Washington is the most majestic and diverse landscapes in the United States marked by majestic beaches, breathtaking islands, temperate rainforests, deep fjords and glacier mountains. The state is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the north of the Canadian province. Washington is the 18th largest state with an area of 71,300 miles and the 13th largest populous of 7 million people. Washington is named for George Washington as the first U.S. President of the United States.
Low Cost of Living
Washington state unemployment rate is 4.5%. The average salary is $58,000 and the median household income is $76,600. Rent is from $800 to $3500 a month depending where you live in Washington. Washington has a 6.5% state sales tax and the local government has the option to collect a local option sales tax of 3.1%. There is no inheritance tax in the state of Washington. You do not have to pay state income tax in Washington.
Housing
Housing costs are averaging around $555,000 for a median price for a home. Rent averages around $800 to $1700 for a one bedroom apartment. Seattle is the best place to live in Washington yet can be very expensive. The best neighborhoods in Seattle are Wallingford, North Admiral, Fremont, Ballard and Greenwood. Tacoma is a small town and very laid back. The city has spectacular views of the mountains with moderate cost of living. Spokane has the most stunning views with the Spokane River sweeping through the city, scattered lakes and lots of greenery. The city is an hour drive to over 76 lakes. The cost of living is much lower than in many other parts of the state. Washington has a low crime rate. Seattle was name as one of top 12 cities to retire.
Employment
Washington is a home for ones in love with information and communication technology. Microsoft, Apple, eBay, Delotte, Amazon, Google, Facebook Twitter and Starbucks are the main industries in Washington. Aerospace Industry includes Boeing and Airbus. The state is the largest producer of apples, pears, blueberries, sand sweet cherries in the United States. Farming are huge with 175,000 acres of apple orchards. Washington is the leading lumber producer with its land rich with Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Pine, Spruce and Cedar. Livestock and commercial fishing are significant contributors to the state’s economy. There are 2500 miles of marine shoreline for a vibrant shipping industry centered on major ports and islands. Washington ranks second in wine production also. Jobs, jobs are available in Washington. The state is a home for business professionals, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, commercial fishing, and wine enthusiasts.
Weather
The weather in Washington is very diverse in the Pacific Northwest region. The climate is moist and mild on the west side of the Cascade Mountain Range. On the eastern side, its drier, with hot summers and cold, snowy winters. The climate within each side of the Cascades also varies when it comes to wind and rain. Seattle is very cloudy and has lots of rain.
Colleges
University of Washington is one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States. They have over 44,000 students attending the university. Washington State University is known for the agriculture studies.
Culture and Society
Seattle is known as Washington’s largest city and embraces a vibrant city full of opportunities for people of all ages. You can have the big city life whole also enjoying nature and outdoors. History is huge in Washington State. Pioneer Square is recognized as the home of “true” Seattle, lined with exquisite boutiques and many popular restaurants. You have the perfect view of the town. Leavenworth has the crafted beer breweries and are known for Octoberfest. Farm markets and roadside stands are spread out the area with the land rich in fruit and apples. Washington State is known for its fresh coastal seafood, eastern vineyards and amazing coffee shops.
The Pike Place Market in Seattle is a great place for gourmets to experience the freshest produce and best ingredients from the state of Washington. Chelan has twenty different wineries while seeing over 50 mile of lakefront. Walla is home to 120 wineries and beautiful landscapes of Washington. The Space Needle is an iconic landmark which is a must visit attraction when visiting the state of Washington. Biking is very popular for transportation with innovative bike paths, clubs and communities that encourage riding bikes. Washington is a green state of recycling and protecting nature. Outdoor enthusiasts love Washington.
Recreation
The Washington coastline is 2500 miles of unforgettable scenery from the sandy beaches to the rugged cliffs and the rain forests. Wakeboarding, Wake surfing, water skiing, Paddle boarding, wave and windsurfing are great for water activities on the coasts of Washington. The famous beaches are Alki Beach, Long Beach Ruby Beach, Ocean Shore, Rialto Beach, Pacific Beach, and Fort Wonden Beach. Lake Chelan is the famous lake you need to visit. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the abundance of water activities of sailing, boating, kayaking, fishing and whale watching. Snow skiing, snowmobiling, and snowboarding are some of the ample activities you can enjoy the snowcapped Mountains. The summit at Snoqualmie, Crystal Mountain Resort, Stevens Pass Resort, Mt. Baker, and White Pass Ski are the best places to ski in Washington State. Washington is the home to five active volcanoes to Mount St Helens, Mount Rainer Glacier Park, Mount Baker and Mount Adam. Olympic North Cascades and Mount Rainier are wonderful to hike especially in the summer months. The Olympic National Park has mineral springs and gorgeous crystal waters to swim in. Washington State Ferry is a great way to take in the amazing views of the landscape of Washington. Washington has more glacier than any other mainland state. The destinations to visit in Washington are Mount Rainer, Diablo Lake, Mt St. Helens, Snoqualmie Falls and Lake Crescent. Washington is a nature’s lover paradise with spectacular views and amazing recreational activities for the whole family.
