If you’re planning on moving to Washington State, add these cities to your list.
Home to lush landscapes, diverse cities, and plenty of recreation and employment opportunities, Washington State has it all. The state is often split into two sections, divided by the Cascade Mountains: Western Washington and Eastern Washington. The Columbia River, the fourth-largest in the country, defines the state’s southern border.
Western Washington includes the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas, and Puget Sound. It’s where a majority of the state’s population lives, in cities like Seattle, Bellingham, Port Angeles, and Olympia are located here. The Puget Sound, San Juan islands, and Olympic Mountains adorn the landscape, along with numerous rivers, lakes, and national parks and forests.
East of the Cascades is Eastern Washington, which is drier and more agriculture-focused. Spokane, Wenatchee, and Walla Walla call this area home, with the Palouse hills, Lake Chelan, and Blue Mountains all popular landmarks.
But which cities in the Evergreen State are right for you? In this Redfin article, we’ve uncovered the best places to live in Washington, ranking them on qualities such as affordability, navigability, and number of amenities. You can find more information about our methodology here or at the bottom of the article.
1. Seattle, WA
| Population:
755,078 |
Average Commute Time:
27.7 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$63,610 |
| Median Sale Price:
$820,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,990 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.0% |
Seattle tops our list as the best place to live in Washington. The city is known for its rainy weather, large universities, revitalized waterfront, and thriving tech culture. It’s built on the hills between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington, and is just a ferry ride from picturesque islands.
Originally famous for its small-city weirdness, Seattle stepped into the national spotlight when it hosted the World’s Fair in 1962 and built the Space Needle as its centerpiece. Then, music became its calling card, with bands like Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd dominating the rock and music scene. Today, the Emerald City is more associated with technology (Amazon) and coffee (Starbucks), but you can still find quirkiness throughout Seattle’s neighborhoods, especially in Fremont and Ballard.
One of the most appealing parts of living in Seattle is the easy access to outdoor recreation. You’re only 45 minutes away from popular hikes in the Cascade Foothills and within an hour or so of more than a dozen state parks, like Dash Point State Park. Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks are also accessible for day trips.
Seattle has a marine climate and can see frequent rain from October to April. The city is at its best during the late spring and early fall, when temperatures are warm and rain is less likely. Summers can be gorgeous, but an increase in wildfires, smoke, and heat waves have made them harder to handle.
Seattle homes for sale | Seattle houses for rent | Seattle apartments for rent
2. Spokane, WA
| Population:
229,447 |
Average Commute Time:
20.8 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$30,791 |
| Median Sale Price:
$374,990 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,413 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.7% |
Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington, is second on our list of the best places to live in Washington. Sitting at 1,843 feet above sea level, Spokane is the hub of Eastern Washington and is known for its history, natural beauty, and basketball.
In fact, basketball is part of Spokane’s DNA. The city is officially known as Hooptown USA due to the city hosting the annual Spokane Hoopfest, the largest 3v3 basketball tournament in the world. Gonzaga University also calls the city home, and usually makes deep runs into the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. Lilac City is Spokane’s other common nickname, paying homage to the annual Spokane Lilac Festival.
Spokane has a markedly different climate than Seattle. The city is located on the Columbia Plateau between the Columbia Basin to the west and forested Selkirk Mountains to the east. As such, it’s fairly dry, seeing 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, but experiences the full range of the four seasons. Winters are usually cold and snowy, while summers are sunny and can be hot. Spokane’s weather is best from June to September, although this is shifting later as summers get warmer.
Lastly, like many cities in Eastern Washington, wine and agriculture are a huge part of life. Apples are the state’s fourth-largest export, and Washington has become the second-largest wine producer in the country. Famous wineries in Spokane include Barrister Winery and Arbor Crest Wine Cellars.
Spokane homes for sale | Spokane houses for rent | Spokane apartments for rent
3. Bellingham, WA
| Population:
94,720 |
Average Commute Time:
19 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$32,419 |
| Median Sale Price:
$660,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,863 |
Unemployment Rate:
2.9% |
Bellingham is the third-best place to live in Washington. Just 20 miles south of the Canadian border in the far northwest of Washington, Bellingham is a charming coastal town with all the amenities you expect of a big city. And since it’s just 90 miles north of Seattle, it’s easy to head down for a day trip by car or train with friends.
Popular activities in Bellingham include visiting the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, enjoying local art, or exploring Fairhaven Village in the center of town. Western Washington University also calls Bellingham home, offering a college-town feel (and lots of activities) perfect for full- and part-time students.
One of the biggest perks of Bellingham is its outdoor recreation. The city is surrounded by lush, evergreen mountains and fertile waters, offering hiking, kayaking, climbing, and endless other adventures. Deception Pass, Lummi Island, and Larrabee State Park are some of the most popular spots.
For mountain enthusiasts, Mount Baker and the North Cascades National Park are within two hours from downtown. Watersport lovers can head down to the Puget Sound or take a ferry to one of the many San Juan Islands.
