If you love the ocean and mountainous scenery, Washington is the place for you! Washingtonians take advantage of the state’s majestic mountain ranges with miles of hiking trails and embrace coastal life with numerous beaches and islands. The Evergreen State has something for everyone to enjoy!

If you are looking for a place to call home in Washington, here are the top five cities.  

1. Richland, Washington

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.01%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.20%

Violent crime index: 15.2

Nonviolent crime index: 35.3

Cost of living index: 98.4

Richland is part of the Tri-Cities area of Washington. Despite the name, this area is comprised of more than three cities, Richland being the smallest. Unlike some of the coastal cities in Washington, Richland receives only eight inches of rain annually. The city is home to historical and cultural attractions, including the Hanford Reach National Monument, the Columbia Basin Museum, and the Richland Performing Arts Center.

The scenic beauty alone is reason enough for Richland to make the #1 spot on our list. Richland is also known for its stunning natural scenery and its proximity to the Cascade Mountains. An average of four inches of snow and 196 sunny days per year makes the perfect climate for Richland’s vast array of outdoor sports and activities. The Columbia River offers bass and steelhead fishing, boating, and swimming. Badger Mountain and Columbia Point Park are two spots for hiking and biking. You will be setting multiple tee times at Columbia Point Golf Course, Horn Rapids Golf Course, and West Richland Golf Course.

People from across the country flock to see the annual Tri-City Water Follies and Air Show every July. There are over 30 trails open year-round for biking, walking, running, and hiking. Richland residents are encircled by local art theaters, award-winning wineries, and even Guy Fieri-approved restaurants. The Richland Farmers Market is filled with delicious produce, wares, and baked goods.

In addition to its many attractions, Richland has a strong economy and a diverse population. The city is home to major employers including Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, one of the largest scientific research laboratories in the United States. Other major players include Battelle Memorial Institute, Hanford, Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Bechtel National.

From dog-friendly spots like Howard Amon Park and Volney Overlook to fun community events, there is plenty to keep boredom at bay. Residents enjoy culture, music, holidays, and food at the Richland Arts Festival, the Richland Music Festival, and the Richland Christmas Parade. Richland is the birthplace of noted actor and comedian Ken Jeong.

This moderately conservative city has the luxuries of a mid-sized city, but the comfort and charm of a small town. Richland families also have a variety of schools to choose from including excellent public and private schools. Find great educational opportunities at Richland Adventist Academy, Saint Gabriel Catholic School, and Tri-City Christian Academy. The city is home to two major hospitals: Kadlec Regional Medical Center and Trios Health.

This inviting Washington city is sure to show you why the Pacific Northwest is the right place to buy a new home. Start your search for a new home in the Richland area. You will find great options in the city proper and in the popular suburbs including Pasco and Prosser.

2. Spokane-Coeur D’Alene, Washington

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.06%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.23%

Violent crime index: 28.6

Nonviolent crime index: 95.3

Cost of living index: 98.6

Find a perfect new home in the Spokane-Couer d’Alene area. This region is made up of both Spokane, Washington, and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. These two cities offer residents all the amenities of big city living but with the charm of country living. Spokane is known for its extravagant downtown scene, full of local theaters, art museums, and a steam plant turned restaurant and brewery.  Spokane is home to the largest urban waterfall in the United States, Spokane Falls. Coeur d’Alene is known for its active outdoor life. Area residents find the balance of these two cities to be the perfect combination.

Lake Coeur d’Alene offers boating, swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Families can also rent bikes, hike Tubb Hill, or picnic in any of the public parks. The region receives about 17 inches of rain, 44 inches of snow, and 171 sunny days. Spokane-Coeur d’Alene is known for its beautiful scenery and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Northwest providing excellent opportunities to hike and bike in the Spokane Mountain Range and the Coeur d’Alene Mountains.

Feeling adventurous? Hit the slopes for skiing and snowboarding at Mount Spokane and Silver Mountain. Get in a round of golf at the pristine courses offering just the right amount of challenge.

Check out the vibrant attractions including the Spokane House Museum, the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, the Mobius Science Center, and the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The beautiful blooms at the Spokane Lilac Festival and Bloomsday will impress. Listen to excellent music at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Summer Music Festival and the Spokane Riverfront Park Summer Concert Series. The holidays are filled with fond memories of the Spokane Christmas Parade.

