Seattle

Seattle is a cultural center with numerous libraries, museums and art galleries, a variety of professional and community theater groups and musical organizations, an arboretum and a zoo. Seattle celebrates its multicultural heritage and welcomes new residents from all parts of the globe. The city has more than 40 distinct and diverse neighborhoods with an ethnic population that speaks more than 80 languages.

A large research university, two private universities, four community colleges and several trade and technical schools are based in the city. Professional and amateur sports organizations and venues are plentiful. A system of municipal parks, bike trails, community centers and playing fields is available. The city is near many national and state park, recreation and wilderness areas.

Ranked as one of the top 10 real estate markets in the country Seattle area is a great place to live. The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle lies on a narrow strip of land between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. There are the Olympic mountain ranges to the west and the Cascade Mountains to the east.

The median single family home value in King County is $519,000. In the Seattle metro area 3 bedroom homes start at $400k, town homes at $330k and 2 bedroom condos start at $200k.