12 Best Places to Live in Washington in 2024

There are many reasons one will want to live in Washington, even if the Evergreen State can be uncomfortably wet. Residents do not have to part with a dime in the name of income tax, most of the state is incredibly beautiful, and there is access to a world of outdoor fun and adventure. Plus, Washington has been ranked as the fifth-best state for working parents based on metrics that include cost of living, length of maternity leave, and maternity pay. But which are the best places to move to? From Gig Harbor to Bainbridge Island, discover below the 12 best places to live in Washington.

Gig Harbor

A charming maritime village where one can feel peace in the air, Gig Harbor is a picturesque community nestled close to Puget Sound. It is mostly safe and boasts a violent crime rate of only 2.4 per 1,000 residents, which is lower than the state’s violent crime rate of 3.76 per an equal number of residents. The small-town feel here is endearing and is one of the town’s most loved features. To spice it up, Tacoma, Washington’s third-largest city, is just 15 minutes down the road. Therefore, access to big-city amenities is top-notch. Gig Harbor is in the Peninsula School District, which is ranked among the best in the state. For example, while about 50.7% of students in the state meet Language Arts standards, the Peninsula School District pass rate for Language Arts is 65.3%. Then again, Gig Harbor boasts the largest number of medical centers per 1,000 residents in Washington State. Finally, residents here have access to many natural marvels, including the Hoh Rainforest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the USA—as well as Mount Rainier, the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States.

Bellevue

Exuding a delightful mix of urban and suburban feel, Bellevue, with its enticing amenities and attractions, will make any resident feel grateful. Bellevue’s excellent retail scene features an incredible array of vintage retailers, local boutiques, and other luxury outlets. If you are a sneakerhead, for example, or a nerd for the latest and flyest outfits, Urbanity, a stylish retailer located at Bellevue Square, will come in handy. For those who want a bigger scene, Seattle is a short, 15-minute drive. According to rankings on Niche, Bellevue School District is the number one school district in Washington for 2024. For perspective, 72.6% of students in the Bellevue School District meet Language Arts expectations against the state’s average of 50.7%. Concerning safety, Bellevue posts a violent crime rate of only 1.5 per 1,000 residents — which is praise-worthy considering the violent crime rate in the state is 3.76. This town’s appeal is further enhanced by its numerous parks and green spaces. These include Bellevue Downtown Park, which comes with a 240-foot-wide waterfall—and Meydenbauer Bay Park, a wonderful waterfront to chill with friends and family.

Sammamish

According to data by Safewise, Sammamish is the third-safest city in Washington. As a resident here, one does not have to be anxiously glancing over her shoulder when strolling down the streets or clutching her purse when interacting with other pedestrians. But it is not just among the safest. According to Census Bureau data for 2021, Sammamish is the richest city in America after Dublin, California. So one should expect affluent and tasty neighborhoods, defined by class and style. As if that is not enough, Sammamish is incredibly diverse, with Whites and Asians comprising 53% and 36% of the population respectively. Then again, folks here are educated and well-informed, with 75.2% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. For perspective, this is nearly double the rate in Washington. This is lent weight by the fact Lake Washington School District is ranked among the best in the state. Outdoor venues here include Lake Sammamish (which lends the town its name), Pine Lake, Laughing Jacobs Lake, Beaver Lake, and Evans Creek Preserve, which features short and friendly trails with amazing views.

Mercer Island

Sitting on a gorgeous island just over five miles long and two miles wide, this underrated Washington charmer features miles of developed shoreline, well-maintained parks, and incredibly nice and safe neighborhoods. The violent crime rate here is just 0.99 per 1,000 residents, which is way lower than the state metric. Outdoor venues here include Luther Burbank Park, a 7-acre lakefront park where one can let a furry friend enjoy some sunshine. There is also Aubrey Davis Park, where one can catch a view of downtown Seattle. Niche.com ranks Mercer Island School District as the second-best in the state. For perspective, an encouraging 81% of students here meet Language Arts expectations, way above the state average of 50%. Plus, Mercer Island is fairly diverse, with Whites and Asians comprising 65% and 22% of the population respectively.

