by Kris Kennedy

Created on: May 19, 2009

Best Places to Live in Washington

All the best places to live in Washington State involve water. Washington State enjoys two major bodies of water. One is the Puget Sound and the other is the Columbia River. Both of these bodies provide resort style living near the bodies of water but Washington State remains small so travel to metropolitan areas with upscale restaurants, and cultural events are not far away. Another more secluded area rests in the center of the State called Lake Chelan.

Islands of Puget Sound

Many islands exist in Puget Sound in which Seattleites live and play. Washington State has an extensive ferry system, which connects people to the islands and boats runs from Seattle as far as Victoria British Columbia. Whidbey and Camano Islands require access by ferry and by bridge. Deception Pass Bridge connects the islands to the mainland. Some residents of Whidbey Island take the half hour commute by ferry to their jobs at Microsoft in Seattle everyday, but others live on the Island and only make the ferry trip to enjoy a play or restaurant and return to the island for a night's sleep.

Another island lays lower in Puget Sound called Fox Island; it also has a bridge that connects it to the mainland. In this case, the residents of the Island can enjoy the big city life available in Tacoma Washington and return to sleep in the quiet natural surrounding found on the Island. Nearby are Two Island, McNeil and Anderson that requires transportation by ferry. One is not the designation of choice for many since it is a prison. McNeil Island Penitentiary is the home of Washington State's Sexual Assault Unit. A Kevin Coe state when he was fighting confinement at the prison states the location would be much more pleasant that he would be able to find for himself in Spokane Washington. Next door to this island, is Anderson Island, which has two fresh water lakes on it that makes pleasant times waterskiing, canoeing and swimming. There is also a 9-hole golf course at the island country club

While living the resort lifestyle on the island they can comb the beaches for shells and sea life, sail or boat on the sound, fish, or just hike on a beach. Than the residents travel towards the metropolitan areas of Seattle and Tacoma for further entertain or travel from the SeaTac airport to other locations for vacations. Maybe they would like to drive down the road to visit other Washington State residential resort areas of Tri-Cities WA and Lake Chelan.

Eastern Portion of State

Many prefer fresh water activities. Tri-Cities Washington provides activities on the Columbia River. Residents enjoy a drier climate with many days to enjoy activities. Many areas on the Columbia River are known for their wind surfing and other activities. Just as the islands in Puget Sound lie within range of transportation to metropolitan areas, the residents can get to Spokane or Seattle within a few hours. The three small cities that make up Tri-Cities Washington, Richland, Pasco and Kennewick receive the nickname the largest small cities in the state. The reason is that they have a small town feel in an area that would compete with the larger cities if combined.

Many driving from Wenatchee Washington can be shocked to find a small resort town on a lake in Eastern Washington. Most are surprised to find a small town with a beautiful lake, resorts, Indian Casino, Art Galleries and boats that can take them to towns only reachable by water. Many residents kept the nature of the area quiet to enjoy the seclusion.

Washington State has many opportunities to live within resort areas. With the communities, people can live as though they are on vacation.

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