This Pacific Northwest Suburb Was Named the Best Place to Live in the U.S. West for Its Mild Climate, Job Market, and Quality of Life

"The King County city has roughly 65,000 full-time residents and enjoys all the perks of the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, like a mild climate and easy access to the great outdoors. But it also bats above average in terms of job opportunities. According to the data U.S. News analyzed, Sammamish boasts the No. 3 best job market in the country, thanks to its proximity to the greater Seattle metro area."

"Sammamish also stood out with its low crime rates, top-rated public schools, and high salaries; the median household income in this suburb is $235,013. (In comparison, the national average median household income is $79,466.) However, Sammamish also has the highest home prices of any city on the U.S. News list. The median home value is $1,185,433, while the cost of living is a whopping 61 percent above the national average."

A national ranking evaluated more than 850 cities using weighted resident survey responses on affordability, health care access, weather, air quality, and commute time. Southern and Midwestern destinations claimed the top three positions: Johns Creek, Georgia; Carmel, Indiana; and Pearland, Texas. Sammamish, Washington was the highest-ranking Western city and the only Western destination in the top 25. The King County suburb has about 65,000 residents, a mild Pacific Northwest climate, easy outdoor access, and proximity to Seattle, giving it the No. 3 job market nationally. Sammamish features low crime, top-rated public schools, a median household income of $235,013, but a median home value of $1,185,433 and a cost of living 61 percent above the national average.

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