9 Best Places To Live In Washington In 2025

Washington is one of the most exciting states to call home in 2025. From its towering mountain ranges and abundant national parks to its tax-friendly policies like no state income tax, it offers financial relief and stunning natural surroundings. Sports fans and coffee lovers will also feel right at home, thanks to the state's professional teams and café culture. With a strong job market and access to top-rated amenities, the Evergreen State offers a well-rounded lifestyle.

The nine cities on this list were chosen for their balance of affordability, safety, recreational access, and overall quality of life. Whether it is Battle Ground, a peaceful town with quick access to Portland and forested state parks, or Port Angeles, a coastal gem near Olympic National Park, Washington has the perfect spot to fit every lifestyle.

Battle Ground

Battle Ground is an odd name, but a great town with a strong sense of community and nearby big city amenities in Vancouver and Portland. Amenities include being located 30 minutes from an international airport in Portland, a relatively short commute to work within either city, while still enjoying the quiet of Battle Ground’s natural surroundings.

Battle Ground residents enjoy the optimal location between the Pacific Coast and the Cascade Mountains. The city has several city parks, like Lewisville Park, where residents can swim, bike, and take their dogs for a walk. For residents looking to camp or get out into nature, try the Battle Ground Lake State Park. Swim, fish, or listen to the music of the forest. Even with the abundant scenery, Battle Ground has a median home value of around $605,000 as of May 2025, which is similar to the state average. Thanks to this, residents won’t have to break the bank to buy a home.

Port Angeles

Port Angeles is for people looking to be right on the water with local access to the Olympic National Park, which offers hiking, wildlife viewing, and vast outdoor activity options. Gardeners enjoy the milder climate with its year-round growing season. Residents have views of the surrounding coastline and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Port Angeles is home to the Peninsula Community College and is known for its exceptional support for high-quality public school education. The Olympic Medical Center provides full-service healthcare across the region and makes its home in Port Angeles. There is a local port for the Coho Ferry for residents wanting to visit or work in Victoria, BC.

There is also a strong community vibe as the city sponsors several annual festivals, including the Juan de Fuca Festival of the Arts and the Dungeness Crab & Seafood Festival. Port Angeles is two hours from Seattle and offers residents a lower cost of living compared to similar settings in Washington. The median home price is reasonable at around $450,000 in 2025.

Wenatchee

Wenatchee is the place to call home for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It offers an affordable lifestyle within an expensive state, a welcoming community, and a more relaxed pace. 150 miles east of Seattle, the city combines rural and suburban living and provides easy access to hiking, fishing, and skiing. The town is known for its successful Pybus Public Market, where residents can buy fresh food, produce, and other home goods. On the other hand, Ohme Gardens is a popular botanical garden with exceptional walking trails and natural scenery for active residents.

Wenatchee supports a lively arts and cultural scene and has an exceptional public school education system. It is also home to Wenatchee Valley College. The college offers local access to higher education courses, adult courses, and various art and cultural experiences, including Earth Week with poetry readings, nature hikes, and a sustainable products fair. Visit the college theatre for ongoing performances or take in a football, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, or basketball game. Along with the benefits, Wenatchee is considered affordable when compared to Seattle or other large Washington cities. This is evident via the median home value of around $470,000, nearly $150,000 less than the state average.

Walla Walla

Walla Walla is four hours east of Seattle and surrounded by farmland, including lavender farms and apple orchards. To this end, the city hosts an ongoing Farmer’s Market for residents to purchase local produce and products. Moreover, several charming city parks such as Pioneer Park have places for picnics, playing sports, or just hanging out and enjoying being outdoors. For more excursions, locals have access to the Walla Walla River Delta Area, the Umatilla National Forest, and the Blue Mountains. Meanwhile, residents interested in local history can enjoy the Fort Walla Walla Museum or the Whitman Mission.

The public education meets standards and includes access to quality higher education at Whitman College. The college sponsors an outdoor sculpture walk with more than 20 artistic sculptures. Whitman College provides the area with cultural events, concerts, public lectures, and art exhibitions. Additionally, Walla Walla residents live in the center of wine country. There are 100 wineries within the Walla Walla Valley, and most sponsor ongoing events for wine enthusiasts. While sipping wine, locals can enjoy the comfort of their grand home thanks to the affordable average home value of $400,000. Also, for medical needs, the Providence St. Mary Medical Center has a range of departments, from critical care to cardiology.

Camas

Camas is a quiet, small town located 20 miles from Portland. The city is named after the blue camas lilies that grow wild throughout the city. All the amenities of the great outdoors are nearby, including the Columbia River. Or, hit the beach and enjoy the ocean waves within a two-hour drive. In town, residents can enjoy hiking, biking, and swimming at Lacamas Lake or visit the historic Liberty Theatre for movie lovers. The town includes a public library and above-average public education, especially at the High School level. The school district has a solid management reputation and is popular with teachers.

