Best places to live in Washington
Written by:
March 31, 2021
realtor.com
Best places to live in Washington
What do you look for in an ideal town? Proximity to trails, lakes, and beaches? How about top-ranked schools for your children? Would you like a professional or college sports team nearby, or do you prefer museums and art walks?
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Washington using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.
On the list, there’s a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.
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#25. Port Townsend
- Population: 9,551
- Median home value: $338,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $957 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $51,389
- Top public schools: Grant Street Elementary School (A-), Port Townsend High School (B+), Blue Heron Middle School (B)
- Top private schools: Jefferson Community School (A)
- Pictured: 1040 Jefferson St, Port Townsend ($2.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $338,000 (58% own)
- Median rent: $957 (42% rent)
- Median household income: $51,389
- Top public schools: Grant Street Elementary School (A-), Port Townsend High School (B+), Blue Heron Middle School (B)
- Top private schools: Jefferson Community School (A)
- Pictured: 1040 Jefferson St, Port Townsend ($2.5 million, 3 bedrooms)
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#24. Shoreline
- Population: 56,267
- Median home value: $519,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,574 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $86,827
- Top public schools: Meridian Park Elementary School (A), Shorewood High School (A), Shorecrest High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoreline Christian School (A), King's Schools (A), The Evergreen School (A+)
- Pictured: 18440 16th Ave NW, Shoreline ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $519,900 (64% own)
- Median rent: $1,574 (36% rent)
- Median household income: $86,827
- Top public schools: Meridian Park Elementary School (A), Shorewood High School (A), Shorecrest High School (A)
- Top private schools: Shoreline Christian School (A), King's Schools (A), The Evergreen School (A+)
- Pictured: 18440 16th Ave NW, Shoreline ($2.3 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#23. Richland
- Population: 56,399
- Median home value: $263,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $77,686
- Top public schools: Hanford High School (A), White Bluffs Elementary School (A), Orchard Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Liberty Christian School of the Tri-Cities (B-), Christ the King School (unavailable), Children's Garden Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2703 Meadow Hills Ct, Richland ($959,950, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $263,500 (65% own)
- Median rent: $1,087 (35% rent)
- Median household income: $77,686
- Top public schools: Hanford High School (A), White Bluffs Elementary School (A), Orchard Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Liberty Christian School of the Tri-Cities (B-), Christ the King School (unavailable), Children's Garden Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 2703 Meadow Hills Ct, Richland ($959,950, 5 bedrooms)
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#22. Brier
- Population: 6,843
- Median home value: $525,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,000 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,293
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Kenmore Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 2524 216th Pl SW, Brier ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $525,900 (90% own)
- Median rent: $2,000 (10% rent)
- Median household income: $131,293
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Kenmore Junior High School (A)
- Pictured: 2524 216th Pl SW, Brier ($1.4 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#21. Woodinville
- Population: 12,383
- Median home value: $623,600 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,877 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $106,145
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+), Sunrise Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chrysalis School (A-), Academy Northwest (B), Northwest Liberty School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14224 168th Ave NE, Woodinville ($8.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $623,600 (59% own)
- Median rent: $1,877 (41% rent)
- Median household income: $106,145
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+), Sunrise Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Chrysalis School (A-), Academy Northwest (B), Northwest Liberty School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14224 168th Ave NE, Woodinville ($8.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#20. Camas
- Population: 23,200
- Median home value: $441,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $111,584
- Top public schools: Skyridge Middle School (A), Camas High School (A), Dorothy Fox Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Futures Christian School (unavailable), Spanish with Sarah (unavailable), Camas Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 700 NW Dawson Ridge Dr, Camas ($19.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $441,400 (78% own)
- Median rent: $1,236 (22% rent)
- Median household income: $111,584
- Top public schools: Skyridge Middle School (A), Camas High School (A), Dorothy Fox Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bright Futures Christian School (unavailable), Spanish with Sarah (unavailable), Camas Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 700 NW Dawson Ridge Dr, Camas ($19.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#19. Pullman
- Population: 33,598
- Median home value: $272,400 (28% own)
- Median rent: $833 (72% rent)
- Median household income: $31,487
- Top public schools: Franklin Elementary School (A), Pullman High School (A), Lincoln Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pullman Christian School (B), Montessori School of Pullman (unavailable), Royal Garrison School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 881 Country Club Rd, Pullman ($999,000, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $272,400 (28% own)
- Median rent: $833 (72% rent)
- Median household income: $31,487
- Top public schools: Franklin Elementary School (A), Pullman High School (A), Lincoln Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Pullman Christian School (B), Montessori School of Pullman (unavailable), Royal Garrison School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 881 Country Club Rd, Pullman ($999,000, 6 bedrooms)
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#18. Bainbridge Island
- Population: 24,486
- Median home value: $705,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,555 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $117,990
- Top public schools: Bainbridge High School (A+), Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School (A+), Capt. Charles Wilkes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madrona School (unavailable), Montessori Country School (unavailable), St. Cecilia Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10000 NE Kitsap St, Bainbridge Island ($8.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $705,400 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,555 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $117,990
