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
Known as the City of Destiny, Tacoma sits on Commencement Bay in the southern portion of Puget Sound. Just minutes from Seattle, Tacoma is the birthplace of internationally-acclaimed glass artist Dale Chihuly. His work is spotted throughout the city, especially the Chihuly Bridge of Glass at the Museum of Glass, a 500-foot-long pedestrian overpass linking the Museum of Glass to Downtown Tacoma. You can create your own work of blown glass at the Tacoma Glassblowing Studio. In addition to its creative culture, Tacoma offers residents and visitors access to world-renowned museums, unique venues, and outdoor recreation. Explore the rotating exhibits at LeMay-America’s Car Museum, Tacoma Art Museum, and Washington State History Museum. Grab a drink at Bob’s Java Jive or Dorky’s Bar Arcade before you head to a performance at Rialto Theater or the Tacoma Dome. Peruse the shops at Tacoma Mall and B & I Shopping Center. Take a hike, visit the zoo, and rent kayaks in Point Defiance Park. Access to major highways, Tacoma Link light rail, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport make commuting and traveling from Tacoma a breeze.
Everett
Stretched along I-5, about 25 miles north of Seattle, Everett is home to a Boeing plant as well as the largest public marina on the West Coast. Everett occupies a unique location with convenience to big-city amenities, beaches, and the mountains. You can just as easily take a drive to Downtown Seattle as you can to Jetty Island or Mount Pilchuck State Park. Various museums such as Imagine Children’s Museum, Schack Art Center, Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum, and the Museum of Flight Restoration Center all serve to ignite curiosity. Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound at Legion Park, Howarth Park, Grand Avenue Park, and Spencer Island Park. The Historic Everett Theatre hosts a range of performances in addition to the Xfinity Arena, which also houses the local hockey team, the Silvertips. Local watering holes include Lazy Boy Brewing, Port Gardner Bay Winery, and At Large Brewing. A weekly farmers market takes place on the waterfront, offering fresh food, live music, and scenic views.