Residents can enjoy the amenities available in Washington or nearby cities within Oregon. The city has a low crime rate and saw only ten violent crimes in 2019, according to FBI data. When considering Camas, be prepared to pay more than 25% above the national average for a home. The higher prices are due to the town’s location near Portland, a strong job market, and local access to natural areas.

Port Townsend

Port Townsend is a reasonable option for those who want to live on the water. It is known for its Victorian architecture, thriving artist community, and amazing views of Puget Sound. Port Townsend is home to Fort Worden Historical State Park, which encompasses 433 acres and includes over two miles of shoreline. Residents also enjoy the Port Townsend Marine Science Center and the Puget Sound Coast Artillery Museum.

The city offers several parks and green spaces, including Fort Townsend State Park and Chetzemoka Park. Chetzemoka includes a gazebo, picnic areas, and unique flower gardens featuring antique roses and rhododendrons. Visitors can access the beach and walk the shoreline. Port Townsend is two hours from Seattle on the Olympic Peninsula. Enjoy this quiet but bustling seaport. Port Townsend has a lower overall cost of living than Seattle. At around $640,000, the median home price is under the Washington State average but is still higher than the U.S. national average. Residents also need not worry about healthcare, thanks to the Jefferson Healthcare Medical Center, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital.

Sequim

Sequim is a family-friendly small town located along the Dungeness River near the base of the Olympic Mountains. The area is in the midst of Lavender farms, near the shores of Puget Sound, and just south of Vancouver Island, Canada. Sequim appeals to residents looking for a quiet, rural town that’s near the water and surrounded by the grand natural presence of the Pacific Northwest. Sequim or “Sunny Sequim” enjoys more sunshine than average due to its proximity to the San Juan Islands and the northeastern peninsula. The average amount of rain matches Los Angeles, California. To live in Sequim is to love being in the outdoors. Sequim Bay State Park and Railroad Bridge Park offer residents places to walk, including beach access as well as groomed picnic areas and sports fields. Residents can escape from the real world anytime with a visit to the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge.

The city hosts an annual Lavender Festival in July, where residents can attend guided public tours of local lavender fields and enjoy vendor booths with products from local artisans and restaurants. Despite its advantages, Sequim remains mildly affordable with a lower-than-average median home price for Washington at $580,000 in 2025. Seniors looking for an affordable alternative can opt for a retirement community like Suncrest Village, offering a fitness center, library, salon, and theater.

Manson

Manson is a popular tourist town on the northern shore of Lake Chelan with exceptional views of the lake and the surrounding foothills. Residents enjoy a friendly community with exceptional local amenities to support the tourist crowds, including restaurants, shops, and recreational providers. Fishing, camping, and water sports are popular, as is kayaking and swimming. For people who love being at the lake, Manson offers a total of five local lakes, including Chelan, Wapato, Roses, Dry, and Antilon Lake. Take part in year-round fishing derbies, pickleball competitions at the Wapato Point Resort, and several local wineries. For gamers, try the 12 Tribes Lake Chelan Casino.

Access the many mountain biking trails in the summer and ski the local slopes in the winter. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Manson is not considered an affordable place for residents on a budget, with a median home price over the Washington state average at $690.000. People with plenty of resources will find the perfect quiet but active outdoor home with plenty of lake action. If you ever have any medical requirements, Lake Chelan Community Hospital offers a variety of basic services.

Newport

Newport is located on the Washington border with Idaho, west of the Pend Oreille River. Newport is an hour’s drive from Spokane. Spokane provides residents with access to a large international airport for easier travel. Locals also enjoy easy access to ski resorts in both the US and Canadian Rocky Mountains. The city supports several local recreational centers and parks, such as the City Park near downtown.

Newport is a quiet town with a low crime rate and access to local outdoor parks, including the Coal Creek Trail. Affordability and cost of living are lower than the Washington or US national average, with a median home price of around $400,000 for 2025. On the other hand, seniors can also opt for the River Mountain Village Assisted Living, which offers assistance with basic activities and tons of amenities for a comfortable retirement.

Final Thoughts

Living in Washington state has many advantages, depending on personal priorities and preferences. Washington offers a variety of towns to match residents’ needs for outdoor space, access to trails, water, or mountain activities. Washington state towns offer a variety of places to call home for different lifestyles. Many towns are close to big cities for those who want to be near larger cities, while others are located in the midst of agricultural farming zones and offer a quieter and more tranquil experience. Potential residents must weigh the abundance of amenities and balance them with the cost of living that fits their budget.