Why Homebuyers Move to the Seattle Area

Explore Washington’s unique mix of culture and outdoor recreation

Seattle is part of the Puget Sound region, which offers a rich variety of pursuits, including big-city life, hiking, kayaking and boating activities to help you stay in shape and enjoy all this region has to offer. VisitSeattle.org describes the area as “an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty.” Buying a home near Puget Sound can lead to a balanced life of physical activity, culture, fine dining and more. Seattle-area residents also enjoy amazing summers with a daily average temperature of 75°.

City attractions

• Pike Place Market

  This must-see tourist attraction is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Here, you will find fish sellers throwing fish at customers (it’s better than it sounds), listen to music from street performers and discover small shops with unique collectibles. Be sure to visit the original Starbucks while you’re there.

• Space Needle

  A well-known Seattle landmark, the Space Needle provides more than meets the eye. Enjoy the view from the rotating restaurant to gaze at the picturesque Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, the Olympic and Cascade Mountains, the beautiful city of Seattle and beyond. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free trip to the Observation Deck for dessert!

• Seattle Aquarium

  This spectacular aquarium features divers wearing masks that allow them to interact and answer audience questions while underwater! Don’t miss the underwater dome for a chance to feel like part of the experience.

Recreation

• Pet-friendly

  The Seattle area is very pet-friendly. Dog owners can enjoy 34 different activities with their furry friend, including dog parks, University Village Shopping Center, the Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise and Ballard Sunday Farmers Market. Reference the BringFido website for more information.

• Biking

  There are many fun ways to enjoy Puget Sound on a bike. With trails for all levels, biking can be leisurely, challenging or just a green way to get from point A to point B.

• Hiking

  With access to both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, residents of the Puget Sound region have a wide variety of hikes to take advantage of. Including both beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, this area of the country is excellent for both short and long hikes.

• Mount Rainier National Park

  Mount Rainier is an active volcano that makes Washington famous. If you buy a new home in Seattle or the surrounding area, you can enjoy hiking, camping, climbing and more. Before your journey to the beautiful national park, be sure to check this site for weather, road status and operating hours. Homeowners in the Seattle area can also seize the opportunity to board The Polar Express Train Ride™ up Mt. Rainier or indulge at the Mt. Rainier Spa.

Art

• Seattle Art Museum

  The Seattle Art Museum has special exhibitions such as Yves Saint Laurent and permanent exhibits, including Ancient Mediterranean Art and European Pieces. Museum attendees can also take advantage of free and discounted days.

• Asian Art Museum

  The Asian Art Museum is located in Volunteer Park and features both Modern and Contemporary Asian art.

• Olympic Sculpture Park

  The Olympic Sculpture Park is open daily and free 365 days a year. Bring your furry friend and a picnic for a relaxing Seattle day.

• Chihuly Garden and Glass

  Just under the Space Needle is a chance to see Chihuly’s amazing glasswork. Learn more about the artist and enjoy the way the view changes depending on the time of day.

Culture and dining

• Restaurants

  Seattle is a hotspot for new restaurants and highly regarded chefs. Check out Duke’s Chowder House, Salty’s at Alki and Petra Mediterranean Bistro. Homeowners enjoy the Tom Douglas Restaurants as well.

• Woodinville Wine Country

  A little-known treasure of the Pacific Northwest, tour a winery or attend one of the many events in the area. This adventure is only 30 minutes outside of Seattle.

Moving to the Seattle-Tacoma area

A popular relocation destination, the cities and suburbs surrounding Seattle have something for every homebuyer. New construction homes available in these areas allow residents to enjoy the ease of convenience of a brand new home with quick access to Seattle amenities. As a relocator, you may want to consider the following Seattle area cities:

• Auburn

  This suburban city has proximity to both WA-167 and I-5 (main commuter routes to Seattle/Bellevue). Auburn features the White River Amphitheatre for outdoor concerts, the Auburn Golf Course (200 acres, sit along the Green River), The Outlet Collection and Auburn Environmental Park.

• Bonney Lake

  The suburban Bonney Lake community prides itself on its connection to the outdoors. This city features Lake Tapps North Park with 10,000 feet of waterfront access, including a sandy beach for swimming, trails, seasonal boat ramp and picnic areas. Bonney Lake also has stunning views of Mt. Rainer and is near Mt. Rainier National Park.

• Bothell

  Bothell is a high-end suburb with proximity to Microsoft headquarters and Bellevue. Residents of Bothell also enjoy the quaint Country Village with local stores and restaurants. Mill Creek Country Club is a popular place to spend time in nearby Mill Creek. The must-see McMenamins Anderson School is a brewery, bar and hotel that features live shows.

• Covington

  The quiet suburb of Covington boasts 117-acre Lake Wilderness Park with walking paths, wetlands, play structures, picnic areas, tennis courts, a softball field, summer swimming, fishing, outdoor concerts, 4^th of July fireworks and “Movie Under the Stars”.

• Des Moines

  Not to be confused with Iowa, this transitional suburb is near Boeing and Amazon headquarters. Residents of Des Moines enjoy Saltwater State Park with a saltwater shoreline, tide pools and diving opportunities via an underwater artificial reef.

• Gig Harbor

  Gig Harbor is the perfect suburb for those seeking a less-hurried lifestyle with access to city life. Gig Harbor residents enjoy the 122-acre McCormick Forest Park, Gig Harbor Golf Club and Skansie Park with summer movies and small concerts. “Old” Gig Harbor has a saltwater marina and charming local shops. Gig Harbor also has a popular school district rated 10 out of 10 on greatschools.org and a YMCA with three pools, an indoor track and fitness center.

• Lacey

  This Olympia suburb has a significant military and government population. Lacey residents enjoy The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie, Stottle Winery, Top Rung Brewery and Fish Brewery. Lacey also features the Nisqually Wildlife Refuge with 762 acres of fish and wildlife habitat and trails.

• Lake Stevens

  Lake Stevens is an excellent option for homebuyers who make school district a priority during the home search. Nearby Everett features Boeing and the Naval Station. Residents of Lake Stevens celebrate Aquafest in July with three days of golf tournaments, boat parades, local vendors, music, movies in the park and a firework show.

• Puyallup

  This suburb is home to the Washington State Fair. The Puyallup River Walk features five miles for walking/biking along the Puyallup River. Wildwood Park has 55 forested acres as well as picnic areas, a playground, baseball field and walking trails. If you like to ski, take advantage of the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort. Puyallup is a perfect place for golfers as well. Enjoy golfing at Lipoma Firs Golf Course and nearby High Cedars Golf Course.

• University Place

  This established Tacoma suburb borders the Puget Sound where residents go kayaking, boating, fishing, clamming and more. University Place is also a popular school district and allows commuters to take the train into Seattle and Bellevue.

Search new homes in the Seattle-Tacoma area, starting from the low $300s at RichmondAmerican.com. Our local New Home Specialists are well-versed in the area and can help point you in the right direction during your new home search. Call us today 253.693.4800.