Washington is known for its unique mix of culture and outdoor recreation, and the Seattle area perfectly represents that attractive combination. As part of the Puget Sound region, Seattle and its surrounding towns offer a rich variety of pursuits, from big-city life to hiking, kayaking, and boating activities in the area’s numerous mountains, rivers, lakes, and parks. VisitSeattle.org describes the hub as “an exciting urban city surrounded by unmatched natural beauty.” Moving to Seattle or one of its satellite cities can lead to a balanced life of outdoor adventure, art and culture, fine dining, and more.
Richmond American builds in numerous communities across the Puget Sound region, from Bonney Lake all the way to Ferndale near the Canada border. In this article, we’ll explore the many advantages of buying a home in the Seattle area, as well as the surrounding cities you should consider in your search!
City attractions
Pike Place Market
This must-see tourist attraction is one of the oldest public markets in the United States. Here, you will find fish sellers slinging fish at customers (it’s better than it sounds), listen to music from street performers and discover small shops with unique collectibles. Be sure to visit the original Starbucks while you’re there.
Space Needle
A well-known Seattle landmark, the Space Needle provides more than meets the eye. The rotating restaurant offers views of the picturesque Mt. Rainier, Puget Sound, and Olympic and Cascade Mountains, as well as the beautiful city of Seattle and beyond. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free trip to the Observation Deck for dessert!
Seattle Aquarium
This spectacular aquatic facility features divers wearing masks that allow them to interact and answer audience questions while underwater! Don’t miss the underwater dome for a chance to feel like part of the experience.
Outdoor recreation
Pet-friendly
The Seattle area is very pet-friendly. Dog owners can enjoy 34 different activities with their furry friends, including dog parks, University Village Shopping Center, the Seattle Ice Cream Cruise and Ballard Sunday Farmers Market. Reference the BringFido website for more information.
Biking
There are many fun ways to enjoy Puget Sound on a bike. With trails for all levels, biking can be leisurely, challenging or just a green way to get from point A to point B.
Hiking
With access to both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, residents of the Puget Sound region have a wide variety of hikes to choose from. Including both beautiful scenery and unique wildlife, this area of the country is excellent for both short and long hikes.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier is an active volcano that has helped make Washington famous. If you’re moving to Seattle or the surrounding area, you can enjoy hiking, camping, climbing and more. Before your journey to the beautiful national park, be sure to check this site for weather, road status and operating hours. Homeowners in the Seattle area can also seize the opportunity to board The Polar Express Train Ride™ up Mt. Rainier or indulge in some relaxation at Wellspring, a serene spa at the base of the mountain.
Art scene
Seattle Art Museum
The Seattle Art Museum has rotating exhibitions, permanent exhibits, and special events. Museum attendees can also take advantage of free and discounted days.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
The Asian Art Museum is located in Volunteer Park and features both Modern and Contemporary Asian art.
Olympic Sculpture Park
The Olympic Sculpture Park is open daily and free 365 days a year. Bring your furry friend and a picnic for a relaxing Seattle day.
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Just under the Space Needle is a chance to see Chihuly’s amazing glasswork. Learn more about the artist and enjoy the way the view changes depending on the time of day.
Culture and dining
Restaurants
Seattle is a hotspot for new restaurants and highly regarded chefs. For some fresh fish, oysters, or chowder, be sure to check out Duke’s Seafood or Salty’s at Alki. If Italian fare is more your speed, The Pink Door at Pike Place Market is a beloved local haunt. Looking for a little bit of everything? The Tom Douglas Restaurants are favorites of Seattle residents for a reason, ranging from Serious Pie pizzeria to Dahlia Bakery.
Woodinville Wine Country
A little-known treasure of the Pacific Northwest, tour a winery or attend one of the many events in the area. This adventure is only 30 minutes outside of Seattle.
Coffee
You may know that Seattle is the home of the famed Starbucks® coffee brand, but did you know that you can visit the original (and still operating!) location at Pike Place Market? Or, swing by the Starbucks Reserve® Roastery for a unique coffee drink, a cocktail, a bite to eat, or an educational tour or experience.