Bellingham’s climate is similar to other cities in the PNW but tends to be among the coldest. For example, Bellingham is around 2.5°F cooler annually than Seattle but receives about five fewer inches of rain. This makes summers beautiful, which is ideal given the city’s abundant outdoor recreational opportunities.
Bellingham homes for sale | Bellingham houses for rent | Bellingham apartments for rent
4. Vancouver, WA
| Population:
196,442 |
Average Commute Time:
25.3 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$33,713 |
| Median Sale Price:
$485,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,884 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.2% |
Vancouver comes in as the fourth-best place to live in Washington. Commonly called The Couve, this suburban city is located along the Columbia River on the border between Washington and Oregon, just north of Portland.
Historically a small industrial town, Vancouver has grown rapidly as Portland has become more expensive. Those seeking Portland’s lifestyle without the high costs often move to Vancouver. As a result, it’s common for residents to commute over an hour to and from Portland daily over the aging Interstate Bridge. Vancouver’s housing prices now rival or exceed those in Portland.
Vancouver is best known for its waterfront, and for good reason: They’ve spent years revitalizing it. Today, what used to be a stretch of old industrial buildings has become a tourist attraction full of hotels, restaurants, and a beautiful pier. Main Street is also a highlight receiving a facelift. Portlanders often make fun of their northern neighbor, but Vancouver’s waterfront may rival or even outclass Portland’s McCall Waterfront.
Vancouver’s weather is very similar to Portland and Seattle, seeing fairly frequent rain from October to April. However, temperatures tend to be a bit warmer than more northern cities. Late spring and early fall see the best weather.
Vancouver homes for sale | Vancouver houses for rent | Vancouver apartments for rent
5. Olympia, WA
| Population:
55,733 |
Average Commute Time:
21.1 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$35,914 |
| Median Sale Price:
$495,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,531 |
Unemployment Rate:
4.3% |
Olympia is the fifth city on our list. 60 miles south of Seattle at the southern tip of the Puget Sound, Olympia is somewhat removed from a major metropolitan area and thus fairly quiet and secluded. It’s also relatively small, providing a small-town feel but with big-city amenities. Quaint shops like the Olympia Food Co-op and Olympia Coffee are beloved local staples, while Costco, Target, and other national chains provide name-brand goods.
As the state capital, Olympia grows and shrinks with the legislative season; on even-numbered years, sessions are 60 days, while on odd-numbered years, they are 105 days. Washington legislators only work part-time, so when they aren’t in session, they often return to their home districts and full-time jobs.
Like many cities in the region, natural beauty is everywhere you look – and people love to explore it. Tumwater Historical Park, Heritage Park, and Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge are popular options for play and exploration. The unique Evergreen State College is nestled in the northwest of town, too.
Olympia homes for sale | Olympia houses for rent | Olympia apartments for rent
6. Edmonds, WA
| Population:
42,701 |
Average Commute Time:
31.6 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$56,443 |
| Median Sale Price:
$1,000,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,677 |
Unemployment Rate:
2.4% |
If Seattle feels too big, Edmonds may be a great option. Just 30 minutes (without traffic) north of downtown Seattle, Edmonds provides a nice mix of urban amenities and suburban, waterfront charm just a stone’s throw from the Olympic Peninsula and San Juan Islands. Its coastal and mountain views are some of its best features.
Edmonds is known for its quiet coastal living and quaint, charming, walkable downtown. Art installations abound, and amphitheaters, seasonal decorations, and green spaces are everywhere you look. Many residents of Edmonds choose to live there for its charm, space, and greenery while working in Seattle. Commuting can take an hour or more each way due to traffic, but many find the trade-off worthwhile for the benefits of living in Edmonds.
Some of the most beloved parts of Edmonds are the Edmonds Marine Walkway, Edmonds Center For the Arts, and Yost Park. Touring the nearby wineries in Woodinville are also a popular weekend option for locals and tourists.
Edmonds homes for sale | Edmonds houses for rent | Edmonds apartments for rent
7. Tacoma, WA
| Population:
222,906 |
Average Commute Time:
30.5 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$34,759 |
| Median Sale Price:
$465,500 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,744 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.2% |
Tacoma comes in at number seven on our list of the best places to live in Washington. Known for its museums, parks, universities, and industry, Tacoma has something for everyone.
Located on the shores of Puget Sound with views of Mount Rainier, Tacoma is a beautiful place to live, with well-developed waterfronts and numerous parks. Point Defiance Park, for example, is one of the country’s largest urban parks and features hiking, beaches, stunning gardens, and an acclaimed zoo and aquarium.
The city is also home to an array of landmarks and attractions. You can explore local legend Dale Chihuly’s genius at the Museum of Glass, or dive into regional history at the Washington State History Museum. The Tacoma Dome brings big-name concerts right to your doorstep, while the Ruston Way waterfront offers a perfect spot for walking or dining with views of Puget Sound.
