Considered the cultural center of the Pacific Northwest, Washington offers a well-rounded and appealing lifestyle in gorgeous cities such as Spokane. Innovative theater and music thrives throughout the state where many of the world’s biggest rock and acoustic bands began their careers. Surrounded by the beautiful natural setting of Lake Washington and Puget Sound, Seattle is consistently voted one of America’s most livable cities. In addition, Seattle boasts one of the lowest violent-crime rates among the top US cities. Affordable real estate can be found throughout Seattle as well as Tacoma, which offers a variety of residential options, from water-front houses to in-city condominiums. Mountain and saltwater views are common throughout the area as well. Outdoor recreation of all kinds can be enjoyed in many of the state’s various terrains. Mountain climbing and yachting are especially popular in the Cascades and Olympia areas. Washington’s higher education opportunities are highly regarded, from the state and private university system to the large network of community colleges. Their public school academic achievement rank in 2004 was 8th in the nation. Annual employment growth remains strong as funding for construction projects, trade activity at the Port of Seattle and higher Boeing sales and orders all positively contribute to the state’s economy.