- Top public schools: Bainbridge High School (A+), Capt. Johnston Blakely Elementary School (A+), Capt. Charles Wilkes Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Madrona School (unavailable), Montessori Country School (unavailable), St. Cecilia Catholic School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10000 NE Kitsap St, Bainbridge Island ($8.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#17. Kenmore
- Population: 22,724
- Median home value: $572,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,433 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $109,810
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Discovery Community School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Creative Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16214 81st Pl NE Lot 3, Kenmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $572,900 (73% own)
- Median rent: $1,433 (27% rent)
- Median household income: $109,810
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Discovery Community School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Creative Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 16214 81st Pl NE Lot 3, Kenmore ($1.8 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#16. Snoqualmie
- Population: 13,480
- Median home value: $610,700 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,960 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $145,580
- Top public schools: Snoqualmie Elementary School (A), Timber Ridge Elementary School (A), Chief Kanim Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center (unavailable), Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable), The Goddard School - Snoqualmie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8820 Wilde Ave SE, Snoqualmie ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $610,700 (85% own)
- Median rent: $1,960 (15% rent)
- Median household income: $145,580
- Top public schools: Snoqualmie Elementary School (A), Timber Ridge Elementary School (A), Chief Kanim Middle School (A-)
- Top private schools: Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center (unavailable), Snoqualmie Ridge Early Learning Center managed by Bright Horizons (unavailable), The Goddard School - Snoqualmie (unavailable)
- Pictured: 8820 Wilde Ave SE, Snoqualmie ($1.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#15. Cottage Lake
- Population: 22,677
- Median home value: $798,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,992 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $161,233
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mack Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14224 168th Ave NE, Woodinville ($8.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $798,200 (92% own)
- Median rent: $1,992 (8% rent)
- Median household income: $161,233
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+), Woodinville High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Mack Elementary School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 14224 168th Ave NE, Woodinville ($8.5 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#14. Bothell
- Population: 45,749
- Median home value: $530,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,719 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $99,965
- Top public schools: Woodinville High School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+), Canyon Park Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Park Christian School - Bothell Campus (A-), Ucic Learning Center (unavailable), Woodinville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22925 31st Ave SE, Bothell ($2.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $530,300 (66% own)
- Median rent: $1,719 (34% rent)
- Median household income: $99,965
- Top public schools: Woodinville High School (A+), Shelton View Elementary School (A+), Canyon Park Junior High School (A)
- Top private schools: Cedar Park Christian School - Bothell Campus (A-), Ucic Learning Center (unavailable), Woodinville Montessori School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 22925 31st Ave SE, Bothell ($2.2 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#13. Medina
- Population: 3,267
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,855 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $212,337
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10262021 Undisclosed, Medina ($22.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,855 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $212,337
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: St. Thomas School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 10262021 Undisclosed, Medina ($22.5 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#12. Woodway
- Population: 1,105
- Median home value: $1,212,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,625 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $194,904
- Top public schools: Edmonds Woodway High School (A), Challenge Elementary School (A), Maplewood Parent Cooperative (A)
- Pictured: 11203 Whitcomb Pl, Woodway ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,212,000 (97% own)
- Median rent: $1,625 (3% rent)
- Median household income: $194,904
- Top public schools: Edmonds Woodway High School (A), Challenge Elementary School (A), Maplewood Parent Cooperative (A)
- Pictured: 11203 Whitcomb Pl, Woodway ($2.8 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#11. Lake Forest Park
- Population: 13,430
- Median home value: $623,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $126,750
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Meridian Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sno-King Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19755 35th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park ($2.7 million, 10 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $623,500 (79% own)
- Median rent: $1,617 (21% rent)
- Median household income: $126,750
- Top public schools: Lockwood Elementary School (A), Inglemoor High School (A), Meridian Park Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Sno-King Academy (unavailable)
- Pictured: 19755 35th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park ($2.7 million, 10 bedrooms)
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#10. Kirkland
- Population: 89,438
- Median home value: $662,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,861 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $117,190
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Preparatory School (A+), Providence Classical Christian School (B+), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6427 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Kirkland ($7.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $662,300 (63% own)
- Median rent: $1,861 (37% rent)
- Median household income: $117,190
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Preparatory School (A+), Providence Classical Christian School (B+), Holy Family Parish School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 6427 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Kirkland ($7.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#9. Newcastle
