Quality of Life

Seattle combines a stunning natural setting and vibrant metropolitan center with world-class arts, entertainment and cuisine. Seattle excels in livability with a mild climate, a wide range of housing options, arts and culture, sports, entertainment, an abundance of shops and restaurants and easy access to outdoor recreational activities in any season. Seattle is frequently ranked among the top U.S. cities based on such factors as level of education, number and quality of arts organizations, access to wireless Internet connections and pedestrian-friendly environment.

Climate

Seattle's mild winters and temperate summers enable year-round outdoor activities. High temperatures in July average about 75° F (24° C), while low temperatures in winter drop below freezing an average of only 15 days per year. Average yearly rainfall in Seattle is 36.2 inches (92 cm), compared to 19.5 inches (50 cm) in San Francisco, 34.5 (88 cm) in Chicago, 39 inches (99 cm) in Washington, DC and 40.3 inches (102 cm) in New York City.

Rentals

Average monthly apartment rental costs in King County, March 2006

Studio $742
One-bedroom $842
Two-bedroom/Two-bath $1,127

Source: Central Puget Sound Real Estate Report, Spring 2007

Median Family Income

Metropolitan Seattle*

2000 $65,800
2002 $77,900
2004 $72,600
2008 $81,403

Source: Housing and Urban Development Regional Office (Contact: http://www.huduser.org/)

*Includes Seattle, Bellevue and Everett