Seattle
Nestled on the shores of Puget Sound, Seattle is home to glorious mountain views in the distance, making it one of the most scenic metropolitan areas in the nation. Skyscrapers like the Columbia Center and Space Needle grace the city’s skyline, adding to Seattle’s allure. Starbucks, Amazon, and Nordstrom have headquarters in Seattle, so there are plenty of job opportunities in the city. Interstates 5 and 405 and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are major benefits for frequent travelers. Residents enjoy exploring the waterfront neighborhoods of Pioneer Square and the famous Pike Place Market for shopping, trendy bars, and restaurants. Seattle’s art scene is very vibrant, flanked with art galleries, theaters, and sculptures. The city is home to more than 80 music halls and 15 symphony orchestras. Bumbershoot Musical Festival, held every Labor Day Weekend, is one of the world’s largest international music and arts festivals—so don’t miss it this upcoming year! Seattle is the ideal metropolis for residents with an active lifestyle and an interest in parks, hiking, and biking. Check out the trails at Cougar Mountain Wildland Park and Tiger Mountain State Forest after you find your luxury apartment in the city.
Tacoma
Living in Tacoma offers sweeping views of Mount Rainier and easy access to Puget Sound's waterfront. This port city features an array of housing options, from historic Craftsman homes in the North End to apartments in downtown. Point Defiance Park spans 700 acres, featuring beaches, hiking trails, and the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The Stadium and Proctor Districts each offer local shops and restaurants within walkable neighborhoods. Current rental data shows average rents of $1,481 for one-bedroom apartments with a 1.93% annual increase. The Museum of Glass, connected to downtown by the Bridge of Glass showcasing Dale Chihuly's works, anchors Tacoma's museum district. The University of Washington Tacoma campus occupies beautifully restored historic warehouses, while the Theatre District's Pantages Theater hosts performances throughout the year. The city's dining scene flourishes along 6th Avenue and in the Lincoln International District. Ruston Way's waterfront path offers waterside dining and recreation opportunities with panoramic views. Originally a railroad terminus, Tacoma retains its historic architecture while embracing modern development throughout its neighborhoods.
Everett
Living in Everett, Washington combines waterfront living with city convenience in a scenic Puget Sound setting. Located on the Port Gardner Peninsula, residents enjoy views of the Olympic Mountains while accessing the amenities of Snohomish County's largest city. The rental market remains steady, with average rents ranging from $1,408 for studios to $2,506 for four-bedroom homes, showing modest year-over-year increases between 0.6% to 2.6% depending on unit size. The Northwest and Delta neighborhoods showcase historic architecture, while downtown features newer apartment communities. The waterfront continues to evolve with the development of Waterfront Place, adding public spaces and dining options along the shore. The Boeing factory represents a cornerstone of local industry, while Naval Station Everett and Providence Regional Medical Center contribute to employment opportunities. Outdoor recreation spans across Forest Park's 197 acres and extends to Jetty Island, accessible by seasonal ferry from July through Labor Day. Local arts flourish at the Schack Art Center and Historic Everett Theatre, which hosts performances throughout the year. Residents appreciate the lower cost of living compared to neighboring Seattle while maintaining easy access to metropolitan amenities.