- Population: 11,750
- Median home value: $759,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,814 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $129,828
- Top public schools: Newport Senior High School (A+), International School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 6457 Lake Washington Blvd SE, Newcastle ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $759,500 (76% own)
- Median rent: $1,814 (24% rent)
- Median household income: $129,828
- Top public schools: Newport Senior High School (A+), International School (A+), Liberty Senior High School (A+)
- Pictured: 6457 Lake Washington Blvd SE, Newcastle ($3.3 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#8. Issaquah
- Population: 37,965
- Median home value: $642,300 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,982 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $109,676
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+), Cougar Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Parish School (A), Lakeside Montessori School - Highlands Campus (unavailable), Dartmoor School - Issaquah (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18884 SE 42nd St, Issaquah ($12.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $642,300 (61% own)
- Median rent: $1,982 (39% rent)
- Median household income: $109,676
- Top public schools: Issaquah High School (A+), Skyline High School (A+), Cougar Ridge Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: St. Joseph Parish School (A), Lakeside Montessori School - Highlands Campus (unavailable), Dartmoor School - Issaquah (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18884 SE 42nd St, Issaquah ($12.0 million, 6 bedrooms)
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#7. Mercer Island
- Population: 25,675
- Median home value: $1,218,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $2,162 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $147,566
- Top public schools: Mercer Island High School (A+), West Mercer Elementary School (A+), Northwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northwest Yeshiva High School (A), Yellow Wood Academy (A-), French American School of Puget Sound (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5330 Butterworth Rd, Mercer Island ($17.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $1,218,200 (69% own)
- Median rent: $2,162 (31% rent)
- Median household income: $147,566
- Top public schools: Mercer Island High School (A+), West Mercer Elementary School (A+), Northwood Elementary School (A+)
- Top private schools: Northwest Yeshiva High School (A), Yellow Wood Academy (A-), French American School of Puget Sound (unavailable)
- Pictured: 5330 Butterworth Rd, Mercer Island ($17.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#6. Seattle
- Population: 724,305
- Median home value: $663,100 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $92,263
- Top public schools: Raisbeck Aviation High School (A+), Garfield High School (A+), Roosevelt High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lakeside School (A+), University Prep (A+), The Bush School (A+)
- Pictured: 1526 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle ($12.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $663,100 (46% own)
- Median rent: $1,614 (54% rent)
- Median household income: $92,263
- Top public schools: Raisbeck Aviation High School (A+), Garfield High School (A+), Roosevelt High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Lakeside School (A+), University Prep (A+), The Bush School (A+)
- Pictured: 1526 Lakeside Ave S, Seattle ($12.4 million, 4 bedrooms)
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#5. Yarrow Point
- Population: 1,202
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Clyde Hill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 4039 95th Ave NE, Yarrow Point ($5.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (94% own)
- Median rent: $3,501 (6% rent)
- Median household income: $250,001
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Clyde Hill Elementary School (A)
- Pictured: 4039 95th Ave NE, Yarrow Point ($5.6 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#4. Sammamish
- Population: 64,674
- Median home value: $830,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,395 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $174,003
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Catholic School (A+), Arbor Schools (unavailable), TLC Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4121 198th Ct NE, Sammamish ($4.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $830,000 (86% own)
- Median rent: $2,395 (14% rent)
- Median household income: $174,003
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Redmond High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Eastside Catholic School (A+), Arbor Schools (unavailable), TLC Montessori (unavailable)
- Pictured: 4121 198th Ct NE, Sammamish ($4.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#3. Clyde Hill
- Population: 3,329
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $238,958
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bellevue Christian School (A+)
- Pictured: 9226 NE 20th St, Clyde Hill ($9.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $2,000,001 (89% own)
- Median rent: $2,714 (11% rent)
- Median household income: $238,958
- Top public schools: Bellevue High School (A+), International School (A+), Medina Elementary School (A)
- Top private schools: Bellevue Christian School (A+)
- Pictured: 9226 NE 20th St, Clyde Hill ($9.8 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#2. Bellevue
- Population: 144,403
- Median home value: $809,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,947 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $120,456
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Hillside Student Community School (A), Eastside Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 8720 Undisclosed, Bellevue ($14.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $809,200 (54% own)
- Median rent: $1,947 (46% rent)
- Median household income: $120,456
- Top public schools: International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+), Bellevue High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (A+), Hillside Student Community School (A), Eastside Academy (A-)
- Pictured: 8720 Undisclosed, Bellevue ($14.0 million, 5 bedrooms)
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#1. Redmond
- Population: 65,558
- Median home value: $703,000 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,929 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $132,188
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brightmont Academy - Redmond (A-), The Sammamish Montessori School (unavailable), Cascadia School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18207 NE 136th St, Redmond ($4.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
- Median home value: $703,000 (50% own)
- Median rent: $1,929 (50% rent)
- Median household income: $132,188
- Top public schools: Tesla STEM High School (A+), International Community School (A+), Interlake Senior High School (A+)
- Top private schools: Brightmont Academy - Redmond (A-), The Sammamish Montessori School (unavailable), Cascadia School (unavailable)
- Pictured: 18207 NE 136th St, Redmond ($4.9 million, 8 bedrooms)