Newcastle

Newcastle is among northwestern Washington’s first coal-mining areas, a venture that helped fuel the growth of the entire Puget Sound region. A vibrant city located in South King County, Newcastle is today among the best places to live in Washington. For starters, Newcastle is incredibly diverse, with Whites and Asians comprising 43% and 37% of the population respectively. You will want to know that Newcastle is part of the Issaquah School District, which Niche.com ranks as the fifth-best in the entire state. 77% of students here meet Language Arts expectations, way above the state average of 50%. Then again, Newcastle is quite safe and boasts a violent crime rate of just 0.8 per 1,000 residents. The average in the state is 3.76. Also, while a resident here has almost all desirable amenities, Seattle is just a 15-minute drive. Avid golfers will love the fact this town hosts The Golf Club at Newcastle, the premier Pacific Northwest golf course. There is also the Coal Creek Natural Area, an endearing oasis located in the middle of the town. Considering its basket of goodies, it is easy to fall in love with this Washington treasure.

Anacortes

Part of what makes Anacortes enticing is that it serves as the gateway to Deception Pass State Park, known for its panoramic views and jaw-dropping sunsets. It is the most popular park in the state of Washington. Expect to live in safe and quiet neighborhoods — in a town where the violent crime rate is just 0.8 per 1,000 residents. This town is in a good-performing school district, a feature that should appeal to parents with school-going children. 63% of students here meet Language Arts expectations, significantly higher than the state’s average of 50%. Residents enjoy pristine beaches as well as miles of picturesque hiking trails. There is the chance to enjoy a quiet morning hike on a crisp Sunday morning at spots such as the Sugarloaf Mountain Trailhead, a sweet and easy trail in the Anacortes Community Forest. Alternatively, the Mount Erie Summit Trail is just as delicious. That said, the spellbinding Washington Park provides an unrivaled outdoor adventure fun experience. When it comes to lakes, a resident here will be spoilt for choice. There’s Lake Campbell, Lake Erie, Heart Lake, and Whistle Lake.

Edmonds

Expect to meet sunny-faced residents here — if not sunny weather — in a town that prides itself as the first Creative District in the state. So if you like them artsy, Edmonds should be on your radar. Art lovers will be regular visitors to venues such as ARTspot Edmonds, which stocks art supplies of every kind, Gallery North, a great place to buy beautiful art and jewelry, and Cole Gallery, located a few blocks from the ferry landing. Edmonds is mostly safe and boasts a violent crime rate of just about 2.4, lower than the state average. Also, Edmonds is just 16 miles from Seattle, meaning a resident here is a heartbeat away from every kind and type of big-city amenities, including shopping venues. Outdoor venues here include Edmonds City Park, which has an expansive playground and nice trails — as well as Edmonds Marsh, a birdwatcher’s paradise. The schools here perform fairly well, making the town ideal for families with school-going children. Of course, there is the beach, and Brackett's Landing North, which provides plenty of warm sand and delicious views.

Port Townsend

Known for its beautiful Victorian architecture, especially on the bluffs above the harbor, Port Townsend has characteristics that make it among the best places to live in Washington. It features a tasty downtown area that is compact but walkable — and which is dotted with an array of classy restaurants, including the phenomenal Finistère, located a few blocks from the main street. Outdoor venues here, fantastic spots for a slow Sunday, include the dog-friendly Fort Worden Historical State Park, Jefferson County Fair Campground, located at the far end of the county fairgrounds, North Beach County Park (a fun area to look for sea glass or enjoy the soothing ocean sound), and the Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park, a cute little park with a short, flat, and well-marked trail. Schools here perform fairly well, with 56% of students meeting the Language Arts expectations. Known to be slow-paced, Port Townsend is particularly appealing to empty nesters, who make up 50% of the town’s population. Finally, do not worry that you will be a frequent target of purse-snatchers. The violent crime rate here is just 1.8 per 1,000 residents; almost half that of the state.

