06 Feb 5 Cities People are Talking about in Washington
People continue to flock to Washington. According to the Office of Financial Management, net migration (people moving in and out of the state combined) contributes to the majority of the state’s population increase. Let’s look at some of the cities people are moving to:
Bellingham
Bellingham is about 90 miles north of Seattle. The Lummi people were the first inhabitants of this area. The present day Lummi Nation reservation is west of Bellingham. This city itself began as four separate logging settlements, established in 1852. The communities of Whatcom, Sehome, Fairhaven, and Bellingham merged to form today’s Bellingham.
Bellingham sits on a bay. It’s also near the North Cascade Mountains and San Juan Islands. Because of this location, it is a perfect city for outdoor enthusiasts. There is incredible hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Chuckanut Mountains or Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest. Since Bellingham’s climate is mild, you can explore the outdoors year-round.
There is a lot to do within the city limits as well. The Bellingham Cultural Arts District includes galleries, museums, and art strolls. Another fun local activity is going to a Bellingham Bells baseball game.
Bellingham is a destination for craft beer lovers. There are also fantastic restaurants here, many of which use locally sourced ingredients. For example, Saltine and Black Sheep are two options that consistently get excellent reviews.
Schools in Bellingham are part of Bellingham Public Schools, the Ferndale School District, or the Meridian School District. There are many above average schools, such as Lowell and Cascadia elementary and Sehome and Bellingham high schools. Whatcom Community College and Western Washington University are also in Bellingham.
Bellingham real estate is diverse. Buyers can choose from apartments, condos, and a wide range of single-family homes.
Key Statistics
- Population: 91,610
- Average sunny days: 156 (bestplaces.net)
- Bellingham’s cost of living is 21.7% higher than the U.S. average (best places.net)
- County unemployment was 7%, compared to the state average of 5.9%, in November 2020 (https://esd.wa.gov/)
- Sales tax is 8.7%
- Average Home Price (All Residential): $488,000
- Crime Index (100 is safest): 12 out of 100 (neighborhoodscout.com)
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is a seaport on the Upper Olympic Peninsula. This area was first home to the S’Kallam people. Today, the Chetzemoka Trail educates visitors on the history of the S’Kallam tribe. Shipping was also a part of the city’s history. Port Townsend was a major hub in the 1800’s. Victorian-era homes can still be seen throughout town, adding to the historic charm.
People of all ages are moving to Port Townsend. One major draw is the mild, sunny climate. Residents can hike, bike, or golf year-round. Another appealing factor is the quality of education. Students attend schools in the Port Townsend School District. A branch of Peninsula College is also here.
Port Townsend is about 2 hours from Seattle. It can be reached by driving or a combination of car and ferry. The city itself is very walkable. There are lots of dining options, many with waterfront views. For more to do, it’s easy to take a ferry to Camano and Whidbey Islands.
Fort Townsend and Fort Worden Historical State Parks offer camping and hiking close to home. Port Townsend is also just an hour and a half from Olympic National Park.
Port Townsend has a variety of housing options including waterfront homes, cabins, townhomes, and apartments.
Key Statistics
- Population: 9,551
- Average sunny days: 156 (bestplaces.net)
- Port Townsend’s cost of living is 15.5% higher than the U.S. average (best places.net)
- County unemployment was 7.4%, compared to the state average of 5.9%, in November 2020 (https://esd.wa.gov/)
- Sales tax is 9%
- Average Home Price (All Residential): $469,000
- Crime Index (100 is safest): 26 out of 100 (neighborhoodscout.com)
Shelton
This is the westernmost city on the Puget Sound. It sits on the Hammersley Inlet. This narrow body of water was a passage for steamboat travel. Timber exporting played a major role in Shelton’s history. The logging industry continues to provide many jobs here.
Shelton is about 20 miles from Olympia. It is ideal for people who want to live in a quiet community but have access to a large city’s amenities. Shelton itself provides the essentials for daily life. Students here attend one of seven schools in the Shelton School District.
Outdoor activities abound near Shelton. For example, the Hammersley Inlet is ideal for sea kayaking. Golf enthusiasts love the beautiful Salish-Cliffs Golf Club. If disc golf is more your thing, check out Lake Isabella State Park. You can also hike, swim, and boat in this park. For more hiking, venture to nearby Harstine Island State Park. Trails here lead you through a lush ravine to the beach. Shelton is also near Olympic National Park and Forest.
