The 10 Best Places To Live In Washington For 2026

Source: Flickr User rutlo | CC BY 2.0

$219,069 median income · $2,326,984 median home · #1 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +123% vs WA

$219,069

WA $98k

Median home value +287% vs WA

$2,326,984

WA $601k

Unemployment -41% vs WA

3.0%

WA 5.1%

Big congratulations to Mercer Island for holding onto the title of best place to live in Washington for the second year running. Located smack dab in the middle of Lake Washington between Seattle and Bellevue, Mercer Island has a lot going for it. Like the 2nd highest median household income in the state at $219,069/year. And the 5th lowest rate of violent crime in Washington.

People in Mercer Island didn’t wind up so awesome accidentally. The local public school system scored a 9/10 on GreatSchools, so you know the next generation is well-situated to pick up the mantle of excellence Mercer Island has established. And with over 40% of adults having a master’s degree or higher, this early insistence on the importance of education definitely has an impact later in life. One thing to note about Mercer Island though is that the cost of living here is nearly three times as high as the Washington average, so you might want some savings and/or a lucrative job lined up before starting your island life.

Speaking of island life, an extra thing that makes Mercer Island special is the access to awesome beaches. The one at Luther Burbank Park is the most popular, but the west-coast Groveland Beach is the spot to be if you’re hunting gorgeous sunsets.

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Source: Wikipedia User Emmanuel BRUNNER | CC BY-SA 3.0

$239,690 median income · $1,627,993 median home · #2 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +144% vs WA

$239,690

WA $98k

Median home value +171% vs WA

$1,627,993

WA $601k

Unemployment -39% vs WA

3.1%

WA 5.1%

Sammamish is no stranger to the Homesnacks spotlight — we’ve already named it the best city for families in Washington for 2026, and a lot of those same factors come into play here. Like having a perfect 10/10 education score on our SnackAbility ratings. And being the place with the 3rd lowest crime rate in the state, with the 3rd lowest incidence of violent crime. Or having awesome family-friendly activities around like camping and boating at Lake Sammamish.

Word to the wise though, Sammamish is also the richest place in Washington, so we hope you’re comfortable rubbing elbows with the state’s elite. Homes in Sammamish are the 2nd most expensive in the state at $1,627,993. That’s no biggie for most residents though since Sammamish also has the highest median household income in Washington at $239,690/year. Along with the normal perks of wealth, Sammamish also has the 10th highest rate of health insurance coverage in the state at 97.8%. And it’s not like some people are getting left in the dust here, because Sammamish has a poverty level of just 4.3%, the 10th lowest in the state.

The secret is out on Sammamish and the city’s population has grown by almost 50% since 2010, so be sure to move quickly if you want to get in on the good times.

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Source: Wikipedia User Max Richards | GFDL

$214,107 median income · $1,122,657 median home · #3 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +118% vs WA

$214,107

WA $98k

Median home value +87% vs WA

$1,122,657

WA $601k

Unemployment -49% vs WA

2.6%

WA 5.1%

Snoqualmie is a King County city of 13,798 located about 30 miles east of Seattle. If you’re moving here, expect a lot of random visitors, because Snoqualmie Falls draws more than 1.5 million tourists each year. Those visitors are pretty respectful though because even with all the randoms coming and going, Snoqualmie experienced only 6 violent crimes in 2026, the 7th lowest in the state.

Aside from crime, the economy of Snoqualmie is cause for considerable envy for other Washingtonians. The absurdly teeny poverty level of 0.8% is the lowest in the state. Unemployment is at incredibly low levels and 98.2% of residents have health insurance, the 4th highest rate in Washington. Lastly, Snoqualmie’s median household income of $214,107/year is the 3rd highest statewide.

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Source: Wikipedia User Joe Mabel | GFDL

$162,476 median income · $1,050,869 median home · #4 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +66% vs WA

$162,476

WA $98k

Median home value +75% vs WA

$1,050,869

WA $601k

Unemployment -55% vs WA

2.3%

WA 5.1%

Normandy Park, ranked as the 4th best place to live in Washington for 2026, offers a high quality of life and a range of attractions for residents. Located in King County, Normandy Park is known for its low cost of living and home prices.

Despite its small population of 6,659, Normandy Park boasts a variety of activities and amenities. Residents can enjoy the beautiful beaches and waterfront parks, perfect for picnicking, swimming, or enjoying the scenic views. Additionally, the city’s proximity to Seattle and Tacoma provides easy access to city perks.

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Source: Wikipedia User Jelson25 | CC BY-SA 3.0

$150,414 median income · $1,265,788 median home · #5 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +53% vs WA

$150,414

WA $98k

Median home value +111% vs WA

$1,265,788

WA $601k

Unemployment -10% vs WA

4.6%

WA 5.1%

Next up is Kirkland, a city of 92,621 located across Lake Washington from Seattle. Parents love Kirkland because it has an average GreatSchools rating of 8/10, with an emphasis on top-rated high schools. Employees love Kirkland because they earn the 15th highest median household income in Washington at $150,414/year. And everyone loves the fact that Kirkland has about a third as much violent crime as your average Washington city. Not to mention that as the 6th most densely populated spot in the state, you’ll never lack for action in Kirkland.