Offering more than just scenic beauty and attractions, Spokane-Coeur d’Alene has a thriving economy and a diverse population. The city is home to major employers including Gonzaga University, Providence Health & Services, and Kaiser Permanente.

Residents are served by excellent school districts and hospitals. The area is home to several universities and colleges, including Gonzaga University, Eastern Washington University, Washington State University Spokane, Spokane Falls Community College, and North Idaho College. These institutions are smaller in size, serving between 6,000 to 20,000 students. Students are treated to superior undergraduate and graduate programs.

This unique cross-state dynamic creates a welcoming environment for tourists, but the locals maintain loving community relationships year-round. Those relationships extend to furry friends with a dog-friendly vibe. Some popular dog-friendly places in the area include Centennial Trail, Riverside State Park, Coeur d’Alene Park, McEuen Park, and Kendall Yards.

It’s not hard to see why this beautiful area is #2 on our list with its share of attractions. Innovative new home communities are found in both of these cities as well as great suburbs. Find your next new home in a welcoming community in the Spokane-Coeur d’Alene area.

3. Yakima, Washington

Housing cost to income ratio: 4.78%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 2.13%

Violent crime index: 28.8

Nonviolent crime index: 69.7

Cost of living index: 93

Come see what all the fuss is about in Yakima, Washington. Yakima is considered by many residents as The Heart of Central Washington. It’s surrounded by rivers where residents can fish, swim, paddleboard, and kayak. Yakima is known as the “Fruit Capital of the World” because of its large agricultural industry. Yakima Nation, a Native American tribe, has lived in the area for thousands of years. Another claim to fame is that noted writer and poet, Raymond Carver, was born in Yakima.

Yakima’s yearly average of nine inches of rain, 18 inches of snow, and 199 sunny days creates the perfect climate for many outdoor activities and is crucial for Yakima’s agriculture and viticulture. This region is one of the world’s leading producers of apples. This city is well known for its apples but grows many other fruits and vegetables like cherries, peaches, pears, mint, asparagus, hay, and eggplants. Yakima is the nation’s primary producer of hops, a critical ingredient in beer. Because of its wonderful array of produce, Yakima is home to many distilleries, breweries, and wineries that attract tourists.

The beautiful climate allows you to enjoy the scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. Discover adventures that appeal to you including  golfing, and hiking and biking in the Yakima River Canyon and the Wenatchee Mountains. Spend your time fishing and boating on the Yakima River and Lake Roosevelt. Popular winter activities include skiing and snowboarding at White Pass Ski Area.

Fun festivals and community events bring out residents and tourists. The Yakima Valley Fair, Central Washington State Fair, Yakima Christmas Parade, Yakima Valley Fair, and the Yakima Beer Fest are just a few of the annual events. Show your support and attend some Yakima SunKings basketball games. This dog-friendly city will have you bringing your furry friends to the Yakima Riverwalk, Kiwanis Park, Franklin Park, and the Yakima Greenway.

Yakima has its share of culture. From the Yakima Symphony Orchestra to Capitol Theatre to the Clymer Museum of Art, there are ways to take in performances and see beautiful art exhibits. The intriguing exhibits in the Yakima Valley Museum are sure to impress.

Yakima has a good public school system and great private schools including Yakima Christian School, Saint Paul Cathedral School and Yakima Adventist Academy. One university, Central Washington University-Yakima, is found here. Excellent healthcare is offered by MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital.

The city leans conservative, but its diverse population welcomes everyone into its close-knit communities. The suburbs like Grandview, Zillah, and Terrace Heights allow residents to enjoy everything Yakima has to offer while steering clear of the main city drag. Peruse some of the Yakima new home communities that are amenity rich.

4. Bremerton, Washington

Housing cost to income ratio: 7.38%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 1.59%

Violent crime index: 31.8

Nonviolent crime index: 60.7

Cost of living index: 108.9

Bremerton is the largest city on the Kitsap Peninsula. Just a short ferry ride away from downtown Seattle, Bremerton has much to offer residents who love the big city life but want to avoid the tourist hot spots. Bremerton’s 3-mile Bridge to Bridge Urban Trail connects residents to other neighborhoods on the peninsula like Erlands Point, Illahee, and Meadowdale. Find a beautiful waterfront location, historic naval heritage, and diverse community with great outdoor recreational opportunities, cultural attractions, and educational institutions.

