Is Washington State a Good Place to Live?
Situated in the far northwest corner of the continental United States, Washington State is one of the most economically dynamic and naturally spectacular states in the country. With roughly 8 million residents, Washington spans everything from the rain-soaked Olympic rainforest to the high desert of the Columbia Plateau — four national parks, 350+ miles of Puget Sound coastline, and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in North America.
Whether you're drawn by the tech industry boom, zero state income tax, world-class outdoor recreation, or simply a change of scenery — Washington has a community that fits nearly every lifestyle and budget. This guide covers all seven Washington regions and 85 cities to help you find the right fit.
Ready to buy a home in Washington?
Get pre-approved in minutes — no obligation, no pressure.Buying a Home in Washington? Start Here.
The most important first step in buying a home anywhere in Washington is knowing your budget. Getting pre-approved puts you in a stronger position with sellers and helps you move fast in a competitive market.
Todd Davidson
Executive Loan Officer · Rocket Mortgage · NMLS #2003696
- Specializes in Washington home buyers & relocators statewide
- Lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans
- Some buyers starting with first-year rates under 5% — up to $500/mo savings
- FHA, VA, Conventional & Jumbo loans available
- Fast pre-approvals — often same day
Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. Rocket Mortgage NMLS #3030. Rate offers subject to qualification.
Washington at a Glance
Explore Washington's 7 Regions
Washington is divided into seven distinct regions — each with its own climate, character, and lifestyle. Find the one that fits you, then explore the cities within it.
Washington's urban engine — Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, world-class food, iconic ferry system, and mountain views from every corner.
Boeing country, ferry towns, and the gateway to the North Cascades — suburban Seattle living with serious outdoor access.
Ferry commutes to Seattle, island living, Olympic Mountain views — one of the most scenic places to call home in America.
JBLM, the Port of Tacoma, and Mt Rainier as a backyard — affordable South Sound living with big city access.
Washington's state capital, Olympic Peninsula gateway, Hood Canal, and the most dramatic old-growth forests in the lower 48.
21 miles from Canada, San Juan Island ferries, Western Washington University, and 100+ miles of trails in every direction.
Sunshine, wine country, Yakima hops, WSU Cougars, apple orchards, and Washington's most affordable real estate — east of the Cascades is a completely different world.
Found your Washington region? Next step is knowing your budget.
Get pre-approved with Todd — free, no obligation, often same day.Pros & Cons of Living in Washington
Every state has trade-offs. Here's an honest look at what Washingtonians love — and what they'd warn you about before you move.
✅ Pros of Living in Washington
- No personal state income tax — one of only 9 states
- Stunning natural beauty in every direction
- Mild summers with little humidity in western Washington
- World-class tech economy — Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing
- Diverse communities — urban core to rural farmland
- World-class outdoor recreation year-round
- Iconic ferry system connecting islands and peninsulas
- Top-ranked universities — UW, WSU, Western WA, Gonzaga
- Four national parks — Rainier, Olympics, North Cascades, San Juans
- Eastern Washington sunny, affordable, and uncrowded
⚠️ Cons of Living in Washington
- Rainy grey winters in western Washington (Oct–May)
- High sales tax: 8.5%–10.5% combined rate
- Housing costs very high near Seattle metro
- Wildfire smoke can be severe in summer in eastern WA
- Traffic in Seattle metro is among nation's worst
- Ferry wait times can be long in peak season
- Eastern Washington isolated from western services
- Earthquake risk — Cascadia Subduction Zone
Top Employers in Washington State
Washington State has one of the most dynamic economies in the United States, anchored by technology, aerospace, and agriculture. Here are the largest employers as of 2026 — useful context if you're relocating for work.
- Amazon — Seattle (~75,000 WA employees)
- Microsoft — Redmond (~50,000 WA employees)
- Boeing Commercial Airplanes — Everett/Renton (~60,000 WA)
- Joint Base Lewis-McChord — Pierce County (~40,000)
- T-Mobile US — Bellevue (US headquarters)
- Expedia Group — Seattle (global headquarters)
- Providence Health & Services — statewide WA
- MultiCare Health System — Tacoma regional
- University of Washington — Seattle (~25,000)
- Washington State University — Pullman
- Costco Wholesale — Issaquah (global HQ)
- Starbucks Corporation — Seattle (global HQ)
Ready to Buy a Home in Washington?
Todd Davidson has helped buyers across Washington and Oregon navigate the mortgage process — from first-time buyers in Seattle to retirees moving to the coast or eastern Washington. A quick conversation can save you thousands.
FAQs About Moving to Washington
Is Washington State a good place to live?
Yes — for the right person. Washington offers stunning natural beauty, zero state income tax, mild summers in western Washington, world-class tech job opportunities, and a diverse range of communities from Seattle's urban core to Eastern Washington's wide-open spaces. The tradeoffs are rainy winters west of the Cascades, high sales tax, very expensive housing near Seattle, and wildfire smoke risk in eastern Washington summers.
What is the cost of living in Washington State?
Washington's cost of living varies dramatically by region. Seattle metro and Bellevue are among the most expensive places in America. Eastern Washington cities like Spokane, Yakima, and the Tri-Cities are 30–40% more affordable. Washington has no income tax — a huge benefit — but sales taxes run 8.5–10.5%.
What are the best cities to live in Washington State?
It depends on your lifestyle. Seattle offers the most urban amenities and tech careers. Bellevue and Kirkland are top-rated for schools and quality of life. Bellingham is beloved for outdoor access and university culture. Spokane offers affordable Inland Northwest living. Walla Walla and Wenatchee offer wine country lifestyles at lower costs. Bainbridge Island and Gig Harbor are extraordinary Puget Sound waterfront communities.
What is the weather like in Washington State?
Washington weather is dramatically different east and west of the Cascades. Western Washington has mild wet winters (Oct–May) and warm dry summers. Eastern Washington is high desert — hot summers, cold winters, and 300+ sunny days per year in Yakima and Wenatchee. Seattle gets about 38 inches of rain annually — less than Atlanta or New York.
Does Washington State have a state income tax?
No — Washington is one of only 9 states with zero personal state income tax. This is a massive benefit, especially for retirees whose Social Security, pension, and investment income are all completely state-tax-free. The tradeoff is higher sales taxes (8.5–10.5%) and a new 7% capital gains tax on gains over $250,000/year (retirement accounts and most real estate are exempt).
How do I buy a home in Washington State?
The first step is always getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Todd Davidson (Executive Loan Officer, Rocket Mortgage, NMLS #2003696) specializes in helping Washington buyers statewide. Current offer: lender-paid 1% rate reduction in Year 1 on purchase loans.
📞 971-275-2465 · ✉️ todddavidson@rocketmortgage.com
All 85 Washington Cities — A to Z
Click any city for the complete guide — neighborhoods, home prices, cost of living calculator, pros & cons, schools, jobs, and mortgage help.
Helpful Washington Resources
Ready to Make Washington Home?
Whether you're buying your first home, relocating from out of state, or retiring to the Pacific Northwest — Todd Davidson will walk you through every step of the mortgage process and make it easy.