All of these great factors help account for Kirkland’s monumental rise in recent years. It is by far the fastest growing city in Washington, adding a whopping 85% to its ranks since 2010. And with a low unemployment rate of 4.6%, there seems to be plenty of jobs for all newcomers.

Being right on Lake Washington means there Kirkland has some of the most picturesque parks in the state, but we recommend Juanita Bay Park as the top choice.

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Source: Wikipedia User Elwood j blues | CC BY-SA 4.0

$132,045 median income · $1,012,104 median home · #6 best place in Washington

Located in Snohomish County, Washington

Median income +35% vs WA

$132,045

WA $98k

Median home value +68% vs WA

$1,012,104

WA $601k

Unemployment -35% vs WA

3.3%

WA 5.1%

Located about 15 miles north of Seattle, Brier comes in as the 6th best place to call home in Washington. Brier is one of the safest places in Washington, with a crime rate roughly 80% lower than the statewide average.

Brier residents enjoy the 24th highest median household income in Washington at $132,045/year. And with home prices at a relatively reasonable $1,012,104, the cost of living in Brier only about 25% higher than the Washington average. Not to mention that, with an unemployment rate at 3.3%, the 18th lowest in the state, you shouldn’t have any trouble locking down a job here.

One thing to note is that, at 47, Brier is the oldest place we’re covering, which can be a positive or a negative depending on your priorities. One definite positive, though, is having easy access to Saint Edward State Park, a popular picnic destination for Seattleites.

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Source: Public domain

$141,126 median income · $751,543 median home · #7 best place in Washington

Located in Clark County, Washington

Median income +44% vs WA

$141,126

WA $98k

Median home value +25% vs WA

$751,543

WA $601k

Unemployment -22% vs WA

4.0%

WA 5.1%

Camas, Washington, lies on the north bank of the Columbia River, in the southwest portion of the state. Though it sits in Washington, it actually forms a suburb of Portland, Oregon, located on the other side of the river. A half hour drive takes you to the center of one of the most thriving cities in the Pacific Northwest.

However, Camas gives its 27,007 residents more than access to a major metropolitan area. It provides the number 7 best home town in Washington.

An excellent economy offers one of the main draws of the area. The median income sits at $141,126, while the unemployment rate comes in at 4.0%. Crime is well below the national average. One thing to look out for, though: living in Camas can get expensive. The cost of living is about 30% above the typical U.S. standard. Meanwhile, the median home value in town is $751,543.

Beyond the city fun you can find in nearby Portland, Camas has its share of natural wonders as well. Check out Prune Hill, a one-time volcanic vent that gives shape to the town. Or take a day trip to Mt. Hood, about 2 hours down the road.

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Source: Wikipedia User Matthew Piatt | CC BY-SA 2.0

$139,764 median income · $1,046,652 median home · #8 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +42% vs WA

$139,764

WA $98k

Median home value +74% vs WA

$1,046,652

WA $601k

Unemployment -25% vs WA

3.8%

WA 5.1%

Kenmore, located in Washington, combines suburban comfort with access to nature. Its 23,741 residents enjoy a high median income and educational attainment, with 62% of adults holding degrees. The housing market is competitive, reflected in the $1,046,652 home prices, and the job market is strong, with an unemployment rate lower than the national average.

Kenmore has the Burke-Gilman Trail, waterside parks, and marinas for recreation and is close to Seattle. Kenmore also benefits from being home to Bastyr University and Kenmore Air Harbor.

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Source: Wikipedia User Casey Yee | CC BY-SA 2.0

$172,188 median income · $1,173,703 median home · #9 best place in Washington

Located in Kitsap County, Washington

Median income +75% vs WA

$172,188

WA $98k

Median home value +95% vs WA

$1,173,703

WA $601k

Unemployment -45% vs WA

2.8%

WA 5.1%

Bainbridge Island, ranked as the number 9 best place to live in Washington, offers a high quality of life and a range of attractions. Located in Kitsap County, Bainbridge Island is a suburb of Seattle and is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community.

Bainbridge Island is conveniently connected to Seattle through the Washington State Ferries system, providing easy access to the city’s amenities and job opportunities. The island itself has a thriving arts scene, with galleries, theaters, and cultural events throughout the year. Residents can also enjoy shopping and dining experiences in the downtown area, which features a charming mix of local boutiques and restaurants.

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Source: Wikipedia User Solarbird (talk) | CC BY-SA 3.0

$159,904 median income · $1,054,029 median home · #10 best place in Washington

Located in King County, Washington

Median income +63% vs WA

$159,904

WA $98k

Median home value +75% vs WA

$1,054,029

WA $601k

Unemployment -14% vs WA

4.4%

WA 5.1%

We’re sticking around Lake Washington but heading to the north shore to visit the 10th best place in Washington, Lake Forest Park. Here you’ll find the 8th lowest poverty level in the state at 4.0%. Lake Forest Park also has the 29th lowest crime rate in Washington, so safety is hardly an issue.

Just know that to keep up with the Joneses in Lake Forest Park, you’ll want your household to earn at least $159,904/year. Especially with home prices up around $1,054,029. If you do decide to settle down here, you can get great views from the city’s highest point at Horizon View Park. And if that’s not cutting it, the Space Needle is just 20 minutes down the road.

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