Seattle, Washington
Emerald City tech powerhouse
U.S. News (2025)
#17 Best Places to Live
Forbes (2024)
#4 Best Cities for Tech Jobs
WhereAtHome Score
66.9
Dout of 100
Overview
Seattle has become a major tech hub, home to Amazon and Microsoft's headquarters. The city offers stunning natural beauty with Puget Sound and mountain views, a thriving food and coffee scene, and no state income tax. Gray, rainy winters are the trade-off for mild temperatures and green surroundings.
Key Highlights
- Amazon and Microsoft headquarters
- No state income tax
- Stunning natural beauty and mountain access
- World-class coffee and food scene
- Pike Place Market and waterfront
- Mild temperatures year-round
Key Metrics
2024 Presidential Election
King County (county-level results)
Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more
Climate
Summer High
76°F
Winter Low
37°F
Annual Rainfall
37"
Sunny Days
152
Amenities & Infrastructure
485+ Parks
Green spaces and recreation
10 Major Hospitals
Healthcare access
5 Universities
Higher education institutions
Public Transit Available
Bus, rail, or metro service
Major Employers
Score Breakdown
6 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.
Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 20%)
How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 20%)
Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 15%)
Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 20%)
Walk Score — ease of daily errands on foot (Weight: 15%)
Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 10%)
Location
Compare with another city
Start ComparisonLast Updated: 2026-07-01
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.
Similar Cities by Score
Pullman, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$435,863
Population
32,863
Crime
Low
Walk Score
42
Walla Walla, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$420,895
Population
33,339
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
47
Camas, WA
Small Washington city with local appeal
Median Home
$750,827
Population
27,254
Crime
Very Low
Walk Score
18