Washington provides something for everyone. Love a big city? There are plenty of major metropolises in the state. Do you enjoy relaxing on sandy beaches by the ocean? How about skiing down some of the nation’s most beautiful mountains? Or hiking through jaw-dropping redwood forests? If so, then Washington has options.
Washington’s natural beauty and appealing communities combine to make it a highly desirable place to live. Let’s explore some of the Washington communities with ideal locations that provide natural beauty, cultural attractions, unique amenities, and other lifestyle benefits.
Lakebay
If you are searching for a quiet home steeped in natural beauty, Lakebay might be the ideal option. This tiny community, known for its boating and fishing venues, is on the eastern end of the Key Peninsula, touching Mayo Cove and Bay Lake. It is filled with scenic homes by the water and is convenient to docks, marinas, and beautiful natural sites. Penrose Point State Park is a beautiful park with miles of shoreline, hiking, and biking trails, along with popular areas for oyster harvesting.
Seattle
Seattle is one of America’s premier cities. This rapidly growing metropolis is a prime location that typifies the appeal of Washington. For starters, Seattle has the natural beauty Washington is famed for. It is along the Puget Sound, making it a hotspot for boating and coastal exploration, and the Olympic Mountains are often visible along the horizon. Mount Rainier, one of the country’s most famous peaks, can be seen from Seattle on a clear day, and ski destinations are within easy reach of the city.
Seattle also has a unique downtown area, known for its cafes, music scene, and bustling Pike Place Market. Seattle’s thriving economy only adds to its appeal, as it houses the headquarters of world-famous corporations, including Amazon, Microsoft, and Starbucks.
Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores is a beachy community along the Pacific Ocean. Its sandy shoreline makes it one of the state’s premier destinations for those who want to unwind by the water. Ocean Shores is situated near Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area, which is popular for birdwatching, and several parks, including Ocean City State Park.
Ocean Shores offers residents a quiet beach town atmosphere and quality dining options. It is a family-friendly, safe environment with a very low crime rate. The Coastal Interpretive Center has hands-on exhibits about nature in the area that are informative and fun for children.
Tacoma
Tacoma is a major city just south of Seattle along the shores of the Puget Sound. Like Seattle, it has easy proximity to the water and mountains, with gorgeous natural attractions that provide residents with enjoyable outdoor recreational opportunities for every season. Tacoma has a vibrant culture defined by its thriving arts scene, including the Museum of Glass, which shows off the city’s famous glass art, and the Tacoma Art Museum, which highlights regional creatives.
Downtown Tacoma is a busy area that houses much of the business, shopping, and dining destinations that give Tacoma an urban feel. The Broadway Farmers Market downtown is an excellent place to buy fresh produce, and Tacoma has plenty of live music and entertainment venues as well as a busy nightlife.
