Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in the Pacific Northwest

Putting down your roots in an area you love is one of the most important considerations when buying a home. Because real estate is a long-term investment, finding a location that best suits your short and long-term goals should be top priority. 

Are the region's neighborhoods worth investing in? Is the area a good culture fit for me? What local amenities are available? How are the schools? Can I see myself living here three to 10 years from now? These are all questions you may ask yourself when searching for the best place to search for a home.

Now that we have your wheels turning, we’d like to direct your attention to the Pacific Northwest—arguably the best region in the U.S. to call home. The housing market in Oregon, Washington and parts of Idaho is hot, hot, hot. There’s a high demand and low supply for home buying in the region, which one could argue is because life in the PNW is so good. 

Here are Red Door’s Top 10 Reasons to Love Living in the PNW:

1. We get all the seasons! Snowy winters, vibrant autumns, blossoming springs and toasty summers make for the perfect change of scenery year-round. The changes in foliage often contribute to an even greater curb appeal for homeowners.

2. Because of the PNW’s diverse climate, access to a variety of locally-grown fresh fruits and vegetables, wild fish and seafood and farm fresh meats and dairy are aplenty. Local farmers’ markets are a typical amenity for a lot of neighborhoods in the region; and for a lot of folks their farmers’ market is just a few short blocks from home.

3. It’s a great place to raise a family. The PNW offers the whole package to families. There are affordable homes within walking distance of great schools, safe neighborhoods, plenty of bucket list-worthy adventures for the whole family and tons of eclectic and welcoming communities. 

4. Homes in Oregon, Washington and Idaho are close to nature. Wide open spaces are abundant and access to rivers, forests, mountains and other natural wonders are often just a couple hours away or less. There is no shortage of fresh air or places to explore in the PNW. 

5. The PNW is a renowned destination for outdoor recreation. Close proximity to awe-inspiring nature and national forests means there is never a shortage of things to do, such as hiking, biking, skiing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, camping, surfing and rock climbing. 

6. Perhaps one of the most talked about reasons to love living in the PNW is its impressive food scene. Both Seattle and Portland have ranked in the top 10 for cities with the best food. Easy access to fresh and local ingredients is a huge draw for world-renowned restaurateurs, which makes for lively dining and food cart experiences for PNW residents.

7. In a similar vein, PNW-produced wine, beer and coffee are unmatched. The region is brimming with award-winning tasting rooms and wineries to explore, breweries and craft beer to try out and cozy coffee shops to enjoy.  

8. The PNW region is characterized by a relatively low density population distribution. Major cities like Portland and Seattle are more densely populated, but just outside (and sometimes even within!) the city you will find quiet neighborhoods close to parks, trails and lovely people.

9. The employment rate in the PNW is historically lower than the national average, which means finding a work-life balance amidst the PNW’s endless supply of unique food, naturally diverse drinks and exciting adventure is that much more attainable.   

10. People who already live here love it! And those who visit yearn to move here. At one point, Seattle was one of the top three happiest places in the country. If that’s not reason enough to plan a move to the PNW, we don’t know what is!

The beauty of home buying is that it is very much a choose-your-own adventure type of experience. Selecting the location to buy your home in is no exception. Considering the reasons outlined above, it is no wonder people love living in the PNW. 

With current interest rates so low and the PNW’s proven livability, now is the best time to consider buying a home in our beloved PNW region. Love where you live. Contact Red Door today to begin your search.