, Bellevue is a popular destination for outdoor activities. Its close proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it a great place to explore the Pacific Northwest.
A great place to dine in Bellevue is Ascend Prime Steak & Sushi, where you can take in the views of Lake Washington as you enjoy aged prime steaks and premium seafood. Or try Monsoon East for contemporary Vietnamese cuisine that blends Pacific Northwest ingredients with Asian flair.
Weather | 13°C, Wind SW at 6 km/h |
Neighborhoods | Factoria, Crossroads, Bel-Red, Eastgate, MORE |
Population | 1.49 lakhs (2021) |
ZIP Codes | 98004-98009 |
Area code | 425 |
Olympia #2
Olympia is a small city in Washington State that is known for its progressive, eclectic vibe and great arts and music scene. It is also a very friendly and free-spirited community that is welcoming to all.
The city is located on the shores of South Puget Sound, which gives residents beautiful views of the nearby Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. Its comparatively low cost of living, award-winning education and lifestyle opportunities make it an excellent place to live, work and play.

In addition to its scenic beauty, Olympia is also home to several natural parks that are perfect for hiking and weekend picnics. These include the Priest Point Park, which offers great views of the Pacific Ocean and Ellis Cove, which is a popular spot for bird-watching.
Another must-visit attraction is the Bigelow House Museum, which showcases the history of Olympia through a variety of exhibits and a beautiful Carpenter Gothic style building. This historic home is the oldest structure in Olympia, and its preservation is a testament to how well the city has been taken care of by local residents.
Weather | 11°C, Wind W at 6 km/h |
Population | 55,919 (2021) |
ZIP codes | 98501-98599 |
Area code(s) | 360, 564 |
Elevation | 95 ft (29 m) |
Spokane #3
Spokane is an amazing city filled with art, culture and natural beauty. Its historic downtown has some of the best restaurants in Washington State. One of the most popular attractions is Riverfront Park, which was the site of the 1974 World Fair.
Its gushing waterfall is spectacular and families can enjoy the carousel, gondola ride and giant Radio Flyer wagon to climb on. It is also home to Manito Park and Botanical Gardens and Duncan Gardens.

The Nishinomiya Japanese Garden is another attraction worth visiting. The outdoor scene is huge in Spokane with a variety of state parks to explore. It is a great place to hike and bike as well as go white-water rafting.
In addition, there is a thriving restaurant scene that is perfect for the whole family. You can find everything from fast food places to high-end dining and bars. You can even find rooftop bars to enjoy a drink while looking at the scenic view of the city.
Weather | 18°C, Wind S at 5 km/h |
Population | 2.29 lakhs (2021) |
Area code | 509 |
Elevation | 1,843 ft (562 m) |
Founded by | James Glover |
Bellingham #4
Bellingham is a beautiful city, situated on the bay and full of invigorating activities. It also has an eclectic downtown with a variety of restaurants and cafes. The city also has a lot of farm-to-table restaurants and craft breweries. In addition, there are tons of outdoor activities like whale watching tours and visiting the San Juan Islands.
You can also take your kids to the Spark Museum of Electrical Invention, which celebrates electricity and has all the artifacts that make it famous. The museum has everything from edison bulbs and early music boxes to telegraphs and radios.

If you are looking for a place to socialize with your friends, check out 1-Up Lounge. This bar is a good choice for drinks and gaming. They have a wide range of retro video game consoles and have several nostalgic pinball machines as well.
If you are looking for a good place to stay, Oxford Suites Bellingham is one of the best. They have many amenities for their guests and are near Bellis Fair Mall. They are also close to a number of popular restaurants and a few grocery stores.
Population | 92,289 (2021) |
Weather | 10°C, Wind S at 6 km/h |
Neighborhoods | Cordata, Lettered Streets, Sehome, MORE |
ZIP codes | 98225-98229 |
Area codes | 360, 564 |
Redmond #5
A crucial part of Seattle’s high-tech hub, Redmond has grown into a vibrant community where thousands of people work and live. It’s home to Microsoft and Nintendo, and it’s a popular choice for families with kids.
With a large selection of parks, Redmond has endless opportunities to get outdoors. You can hike the trails in Marymoor Park, ride your bike along the Sammamish River Trail or organize a picnic with friends and family. There are a number of Redmond restaurants that offer food delivery.