Moving to the Seattle-Tacoma area
A popular relocation destination, the cities and suburbs surrounding Seattle have something for every homebuyer. New construction homes available in these areas allow residents to enjoy the ease of convenience of a brand new home with quick access to Seattle amenities. As a relocator, you may want to consider the following Seattle area cities:
Bonney Lake
The suburban Bonney Lake community prides itself on its connection to the outdoors. This city features North Lake Tapps Park with 10,000 feet of waterfront access, including a sandy beach for swimming, trails, a seasonal boat ramp and picnic areas. Bonney Lake also has stunning views of Mt. Rainer and is near Mt. Rainier National Park.
Notable community in Bonney Lake: Tehaleh
Ferndale
Named after the ferns that grew around the town’s original schoolhouse, Ferndale is a charming place to plant roots. The community is located just 10 minutes north of Bellingham, along the scenic Nooksack River. History buffs can experience the town’s rich past by touring the preserved cabins at Pioneer Park or exploring the gardens, trails, and historic farmhouse at Hovander Homestead Park. Every summer, the town hosts its annual Old Settler’s Picnic at Pioneer Park.
Notable community in Ferndale: Douglas Farm
Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens is an excellent option for homebuyers who make school district a priority during their home search. Nearby Everett features Boeing and the Naval Station. Residents of Lake Stevens celebrate Aquafest in July with three days of golf tournaments, boat parades, local vendors, music, movies in the park and a firework show.
Notable community in Lake Stevens: Kokanee Estates
Milton
According to the city’s website, Milton is “a quiet, peaceful community surrounded by fields, trees, open vistas and gardens.” Despite its small-town appeal, Milton is still an excellent location for commuters or those craving big-city life, offering easy access to Tacoma and Seattle via I-5. Residents appreciate the town’s close-knit community and enjoy attending annual events, such as Milton Days or the Craft Bazaar. The meandering Milton Interurban Trail is a peaceful option for hikers and bikers alike.
Notable community coming soon to Milton: Surprise Lake (join the interest list today!)
Mount Vernon
Situated in the beautiful Skagit Valley, between the San Juan Islands and North Cascades National Park, Mount Vernon is an outdoor lover’s dream. Walk or bike along the Skagit River, hike one of the many trails in Little Mountain Park, or drive a bit farther out to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Cascade Mountains. Every year, visitors flock to Mount Vernon for the annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival, a celebration of the area’s breathtaking blooms.
Notable community in Mount Vernon: Highpoint East
Port Orchard
Idyllic Port Orchard features an attractive blend of historic charm and exciting cultural attractions and amenities. Located on the Sinclair Inlet of the Puget Sound, the waterfront town offers a little something for everyone: shopping, dining, museums, live entertainment, and world-class boating and water sports. For commuters, Seattle and Bremerton are just a ferry ride away.
Notable community in Port Orchard: McCormick Trails (learn more here)
Puyallup
This suburb is home to the Washington State Fair. The Puyallup River Walk features five miles for walking/biking along its namesake waterway. Wildwood Park has 55 forested acres as well as picnic areas, a playground, a baseball field and walking trails. If you like to ski, take advantage of the nearby Crystal Mountain Resort. Puyallup is a perfect place for golfers as well. Enjoy golfing at Linden Golf and Country Club and nearby High Cedars Golf Course.
Notable community in Puyallup: Uplands
On a tight timeline?
If you’re interested in moving to Seattle or a satellite city in the near future, consider a quick move-in option!* Our talented in-house design team carefully curates each fixture and finish in these homes, creating a stylish space that’s just waiting for you to add your finishing personal touches.
Search listings in the Seattle-Tacoma area at RichmondAmerican.com. Our local New Home Specialists are well-versed in the area and can help point you in the right direction during your new home search. Call us today 253.693.4800.
*Closing dates are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Homebuyers may be limited in the structural changes, options and upgrades which can be made to homes.