Tacoma has long been an attractive alternative to Seattle, particularly due to its more affordable housing and lower living costs. This economic advantage draws many to live in Tacoma while commuting to work in Seattle, offering a budget-friendly option without sacrificing access to the metropolitan area. That said, traffic to and from Seattle along Interstate 5 (I-5) can be a slog, taking upwards of two hours both ways.
Tacoma homes for sale | Tacoma houses for rent | Tacoma apartments for rent
8. Kirkland, WA
| Population:
91,194 |
Average Commute Time:
27.4 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$64,268 |
| Median Sale Price:
$1,425,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$2,733 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.2% |
Across the world’s longest floating bridge (520) from Seattle, Kirkland is the eighth city on our list of the best places to live in Washington. Kirkland is known for being a quiet, upscale Seattle suburb with Lake Washington views and plenty of amenities. Juanita Bay Park and Heritage Park are popular parks for waterfront relaxation and recreation, while the Kirkland Sailing Club & School and Kirkland Performance Center are great for all-ages weekend fun.
There’s a lot to do in Kirkland’s downtown area, too. Central Way is the main throughway in the heart of the city, with boutique shops, upscale restaurants, and luxury apartments along the 10 blocks that make up downtown. Hearth, Cactus, and Feast are popular options. Central Way ends at Marina Park, which is where the city’s Farmers Market is held on Wednesdays from June through September.
As it’s only 11 miles east of Seattle, Kirkland’s climate is nearly identical to other cities in the area. The air smells much cleaner, though. Commuting can be challenging during the week.
Kirkland homes for sale | Kirkland houses for rent | Kirkland apartments for rent
9. Renton, WA
| Population:
104,491 |
Average Commute Time:
31.8 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$40,594 |
| Median Sale Price:
$680,000 |
Median Rent Price:
$2,234 |
Unemployment Rate:
2.5% |
Just southeast of Seattle, Renton is known for its relatively affordable living and suburban feel. Renton borders Lake Washington to the north and extends into the Cascade Foothills to the east, providing a variety of scenery and beauty.
The Cedar River Park Trail, the Seahawk’s Virginia Mason Athletic Center, and Boeing’s Renton campus are highlights of the area. Boeing is an iconic PNW company that also has a campus in Everett to the north, which is connected to Renton via the congested I-405.
For decades, Renton has served as an affordable option to homebuyers and renters priced out of Seattle, leading many to live in Renton and commute to Seattle. As a result, however, Renton has grown very quickly, especially in the past 10 years, causing commute times, rents, and house prices to rise. With these changes, Renton has started shifting from an affordable commuter town to a fairly expensive city in its own right. House prices are still far below Seattle’s, though, and upcoming transportation improvements will make getting around easier than ever.
Renton homes for sale | Renton houses for rent | Renton apartments for rent
10. Bremerton, WA
| Population:
45,450 |
Average Commute Time:
26.7 minutes |
Per-Capita Income:
$31,624 |
| Median Sale Price:
$432,500 |
Median Rent Price:
$1,524 |
Unemployment Rate:
3.1% |
A natural paradise, Bremerton, WA rounds out our list as the tenth-best place to live in Washington. Bremerton is located about 18 miles west of Seattle along the Kitsap Peninsula, surrounded by the Puget Sound with views of the Olympics.
Historically inhabited by Coast Salish peoples, Bremerton became the northwest’s preeminent naval hub in the early 1900s. Today, Bremerton is a growing and hip city with a major military presence, with a large portion of residents working in the navy. The Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and a portion of Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) are located in the center of town.
Commuting into Seattle is made possible via two ferries: one for cars, and a fast-ferry for walkers and cyclists. As such, it’s fairly common for people to live in Bremerton and work in Seattle. Commuters still spend at least an hour every day on the ferry (2+ hours for cars), but more affordable housing is a fair trade off. House prices are about half as expensive as Seattle, meaning you can get million-dollar water views for a fraction of the cost.
Apart from affordable housing and the navy, there’s a lot to love about Bremerton. Foodwise, local eateries like Lola, H&B, and Khao Soi are great for lunch or dinner. For events, The Charleston hosts live music Thursday-Saturday evenings, while the Manette Saloon offers a wine and martini lounge with music and trivia. Lastly, the outdoors offer something for everyone: Beaches, mountains, trails, parks, and more are all within an hour’s drive.
Bremerton homes for sale | Bremerton houses for rent | Bremerton apartments for rent
Methodology
Redfin’s Best Places to Live rankings are meant to help home searchers make an informed decision when choosing where to live. To attempt to measure the overall quality of a metro area, each ranking takes into account several key factors, including access to healthcare, open outdoor space, navigability, housing trends, employment statistics, income, and travel time to work. Only metros with a population of 20,000 or greater were considered for our Washington list. More information about our methodology can be found here.
Data valid January 2025. This article is for informational and educational purposes only.
