Local Insights Into the Best Places to Live in Washington State

In Summary:

• The best places to live in Washington State depend on lifestyle priorities such as career access, affordability, schools, and commute expectations.
• Urban hubs like Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma appeal to young professionals, while suburbs and waterfront towns like Gig Harbor attract families and long-term buyers.
• Working with a local expert like Schulte & Co. can help you compare regions realistically and choose a location that fits both your current lifestyle and future goals.

Trying to find the best places to live in Washington State typically comes down to balancing what you can afford monthly with how you live day-to-day. Combined with your long-term plans, it can support the life you’re enjoying and the one you plan for the future.

Consider the current trends among your peers, especially if groups are moving to similar locations, when choosing where to stay. Young adults, for example, often gravitate toward job-rich urban hubs. In contrast, many families prefer smaller cities and towns with better schools, shorter commutes, or remote-work suitability. With this in mind, how do you determine what's best for you?

Below, we outline how to find the best place to live for you and those in your household. Read on to learn what Gig Harbor offers for people across multiple demographics, what living on the larger peninsula offers its residents in the broader community, and what Schulte & Co’s concierge support can provide buyers like you.

Why Seattle is Among the Best Places To Live In Washington State

Defining the best places for living in Washington State isn't straightforward. However, there are a few standout options. 

Seattle, for example, offers a potent mix of career opportunities and lifestyle options, enabling people to make the most of their time there in exchange for a higher cost of living. However, larger cities tend to have their own quirks. Consider a smaller community nearby to get the most out of the region without these challenges.

These alternate regions, such as Gig Harbor, can work well if you like the idea of trading a busy nightlife for some simpler benefits, such as:

• Waterfront access

• Walking trails and outdoor landmarks

• Local community and culture

• Quieter evenings

If neither option appeals to you, secondary cities such as Spokane and Vancouver may be more appealing. They aren't too busy and offer outdoor access, making them an excellent fit for buyers who prefer that. However, younger demographics tend to be more concentrated in urban areas.

Consider where you work now and how often you plan to be away from home. Match that against your expectations for net worth in the next ten years, and you should be able to find some of the best regions that match your capabilities and requirements.

Bellevue and Tacoma: The Best Places to Live in Washington State for Young Adults?

Younger individuals often prefer areas that prioritize social life and access to jobs, and they tend to seek opportunities to get on the housing ladder. For these tenets, you might want to look at Bellevue and Tacoma, which offer a potent mix of:

• Culture

• Transit access

• Career opportunities

• Local events

Alternatively, Bellingham is a good option if you want greater access to the outdoors and a college-town feel rather than something busier. Then again, Gig Harbor neighborhoods offer quieter evenings, but you will need to consider whether you are ready to move away from a busier lifestyle.

It largely depends on the individual. If you want more nightlife, choose the larger, more urban areas. 

How often do you go out, where do you work, and how much do you want to focus on your future savings rather than what you can enjoy now? Each of these questions will push you toward a different location.

Seattle, for example, is ideal for those seeking a strong job market. Meanwhile, Tacoma is more affordable than Seattle, and its growing arts and healthcare sectors can support a good quality of life.

Tacoma and Seattle Suburbs: The Best Places to Live in Washington State for Families

With families often prioritizing school quality and community resources, as well as low traffic and ample yards, the suburbs are usually a good choice. In locations like Seattle and Tacoma, you can find more school options and youth programs, as well as access to larger healthcare networks or specialists you might not find in smaller towns.

At the same time, coastal or waterfront towns often offer strong square footage, but you will need to accept that you might have a longer drive from the office if you don’t work from home.

Affordability and Careers Around the Evergreen State

Finding the most affordable places to live in Washington state can be challenging, and improving your situation largely depends on your current location. However, the region has a wide variety of career options, including:

• Aerospace

• Healthcare

• Education

• Technology

Many of these sectors are likely to offer higher-paying roles, depending on your field or experience, that can help you make the most of your time in the region. You can also explore government and military roles across the range of cities in Washington state.

Gig Harbor has strong access to Tacoma, the wider Pierce County, and even Seattle via commutes, enabling a wide range of careers that leverage these options. Within the town, local businesses, the waterfront, and various service industries also provide in-town employment.

How Gig Harbor Compares to Other WA Hotspots

While Gig Harbor’s price points may be slightly higher than those in inland cities, the waterfront access and small-town community are often considered significant trade-offs. 

Pierce County, for example, which includes Gig Harbor, offers an affordable median listing price of $313 per square foot. This price may be higher than the $222 median in the United States as a whole, but much lower than city prices. For example, in King County, home to Seattle, the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis reports a median of around $528 per square foot.

Putting Your Knowledge Into Action with Paige Schulte

When you’re ready to check out some of the best places to live in Washington State, Paige Schulte’s team can work with you to provide you with personalized help that matches your specific needs.

With our deep knowledge of Gig Harbor and the greater Puget Sound area, work with us, and we can help you catch key details and negotiate terms that better fit your unique goals.

Contact us today to learn how our team can help you.

FAQs About the Best Places to Live in Washington State

What are the best places to live in Washington State?

Popular places to live in Washington State include Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, and waterfront communities like Gig Harbor. The best option depends on your budget, lifestyle preferences, commute needs, and long-term goals.

Where is the most affordable place to live in Washington State?

Inland cities such as Spokane and parts of Pierce County tend to offer more affordable housing than King County. However, affordability should be balanced with job access, commute time, and future resale potential.

What are the best places to live in Washington State for families?

Families often prefer suburban or waterfront communities with strong schools, lower traffic, and outdoor access. Areas around Tacoma, Seattle suburbs, and towns like Gig Harbor are popular choices for family buyers.

What are the best places to live in Washington State for young adults?

Young adults often gravitate toward Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Bellingham due to job opportunities, nightlife, transit access, and social scenes. These areas also provide long-term career growth potential.

Is Gig Harbor a good place to live?

Gig Harbor is known for its waterfront setting, strong community feel, and access to Tacoma and Seattle. While prices can be higher than inland cities, many buyers see the lifestyle and long-term value as worthwhile.