King County, WA


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King County, WA

About King County, WA

King County is located in Western Washington, covering 2,128 square miles with an estimated population of over 2.1 million (for 2019) making it the most populous county in the state. Seattle is its largest city and county seat while other cities include Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland. King County offers many attractions including Discovery Park in Seattle – boasting a 534-acre nature reserve filled with beautiful trails, beaches and views; Lake Sammamish State Park – offering outdoor activities like camping, fishing & boating around its crystal clear waters; and Snoqualmie Falls – renowned for its 268-foot cascading waterfall amongst idyllic green landscapes. Very large metro area set in the coast and forests of the Pacific Northwest. Primary industries include technology and aerospace. Noteworthy features include shoreline. - Positioned in western Washington, 85 miles south of Vancouver, Canada, and 175 miles north of Portland, Oregon..

Location Details

State: Washington
County: King County
Metro Area: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
City: Seattle, Bellevue, 62 total
Zip Codes: 98052, 98115, 98103, 98023, 98133, 98003, 98105, 98042, 98118, 98092, 85 total
Cost of Living: 58.1% higher
Time zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Elevation: 177 ft above sea level
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The Seattle, WA metro area, nestled in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is a place where nature and city life blend beautifully. It's surrounded by water, with Puget Sound to the west and Lake Washington to the east, while the Cascade and Olympic Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. This setting offers both urban amenities and natural beauty, making it a unique place to live.

Seattle's history stretches back thousands of years, originally home to Native American tribes like the Duwamish and Suquamish. European settlers arrived in the 19th century, transforming it into a bustling hub during the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it's known for its significant role in the tech industry, housing giants such as Amazon and Microsoft.

The local economy is robust, driven by technology, aerospace (thanks to Boeing), healthcare, and retail. This mixture of industries creates a dynamic job market but also contributes to a high cost of living, particularly regarding housing prices.

Politically, Seattle leans towards progressive and liberal ideologies, often at the forefront of environmental sustainability and social justice initiatives. The community is politically active, championing causes from LGBTQ+ rights to climate change action.

Living in Seattle offers a lifestyle filled with outdoor and cultural activities. Residents enjoy hiking, skiing, and boating thanks to the nearby mountains and waterways. The city boasts a lively arts scene, with numerous theaters, museums, and music venues. The food scene is noteworthy too, offering a plethora of international cuisines and a celebrated coffee culture.

For those considering moving to Seattle, it’s important to be ready for its weather – the city is famous for its rainy and cloudy days, especially during fall and winter. However, this contributes to its lush, green landscapes. Newcomers should also prepare for the high cost of living and potential traffic congestion. Despite these challenges, many find the quality of life, access to nature, and the community's progressive values well worth it.

In summary, Seattle provides a blend of opportunities and experiences, from its economic vitality and political activism to its natural beauty and recreational activities. While adjusting to the cost of living and weather may take time, many who move here find a welcoming and engaging community.

king Cost of Living
$$$$

Shoreline, arts & culture, and very low humidity make king a great place to live.

$793,300
+57.4% higher than avg
$106,326
+35.1% higher than avg
$2,200 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+35.0% higher than avg
king Crime
43.3 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in king, Washington
$151,920
for a family
$75,200
for a single person
Pros & Cons of king
   Shoreline
High home prices
   Arts & culture
High property crime
   Very low humidity
Gloomy weather
Cost of Living

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