Whether you want Indian dishes or something more familiar, you can find your perfect meal in this city. One of the best places for Indian food in Redmond is Kanishka. It offers a wide range of delicious options and uses several spices and ingredients to make their dishes taste extra authentic.
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can head to Flee Escape Room in Redmond. This is a fun and thrilling activity for all ages. It’s also a great way to bond with your team or celebrate a birthday party.
Weather | 13°C, Wind SW at 6 km/h |
Population | 76,354 (2021) |
Elevation | 13 m |
Area code | Area code 425 |
Issaquah #6
Isssssaquah, Washington State is a great place to live for anyone looking for a fun and active community. This town has a lot to offer, from an active arts and culture scene to plenty of outdoor activities.
Isssaquah is located just outside of Seattle and surrounded by the Cascade Mountains, Lake Sammamish, and three peaks that make up the Issaquah Alps (Cougar, Squak, and Tiger). It’s a favorite for hikers, bikers, and nature lovers alike. Another reason Issaquah is so popular is that it has an excellent school district.

This makes it a great choice for families with young children. It is also known for its low crime rate, making it a great option for people looking to move to a new city. The city has an average of 65 crimes per 100,000 residents, which is lower than the national average.
Issaquah is also a good choice for those who like to be close to parks, stores, and other conveniences. It has a high livability score, which is calculated by weighing education, crime, cost of living, and residents’ happiness.
Weather | 13°C, Wind SW at 6 km/h |
ZIP codes | 98027, 98029, 98075 |
Population | 39,505 (2021) |
Elevation | 33 m |
Kirkland #7
Kirkland is a city that offers plenty of outdoor adventures, beautiful parks, and great attractions for the whole family. Located within King County, it is only a short distance from Seattle and other major cities, making it easy to get around the area when you want to.
The city is known for its waterfront parks, stunning views, and trendy restaurants. In addition to these attractions, it also has a vibrant downtown core that offers pedestrian-friendly boutique shopping, locally owned coffee shops and health and beauty spas.

It is also home to a number of award-winning hotels, wineries and restaurants. The city also hosts a wide variety of events ranging from art openings and performances to athletic events, music festivals, and more. The city was originally founded by a British-born steel tycoon in the 1880s, who envisioned developing a town on the lake that would focus on manufacturing.
It consolidated with its neighboring town of Houghton in 1968 and annexed the neighborhoods of Totem Lake in 1974 and South Juanita, North Rose Hill and South Rose Hill in 1988. These were the largest annexations in Washington in nearly two decades and added three and one-half square miles to the city as well as 16,000 new residents.
Weather | 13°C, Wind W at 6 km/h |
Population | 92,107 (2021) |
Neighborhoods | Totem Lake, Juanita, Kingsgate, MORE |
ZIP codes | 98033, 98034, 98083 |
Elevation | 14–500 ft (4–152 m) |
Walla Walla #8
If you are looking for a great place to live in Washington state, then Walla Walla is the place to be. The city is home to many fine restaurants, a number of museums, and is an excellent college town.
Located in southeastern Washington, it is approximately 150 miles south of Spokane and 275 miles from Seattle. Its hot-summer Mediterranean climate, along with its proximity to the Columbia River and other attractions, make it a popular tourist destination for both residents and visitors alike.

The town has a small downtown area with plenty of shops and businesses. It is also home to three colleges–Whitman College, Walla Walla University, and Walla Walla Community College–and the Washington State Penitentiary.
The city is a popular destination for wine lovers, with more than 120 wineries based in the region. There are also several museums, restaurants and hotels. The Walla Walla Symphony and the Walla Walla Choral Society perform concerts in the area as well.
Weather | 15°C, Wind S at 26 km/h |
Population | 33,927 (2021) |
Elevation | 287 m |
Area code | 509 |
ZIP Code | 99362 |
FAQs about Live In Washington State
What do I need to know before living in Washington state?
Washington state is known for its stunning natural scenery, including mountains, forests, and coastline. The Seattle area is the largest metropolitan region, with a thriving economy and diverse population. The state is also known for its rainy and overcast weather, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and fishing are popular. Housing and living costs can be high, and traffic can be congested in urban areas.
What is it like to live in Washington state?
Living in Washington state can offer a high quality of life with access to stunning natural beauty, a thriving economy, and diverse communities. The weather can be a challenge with its long, rainy and overcast seasons. There are opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural events, and excellent food and drink. Housing and living costs can be expensive, especially in urban areas.