Lots of people have been flocking to the Pacific Northwest lately and with good reason. From its booming economy and low income housing for senior market to its temperate climate and laid-back lifestyle, you can easily understand why Washington State always ranks high on the list of best states to live in. If you were considering making a move and didn’t think about the Pacific Northwest yet, here are nine reasons that should sell you on the region.
1. Great Job Market
The job market is thriving in the Pacific Northwest and the region is home to tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google. And even if you’re not in tech, there are plenty of industries which offer good employment opportunities as well.
Aviation giant Boeing is also located in the area and Washington State is one of the nation’s largest producers of agriculture and seafood. Starbucks also calls Seattle home and the coffee industry is a major employer in the region too. And what’s great about the local job market is that you’ll have no problem finding jobs at any level here, from highly skilled to entry level. If you’re a young student without much work experience, you’ll have a good chance of scoring a good starting position here and you will easily find student housing.
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
No matter what type of outdoor activities you’re into, you’ll be able to practice them in the Pacific Northwest. Mount Rainier is located here and both locals and tourists can enjoy hiking, climbing, and even scenic driving. The Cascade Mountains are perfect for skiing in the winter, even if you’ve never been before. And if mountains aren’t your thing, Puget Sound is a great spot for sailing, whale-watching, and kayaking outdoors, while wearing watersports helmet of course. To read more on kayaking, check out onlyinhawaii.org.
3. Large and Small Towns
Although some of the larger cities in Washington are better for people looking for a more urban lifestyle, the Northwest also has small towns like Redmond that are perfect for people who prefer a more laid-back lifestyle. These smaller cities are usually very safe for families.
The Seattle real estate market is varied and prices are still rather reasonable considering how popular the city is. Even if you’re only in the area for a limited time, you can consider short-term housing options to meet your needs. Look at this site for more info before you make a move.
4. Go Green
If living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle is on your list of priorities, then you’ll want to look at what Washington is doing. They’ve been consistently ranked in the top five of environmentally-friendly states and are constantly introducing big changes to encourage green living. The state has invested heavily in the public transportation system in order to keep up with the larger population. Washington is also ranked as the most bike-friendly state, which makes it an overall great place to live for the health conscious.
5. Low Taxes
Although you will still pay taxes in Washington, this state remains one of only seven that does not have a state income tax. However, there is a 6.5% states sales tax, which may be a little more than your current area. Local governments also can add a sales tax with up to 3.1%, so you’ll want to be aware of this before moving. However, even with the higher sales tax, the overall tax burden is often much lower for people who are moving from higher-taxed areas.
6. Great Education Opportunities
If you were looking for the perfect place to study or if you wanted a place where you could continue your education at your leisure, the Pacific Northwest has tons of options. The University of Washington is located right next to Seattle and is one of the most reputed schools in the country. Washington State University is also a great option and has a great reputation as well.
Tuition across the state is also very affordable. State legislature recently agreed to cut tuition by 15-20%, making it easier for struggling students to attend college. Additionally, many of the two-year schools are currently open-access institutions.
You can also try learning new things like flying a plane when you go to flight school. With flight training, you can learn to fly for leisure anywhere and anytime you want. Flight training is a great way to improve your piloting skills.
7. Affordable Housing Options
Although housing prices in Seattle are going up, which is to be expected, other areas in the state offer affordable housing options. If you’re in the metro area of Seattle, Kitsap County is just a ferry ride across Puget Sound and you can find some great options here. Spokane is on the eastern side of the state and a great buyer’s market at this time. If you’re near the Tacoma area, you can find affordable housing and even some waterfront homes for sale. There are also some nice waterfront home for sale in Wisconsin as well.
8. Vibrant and Diverse Community
Living in the Pacific Northwest is an exciting experience and people from all areas of the world and walks of life come here to live. If you enjoy knowing people from diverse backgrounds, then you’re going to find great diversity in the Pacific Northwest.
The great housing market is one of the main reasons why the region attracts so many new transplants. However, the state is also home to many small to medium-sized business owners trying to take advantage of the booming economy. Local entrepreneurship is one of the driving forces in the region and employs a large portion of the working force.
9. Entertaining Events
The Pacific Northwest is also known for its vibrant cultural scene and festivals are held throughout the year. Folklife is a famous weekend festival, which attracts thousands of people every year and celebrates cultures from around the world. The Maritime Festival is another great option and is centered on Seattle’s cultural heritage and history. If you’re looking for something for the whole family, the Figgy Pudding Caroling Competition is a great option and takes place during the holiday season. If you love something, then there’s likely to be a festival centered around it in the Pacific Northwest.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many reasons why so many people love living in the Pacific Northwest. No matter what your lifestyle is like, you’ll be able to accommodate it here. If you were looking for a change of pace and a great mix of urban living and the great outdoors, the Pacific Northwest should be at the top of your list.
