If you live in Washington State, you know it’s hard to imagine a better place to work, play and be a part of a community. Washington offers a quality of life that is unsurpassed.

From big-city living in Seattle, one of the nation’s top-ranked cities, to more rural living, Washington’s distinctive Northwest lifestyle mixes a progressive, creative culture with a casual nature.

Economic Diversity

Washington’s economy is a diverse blend of technology, culture, business and agriculture. Industries range from aerospace to high technology to agriculture to trade to forestry and fishing.

The state is home to some internationally leading companies such as Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser. Washington is also the number-two premium wine-producing state featuring hundreds of wineries. Many of the world’s finest wineries grow their grapes and produce their wine here.

Washington’s West Coast location and shared border with Canada also makes it the most trade-dependant state in the nation. As a result, Washington operates much like a small nation by accessing markets around the world for state products.

Education

Washington’s education system is strong and getting better. Elementary students consistently score well above national averages, and the state’s high school graduation rate ranks among the national top 10.

Higher education pursuits are also common. Six public universities, more than 30 private four-year institutions, and more than 30 community and technical colleges can be found in both urban and rural settings in Washington.

Culture and Recreation

Cultural amenities, whether nestled among the landscape or tucked into elegant theaters, civic or off-Broadway, are commonplace.

Seattle is home to professional sport franchises including the National Football League’s Seattle Seahawks, Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners and the National Basketball Association’s Seattle Sonics and Seattle Storm.  

People come from all over the world to take in Washington’s breathtaking natural beauty and participate in our limitless outdoor recreation opportunities. In Washington, you are never more than a few hours drive to picturesque coastal beaches, dense rain forests, spectacular Mt. Rainier or stunning wine country. Washington delivers as one of the most scenic and diverse states in the nation.