Other things to do in Shelton include shopping and dining in the historic downtown. Shelton is home to the Walter Dacon Winery. Its tasting room is temporarily closed due to Covid-19. Once it reopens, stop in to sample wines made from locally sourced grapes.
Homes in Shelton range from downtown lofts, single family houses in new residential neighborhoods, and waterfront properties.
Key Statistics
- Population: 10,167
- Average sunny days: 134 (bestplaces.net)
- Shelton’s cost of living is 3% lower than the U.S. average (best places.net)
- County unemployment was 8.7%, compared to the state average of 5.9%, in November 2020 (https://esd.wa.gov/)
- Sales tax is 8.8%
- Average Home Price (all residential): $299,900
- Crime Index (100 is safest): 2 out of 100 (neighborhoodscout.com)
Spokane
Spokane is in eastern Washington, just 18 miles from the Washington-Idaho border. It is the third largest metropolitan area in the state. The Spokane River cuts through the city. This river produces the dramatic Spokane Falls. These falls can be viewed from several parks and plazas and a gondola.
Spokane was a major commerce city in the late 1800’s. In 1889, a fire destroyed much of downtown. The city was rebuilt with elegant brick and stone buildings. Many of these buildings have been preserved. Today, over 50 percent of downtown Spokane is designated as historic. This area has been revived. It now includes tasting rooms and breweries, dining, galleries, and theatres.
The Spokane area has an abundance of outdoor activities. You can explore the nearby Selkirk Mountains and the Rocky Mountain foothills. There are five ski areas within two hours of Spokane. The area is saturated with hiking and mountain biking trails as well. The Iller Creek Conservation area is a popular hiking destination within the city. If you prefer being on the water, there are 76 rivers and lakes to choose from in the area.
People are not just moving to Spokane for recreation. There are also factors that make daily life enjoyable. Traffic is usually light, considering it is a large city. The public schools receive generally good ratings. Four school districts serve the Spokane area. Hutton Elementary School is a highly rated school in the city. There are also multiple colleges and universities in the area, including Gonzaga University and Whitworth University.
Homes are generally more affordable in Spokane than in other metropolitan areas in the state.
Key Statistics
- Population: 217,353
- Average sunny days: 171 (bestplaces.net)
- Spokane’s cost of living is 7% lower than the U.S. average (best places.net)
- County unemployment was 6.7%, compared to the state average of 5.9%, in November 2020 (https://esd.wa.gov/)
- Sales tax is 8.9%
- Spokane Average Home Price (All Residential): $295,000
- Crime Index (100 is safest): 2 out of 100 (neighborhoodscout.com)
Gig Harbor
Gig Harbor is named for the bay it sits on in the Puget Sound. It’s history is rooted in logging, fishing, and boat building. This small town has long been a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful scenery, and unique shopping and dining. Now it is also piquing the interest of home buyers. Some are looking to retire. Others move here to get more space or enjoy the outdoors. It’s also an ideal town for an investment property.
In the city’s early days, Gig Harbor residents could only get to nearby Tacoma by steamship. The first Tacoma Narrows bridge was built in 1940. However, it collapsed just months after completion. Now residents of Gig Harbor can reach Tacoma in 20 minutes and Seattle in under an hour via a new bridge. Sea-Tac International Airport is also only 30 minutes away. This location makes Gig Harbor a great option for commuters or for a vacation home.
Although big cities are nearby, Gig Harbor offers everything needed for daily life. Schools here are part of the above average Peninsula School District. Tacoma Community College has a Gig Harbor Campus. There are also excellent healthcare facilities here.
Gig Harbor is definitely a marine town. Waterfront restaurants serve freshly caught seafood. Sailing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding are popular activities here. State parks, like Kopachuck State Park, have beach access along with hiking and camping.
Homes for sale in the Gig Harbor area range from single family homes to farms to million-dollar estates.
Key Statistics
- Population: 9,854
- Average sunny days: 139 (bestplaces.net)
- Gig Harbor’s cost of living is 36.9% higher than the U.S. average (best places.net)
- County unemployment was 7.5%, compared to the state average of 5.9%, in November 2020 (https://esd.wa.gov/)
- Sales tax is 8.7%
- Gig Harbor Average Home Price (All Residential): $627,710
- Crime Index (100 is safest): 6 out of 100 (neighborhoodscout.com)
These are just some of the cities that are drawing new residents. When you decide to make Washington home- contact me! I’d love to help you narrow down the perfect location for you!