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.