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 was named the Most Educated city in 2006; it ranked #6 among the 2006 top-ten arts destinations in the U.S; was labeled the 'Most Unwired City' for access to wireless Internet connections in 2005, and named the #3 Best Walking City for its walker-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.

Cost of Living /Office Rents Index 2006

Sources: 2006 cost of living figures from www.finfacts.ie. November 2006 office rent data from CB Richard Ellis.

Housing

Median sales prices of existing single-family homes, 3rd quarter 2006 (U.S. dollars)

Dallas $151,300
St. Louis $154,400
Denver $253,200
Chicago $279,400
Seattle $372,400
Washington, D.C. $431,900
Boston $412,300
San Diego $601,900
San Francisco $749,400

Source: National Association of Realtors www.realtor.org

Rentals

Average monthly apartment rental costs in King County, March 2006

Studio $682
One-bedroom $776
Two-bedroom/Two-bath $1,040

Source: Central Puget Sound Real Estate Report, Spring 2006

Median Family Income

Metropolitan Seattle*

2000 $65,800
2002 $77,900
2004 $72,600
2006 $74,300

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

*Includes Seattle, Bellevue and Everett