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.
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.
Portland
Known for its natural beauty, the city of Portland is extremely eco-friendly in the best way possible. This green city, both literally and figuratively, boasts thousands of acres of lush public parks with extensive biking and hiking trails. Portland is Oregon’s largest city on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. This thriving area is home to the iconic Washington Park, which offers residents and visitors alike 15 miles of trails, the Oregon Zoo, and the Portland Japanese Garden. Portland has its own public railway service, so getting around the city is easier than ever. This major metropolis is known for its art, theater, and music scene. Check out popular attractions like the Portland Art Museum, OMSI, Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, and Roseland Theater. Portland’s culinary scene is one of the best, offering up chef-inspired restaurants and lively local businesses like Tasty n Alder, Pok Pok, Deschutes Brewery, Voodoo Doughnut, and Salt & Straw. Portland is bordered by Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Hood National Forest, and Clatsop National Forest, offering residents scenic views in every direction from their luxury apartments and cozy homes.