Snohomish

There are numerous reasons anyone will fall in love with Snohomish. For starters, one can get to Seattle on a whim as only 31 miles separate the two towns. Secondly, there is the Snohomish River, where one can enjoy paddling away an entire day. If one considers the town’s architecturally appealing downtown area, the safe neighborhoods (the violent crime rate in the town is just 2 per 1,000 residents), and the lovely, small-town vibe, Snohomish easily earns a spot among the best places to live in Washington. Moreover, the schools here are decent, with 59% of students meeting the Language Arts expectations. On accessibility, Snohomish hosts the Harvey Airfield, which handles more than 100,000 general aviation flights annually. Finally, whether you love golf — or just want to hang out with friends, the Snohomish Valley Golf Center will come in handy.

Seattle

Granted. Seattle has changed from when it used to bag titles such as “Best City in the U.S.” and “Best Vacation Destination.” One can complain about its affordability, worry about homelessness, and have a bone to chew with the ubiquitous dogs (Seattle is extremely dog-friendly). Still, Seattle offers conveniences, amenities, and cultural attractions — that are all hard to rival. There is Lake Washington, where residents often enjoy paddle boarding. There is Pike Place Market, which can serve as a wonderful venue for a slow-paced brunch. And of course, there's the Space Needle, the Olympic Sculpture Park, and countless other snares and pleasures. Several school districts serve the area, most of which are the best-performing in the state. While Seattle's crime statistics are nothing compared to Abu Dhabi’s, and the city has its problematic spots, most neighborhoods here are incredibly safe. Then again, the diversity here is top-notch. And that is without touching on the high-paying jobs and the opportunities for professional growth.

Woodinville

For those looking for a cheaper alternative to Seattle, Woodinville presents unbeatable credentials. It is clean, safe, and brims with a small-town feel. A resident here can also get to several cities, including Seattle, in a heartbeat. Though Woodinville features an urban landscape, there are many places of greenery in the area, including beautiful parks and trails. For example, Wilmot Gateway Park, besides featuring a riverfront lawn, boasts a trail for jogging, biking, and rollerblading. There is also Woodin Creek Park as well, a nice spot for mingling with ducks. Woodin Glen Park is an undeveloped wetland that sits next to the river and that provides a serene adventure experience. With a violent crime rate of just 1.8 per 1,000 residents, Woodinville presents no significant security concerns. It is also incredibly diverse, with Whites, Asians, and Hispanics comprising 68%, 17%, and 9% of the population respectively. Besides, the Northshore School District is excellent, with 70% of students meeting the Language Arts expectations against the state’s average of 50%.

Bainbridge Island

Known for its magnificent flora and fauna, Bainbridge Island deservedly rounds off the list of best places to live in Washington. Bainbridge Island is filled with great parks and trails to explore, including Strawberry Park (a tranquil place for paddleboarding), Sakai Park (home to the famous 'Pia the Peacekeeper' troll), and the Moritani Preserve, a cute park with some historical items, a garden area, and nice walking paths. Also, there is little to no crime here, since the violent crime rate is just 0.9 per 1,000 residents — way lower than the state average. Schools here perform exceptionally well, lending credit to the fact an impressive 85% of students meet Language Arts expectations. And if you want to mingle with well-informed folks, you will want to know that 35% of the population here hold a master’s degree or higher.

With over 8,000 lakes, 155 miles of spectacular shoreline, and three national parks, including the criminally underrated North Cascades National Park, the state of Washington is an awesome place to live. It has been aptly called the Evergreen State and the natural appeal bears this out. To spice it up, Washington does not maintain an income tax. If looking for a place to enjoy life as you work and raise a family, look no further than places such as Gig Harbor, Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Woodinville. While there are many options, these are some of the best places to live in Washington.