Travel + Leisure just released a list of the 8 Best Places to Live in Washington, and Seattle was included on it along with other large cities like Tacoma as well as charming small towns like Poulsbo and Walla Walla. To decide which Washington cities and towns deserved a spot, T+L spoke to local real estate experts. They also looked to highlight areas in the state that offered access to outdoor recreation, career opportunities, and a balanced lifestyle, saying, “The cost of living in Washington is much higher than in many other states, but for some, the abundance of natural beauty, access to higher education, lack of state income tax, and sustainability initiatives are worth the extra cost.”
Here is the full list of the best places to live in Washington, with Seattle at number three:
- Walla Walla
- The Tri-Cities area ((Kennewick, Pasco, Richland, and West Richland)
- Seattle
- Tacoma
- Bainbridge Island
- Poulsbo
- The Wenatchee Valley
- Gig Harbor
T+L spoke to local real estate agents to create this list. Here’s what Cassie Walker Johnson, managing broker at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International, had to say about why Seattle is one of the best places to live in Washington:
Seattle is one of those places that instantly takes your breath away. With mountains framing every sunrise and sunset, it feels like the outdoors is always calling. On any given day, you’ll find people sailing on Puget Sound, paddleboarding on Lake Washington, or heading out for a nearby hike just to clear their minds. And when winter hits, you’re only about 90 minutes from fresh powder and a full day on the slopes,’ says Walker Johnson…