Living in Washington State has its pros and cons. The state, named after George Washington, is located in the Pacific Northwest region and offers a wealth of natural beauty and opportunities for a promising career. The capital, Olympia, and the largest city, Seattle, are home to many of the United States’ largest companies. However, the cost of living in Washington State can be relatively high, and the crime rate should also be taken into consideration. Additionally, the state is prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes and five active volcanoes. Despite these drawbacks, the rapidly growing GDP in Washington State may make it a desirable place to live for those looking to earn a good income.
Here is some important information to go through.
Pros of Living in Washington State
1. Job Opportunities
Washington State offers a wealth of job opportunities, particularly in the tech sector, due to the presence of large companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Starbucks, Costco, and Boeing. The abundance of jobs in these major companies creates a competitive job market, with decent wages on offer. In 2019, the unemployment rate in Washington State was at an enviable 4.6%, and the average income was around $66,174.
With an economy that is on the rise and a variety of thriving industries, Washington state is a great place to find job opportunities and secure a good income. If you are looking for job opportunities with great wages, Washington State could be a great place to look.
2. Moderately Low Tax
Washington State is known for its moderately low taxes, particularly in terms of corporate and personal income tax. Unlike many other states, residents of Washington State are not required to pay such taxes. Instead, the state funds its roads, law enforcement, schools, and other services through real estate and sales tax. Compared to other states, these taxes are not particularly high, making it an attractive place for people who are looking for a good balance of job opportunities and relatively low taxes. This makes it a great place for those who are looking for a new place to call home and want to keep more of their hard-earned money.
3. Diverse Schools
Washington State is known for its diverse population, with people from all over the world, including Asia and Spain, flocking to the state for education. The state offers a highly-ranked school system, ranking the 12th largest in the United States. This attracts many international students to study here, which in turn adds to the diversity of the schools and makes them more welcoming to foreign students. The diversity of the student population in Washington state’s schools is one of its most alluring factors and makes it an attractive place for families looking for an inclusive and multicultural education for their children.
4. Scenic Beauty
Washington State is renowned for its unparalleled scenic beauty, offering an abundance of breathtaking landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. From coastal beaches, fishing locations, and picturesque parks, to hiking trails, rainforests blanketed in moss, adventurous mountains, and crystal-clear lakes, the state has something to offer everyone.
One of the highlights of Washington State’s natural beauty is its abundance of state and national parks, preserves, recreation areas, and wilderness areas, with over 120 in total. These include three national parks, making it easy for outdoor enthusiasts to find a place to explore and appreciate the state’s natural beauty. Additionally, the state is home to an abundance of clean water, adding to its charm and appeal in today’s world.
5. Happy Population
Washington State is known for its happy and well-satisfied population, with many residents feeling content with the opportunities, facilities, and natural beauty the state has to offer. Studies have shown that when compared to other states, people who live in Washington tend to be happier with their overall quality of life. This could be attributed to the state’s strong economy, an abundance of job opportunities, and access to a wide range of amenities and services. Additionally, the state’s natural beauty and the plethora of recreational activities have a positive impact on the overall well-being and satisfaction of the residents.
As a result, Washington State is often rated as one of the best states to live in.
Cons of Living in Washington State
1. Traffic
With numerous opportunities in the fields of career and education, Washington State attracts many people which causes an increase in population. As more people move to the state, the number of cars on the road also increases, leading to more traffic congestion. Seattle, in particular, is known for its traffic problems and is ranked 9th worst in the country, with a typical driver spending around 55 hours a year stuck in their car. This traffic can be a major inconvenience for those who are regularly on the road, whether it’s for commuting to work or school, running errands, or simply trying to get around the city.
2. Climate
Living in Washington State has disadvantages considering the climate, one of which is the high amount of rainfall. According to a study, the state receives an average of 73 inches of rain every year. While this does help keep the state lush and green, it also results in around 150 rainy days per year and frequently cloudy days. This can limit the amount of Vitamin D that people can get through sunlight, and for those who enjoy sunny weather, Washington State might not be the best place.
Also, The temperature in the state can vary a lot, with the hottest days reaching around 25°C and the lowest dropping to around 14°C. These weather conditions should be considered while evaluating the overall cost of living in Washington State.
3. Crime
Another important factor to consider is the crime rate in the state before making a decision to move there. In 2019, the crime rate of property per 1000 residents in Washington State was higher than the average crime rate in the United States. Additionally, the rates of violent crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and assault are also comparatively higher in Washington State than in several other states.
While the overall crime rate of the state isn’t the highest, it’s important to be aware of the crime rate in the area you’re considering living in and make a decision accordingly. It’s always important to research and evaluate the crime statistics in a particular area before making a decision on where to live.
4. Expensive
When it comes to living in Washington State, can be considered an expensive place to live. The high income in the state drives the prices of an average home upwards, making it a costly place to reside. While the state does offer good opportunities for earning a decent wage, it also comes with high costs associated with housing, grocery, and transportation.
The costs of living in Washington State can add up quickly, making it difficult for people with lower incomes to afford to live in the state. It’s important to research and consider the cost of living in the area you’re considering living in and evaluate whether it fits within your budget. Additionally, expenses like healthcare and taxes should also be considered while evaluating the overall cost of living in the state.
5. Low Health Care Quality
When considering living in Washington State, one factor to take into account is the relatively lower quality of healthcare as rated by the Agency for Health Research and Quality. According to their data, when compared to other states, Washington ranks lower in healthcare quality. This may be a concern for those with existing health conditions or elderly people.
However, for those who are generally healthy and do not require frequent medical attention, this factor may not be as significant in their decision to move to the state. It’s important to research and consider the healthcare options and quality available in the area you’re considering living in and evaluate whether it meets your needs and preferences.
Costs of Living in Washington State
1. Housing
When it comes to housing, Washington State’s market can be quite expensive, due in part to the large number of well-paid professionals who reside in the state. According to data from 2019, the average home in Washington State would cost around $369,900, while the typical value of the same home around the U.S. is $236,100.
The higher cost of housing in Washington State can make it difficult for people with lower incomes to afford a home, but with good wages and opportunities, it is still an attractive place to consider living. The housing market in the state can also vary greatly depending on the location and its proximity to the major cities like Seattle and proximity to natural beauty, so it’s important to research and considers different areas before making a decision on where to live.
2. Transportation
Transportation is a major expense for residents of Washington State due to the busy roads and the large number of places to go. In particular, for the city of Seattle, which is also known as Emerald City, transportation costs can be quite high. For single adults living in the city, it is estimated that they will spend around $4,094 on transportation annually. This cost can be even higher for families
3. Taxes
If you’re working in Washington, other than the federal income taxes, you will have a paycheck free of taxes as this state does not have a state income tax. This does make your take-home pay higher and adds to the income for basic costs of living purchases.
However, Washington does have a statewide 6.5% sales tax. Additional local sales might be there or taxes up to 3% might be used depending on where you live. Those who live near the border with Oregon, can have a short trip and take advantage of Oregon’s tax-free shopping.