Some popular community events in Bremerton include the Bremerton Blues Festival, the Bremerton Maritime Festival, the Kitsap County Fair, and the Bremerton Christmas Boat Parade. This dog-friendly city will have you enjoying time with Fido at Illahee State Park, Clear Creek Trail, the Bremerton Farmers Market, Warren Park, and the Bremerton Boardwalk and Marina.

Water recreation can be your new norm in Puget Sound. Fishing and boating adventures will allow you to fully embrace the water. Staying on land? Why not play golf, hike or bike, or stroll in one of the many parks. The city receives an abundant rainfall of 49 inches annually. Snow only amounts to three inches. With 151 sunny days per year, you will have plenty of time to connect with the outdoors.

The city offers plenty of indoor activities as well. Bremerton has a variety of museums and galleries, shopping centers, and restaurants with tasty local cuisine. Bremerton is also home to the Silver City Brewery, which prides itself on its diverse brews and loyal customers. Some sights to explore during the rain include the Puget Sound Navy Museum, the USS Turner Joy Battleship Museum, and the Kitsap Historical Museum. Take in the arts including the collection at Manette Arts Center and performances by the Bremerton Symphony Orchestra.

Three school districts serve area residents, and families moving to Bremerton can be assured their medical needs will be met at the well-equipped hospital, Naval Hospital Bremerton. Excellent private schools here include Charles Wright Academy, Saint Gabriel Catholic School, and Bremerton Christian School. Olympic College envisions “learning as a life-enhancing journey of discovery”. Bremerton is home to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, one of the largest naval shipyards in the United States. With the world’s largest floating bridge, the Manette Bridge, and a strong economy, Bremerton is a great place to put down roots. If you are looking for a place to live that offers a good quality of life and a variety of amenities, Bremerton new home communities are worthy of consideration.

5. Tacoma, Washington

Housing cost to income ratio: 5.15%

Average childcare cost to income ratio: 0.75%

Violent crime index: 43.3

Nonviolent crime index: 85.2

Cost of living index: 118

Tacoma, Washington, is a vibrant city nestled along the shores of Puget Sound, offering a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Just south of Seattle, Tacoma boasts a thriving arts scene, rich history, and a welcoming community. Its downtown area is a hub of cultural attractions, including the Museum of Glass, the Washington State History Museum, and the LeMay – America’s Car Museum.

Tacoma’s waterfront, featuring the Thea Foss Waterway, provides residents with stunning views and ample opportunities for water-based recreation like boating, kayaking, and fishing. Nature lovers will appreciate the easy access to Point Defiance Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country, which offers miles of hiking trails, a zoo, an aquarium, and a botanical garden. The city’s proximity to Mount Rainier also makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

The city’s diverse neighborhoods, such as Proctor, Stadium District, and North End, each have their unique charm, offering an array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Tacoma’s culinary scene is rich with local flavors, from farm-to-table eateries to seafood restaurants that highlight the region’s bounty.

Tacoma is also known for its robust education system, with the University of Washington Tacoma anchoring the city’s educational landscape. Families can choose from a variety of excellent public and private schools, ensuring that educational needs are well met.

Throughout the year, Tacoma hosts numerous events and festivals that bring the community together, including the Tacoma Film Festival, Taste of Tacoma, and the Holiday Food & Gift Festival. With a climate that features mild winters and warm summers, Tacoma’s 141 sunny days per year allow for year-round enjoyment of its outdoor offerings.

In addition to its cultural and recreational amenities, Tacoma has a strong economy driven by sectors such as healthcare, education, and logistics, thanks to its strategic location as a major port city. The city’s commitment to sustainability and green living is evident in its numerous parks, green spaces, and initiatives promoting eco-friendly practices.

For those seeking a dynamic yet relaxed lifestyle, Tacoma offers a high quality of life with a wide range of amenities and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re exploring its historic districts, enjoying the arts, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Tacoma is a city where you can truly feel at home.

This list was compiled using statistics for cost of living, average housing costs, average childcare costs, and crime indices.