Thinking of moving out of the city? These four Pacific Northwest locations all have something incredible to offer.
Although it has been only roughly three months since COVID-19 came knocking at our doors, it's hard to remember a world pre-pandemic. In just 90 days (which is the exact amount of time experts say it takes to form long-term habits), the way we live has completely changed. Many companies have inspired investments in new technology or have motivated a change in operations. These changes are adding up to huge impacts. More companies are being inspired to implement remote work policies for their employees, and although tracking regionwide relocations is difficult, existing data and anecdotal evidence suggest a clear COVID effect: Renter and owners are changing the way they think about where they live and are packing their bags, making moves to leave the city.
Some of these movers are simply accelerating plans that had been simmering on the back burner. Unsure about whether schools will open in the fall and enjoying home offices that are more than just a corner of a foyer, the suburbs are suddenly seeming more appealing. But there’s also a sense that in today’s era of social distancing, one-person-at-a-time elevator rides to get home and looping routes to avoid passers-by on city streets has fundamentally changed day to day life in Seattle, and people are over it. Additionally, there are also those who are wanting to keep their home base in the city but are now pondering the idea of buying a second home to get away to, especially in the instance that something like this happens again one day.
Here are four of the best places outside the city- from remote urban communities to island escapes- that have much to offer for Seattle residents looking to relocate.
Tacoma
Some refer to Tacoma as the city that Seattle used to be. The city has morphed into something that resembles Seattle without some of that city’s problems, including spiraling costs. Here you will get more bang for your buck. Even in the nicest neighborhoods, beautiful, large homes can be found under the $1 Million mark. This city is filled with up and coming, down-to-earth neighborhoods filled with local businesses, beautiful parks, a fabulous zoo, colleges, and museums. It’s diverse, too with a manageable downtown. And if the days of taking the I-5 freeway are behind you, you can take the light rail to the city for Seahawks or Mariners games.
San Juan Island
If you're looking for a slower pace of life with friendly folk, a thriving town, lovely vistas, and not a single traffic light, San Juan Island may be the perfect place for you. North of Seattle and just over an hour ferry ride from the coastal town of Anacortes, San Juan is the second largest island in an archipelago between British Columbia's Vancouver Island and the Washington mainland, and is the highest in population. This island has traditionally been a popular getaway destination for tourists and yachters. However, in recent years the island has added several wineries, a lavender farm, and an art scene, making it is a popular choice for buyers looking to buy vacation rental properties as well as wealthy tech buyers looking for a private, luxury home.
Bremerton
This working-class town with comparatively cheap housing and a no-frills charm is attracting Seattleites priced out of the city. Just 15 miles from Seattle, Bremerton is scenic, with ample shoreline, city parks, green spaces, and a small but growing arts and food scene. The main driver of relocation here is that it's cheap by comparison. Bremerton homes cost, on average, about $200 a square foot; Seattle homes are nearly $500 for the equivalent. And if you are looking to stay close to Seattle, it’s now a manageable commute to the city with the faster passenger-only ferry service.
Wenatchee
If you want affordability and sunshine. Go east! Wenatchee is the largest city of Chelan County, Washington, located in north-central Washington with an estimated population of a little bit more than 30,000 people as of 2020. Wenatchee has a lot to offer including that it's close, it’s sunny, there are nearby wineries, and a fun public market. There’s also nearby skiing and a lot of amazing hiking trails that outdoor lovers can enjoy.