Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Washington in 2027
Curated byKory White · Fractional CRO · Maryland
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The 10 best best towns to live in washington are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.
1. Sammamish Washington
Sammamish ranks first because it delivers the best overall combination of elite schools, exceptionally low crime, and short tech commutes. The median home price is near $1.5 million, supported by the Lake Washington and Issaquah school districts with top test scores. With a population around 67,000, it offers extensive parks, trails, and lake access. Commutes to Microsoft in Redmond run about 20–25 minutes.
This town is for affluent families who prioritize schools and safety above all else and can afford the premium price. It trades away nightlife and a walkable downtown for suburban calm and top-tier education. Compared to Mercer Island, Sammamish offers more space and lower prices while maintaining comparable school quality and safety.
2. Mercer Island Washington
Mercer Island ranks second for its unmatched central location, with I-90 and light rail providing a 15-minute commute to both Seattle and Bellevue. The median home price tops $2 million, the highest on the list, reflecting the top-rated Mercer Island School District and very low crime. With a population near 25,000, it offers a tight, leafy community surrounded by water. The new light-rail station further eases commuting.
This exclusive address is for high earners who want elite schools, safety, and central access without leaving the water. It trades away housing inventory and affordability for prestige and convenience. Compared to Sammamish, Mercer Island has a smaller-town feel but a significantly higher price point and less space per dollar.
3. Issaquah Washington
Issaquah ranks third because it offers top-rated schools and immediate mountain access at a relative discount to the top two. The median home price near $900,000 undercuts Sammamish and Mercer Island while sharing the excellent Issaquah School District. With a population near 40,000, it provides trailhead access to the Issaquah Alps and a walkable historic downtown. Commutes to Bellevue run about 20–30 minutes.
This outdoorsy town is for families who want strong schools and daily outdoor recreation without paying the highest premiums. It trades away some established feel in newer developments and faces heavy I-90 traffic. Compared to Mercer Island, Issaquah offers lower prices and more nature but a longer commute to Seattle.
4. Bellevue Washington
Bellevue ranks fourth for being the most urban Eastside option, with major tech employers, a walkable downtown, and light rail to Seattle. The median home price is around $1.3 million, supported by the top-rated Bellevue School District and low crime for a city of its size. With a population near 150,000, it hosts Amazon and Microsoft offices, the upscale Bellevue Square, and extensive parks and dining. It is the most amenity-rich pick on this list.
This city is for professionals who want an urban lifestyle with jobs and transit at their doorstep. It trades away a small-town feel for density, traffic, and high prices. Compared to Issaquah, Bellevue offers more employment and culture but less outdoor access and a higher cost of living.
5. Kirkland Washington
Kirkland ranks fifth for its walkable lakefront downtown and strong schools, offering one of the most appealing waterfronts in the metro. The median home price near $1.1 million buys access to the well-regarded Lake Washington School District and low crime. With a population near 95,000, it features Marina Park, the lakefront trail, and a lively social scene. Commutes to Redmond and Bellevue are short.
This town is for lakefront lovers who want a balanced lifestyle with dining, parks, and family-friendly neighborhoods. It trades away affordability for waterfront-proximate home premiums and tight summer parking. Compared to Bellevue, Kirkland offers a more relaxed, scenic feel but fewer urban amenities and longer commutes to Seattle.
6. Bainbridge Island Washington
Bainbridge Island ranks sixth as the best value pick, offering elite schools, low crime, and island living for less than comparable Eastside suburbs. The median home price near $1 million undercuts King County, while the Bainbridge Island School District is one of the highest-rated in the state. With a population near 25,000, it provides a 35-minute car-free ferry commute to downtown Seattle. The walkable Winslow downtown and miles of shoreline add to its appeal.
This island is for Seattle commuters who value quality of life per dollar and want to avoid traffic. It trades away big-box stores and chain amenities for ferry-schedule dependence and scenic calm. Compared to Kirkland, Bainbridge offers lower prices and a more peaceful setting but a less immediate connection to the Eastside tech core.
7. Redmond Washington
Redmond ranks seventh for offering the shortest commutes to Microsoft and major tech campuses, with many residents biking or walking to work. The median home price near $1.2 million buys access to the strong Lake Washington School District and low crime. With a population near 80,000, it features the Sammamish River Trail, Marymoor Park, and new light-rail service to Seattle and Bellevue. It is the commute-killer pick for tech workers.
This town is for dual-tech-income families who want to erase their daily commute entirely. It trades away a mature downtown destination for job proximity and an increasingly urban core. Compared to Bainbridge Island, Redmond offers more employment options but higher prices and less scenic island living.
8. Camas Washington
Camas ranks eighth as the best schools-per-dollar value in Washington, with a median home price near $650,000, the lowest among strong-school towns. The Camas School District is one of the highest-rated in the state, and the town offers a historic downtown, Lacamas Lake, and surrounding forest. With a population near 28,000, it provides access to Oregon's job market and shopping while enjoying Washington's lack of a state income tax.
This town is for families who want elite schools without a million-dollar mortgage. It trades away proximity to Seattle's tech core for a cross-river commute that can be congested. Compared to Redmond, Camas offers significantly lower home prices and a small-town feel but a longer commute to major tech employment.
9. Gig Harbor Washington
Gig Harbor ranks ninth for its charming maritime small-town feel and lower home prices, with a median around $700,000. The Peninsula School District rates well, and crime is low, making it a favorite for families and retirees. With a population near 12,000, it features a walkable working harbor with restaurants and shops, just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma. Commutes to Tacoma run about 20 minutes, with Seattle reachable in roughly an hour.
This town is for those who want Puget Sound beauty and a strong sense of community without Eastside prices. It trades away a large-employer job base and adds bridge tolls to commuting costs. Compared to Camas, Gig Harbor offers a more scenic waterfront setting but fewer school-district accolades and a longer commute to a major metro.
10. Snoqualmie Washington
Snoqualmie ranks tenth for its mountain access and newer homes, with a median home price near $900,000. The Snoqualmie Valley School District is well-regarded, and crime is very low, with the master-planned Snoqualmie Ridge community offering new construction. With a population near 14,000, it provides quick access to ski resorts and hiking at Snoqualmie Pass, plus the famous Snoqualmie Falls. Commutes to Bellevue run about 30–35 minutes via I-90.
This town is for families who want recreation at the doorstep and a tight community within reach of Eastside jobs. It trades away commute reliability, as I-90 lengthens during ski season and traffic. Compared to Gig Harbor, Snoqualmie offers better access to the Cascades and tech jobs but higher home prices and a more congested commute.
How we ranked these
We ranked each town using published data from Niche, the U.S. Census, Zillow, Realtor.com, BestPlaces, and GreatSchools. Weighting: affordability and home value (25%), schools (20%), safety (20%), jobs and commute (15%), amenities and lifestyle (10%), and community feel (10%). We balanced these six factors to identify towns that excel across the board, not just in one category.
We deliberately ignored subjective factors like nightlife, cultural scene, and political leanings, as these are personal preferences rather than measurable quality-of-life indicators. We also excluded towns with insufficient public data, and we did not factor in future real estate speculation or development plans, focusing only on current, verifiable conditions.
Related questions
What is the best town in Washington for tech workers?
Redmond is the top choice for tech workers, home to Microsoft and Nintendo. The median home price is about $1.2 million, and many employees can bike or walk to campus. The Lake Washington School District is strong, and new light rail connects to Seattle and Bellevue, making commutes short and convenient.
Which Washington town has the lowest crime rate?
Sammamish consistently ranks among the lowest-crime cities in Washington. With a population around 67,000, it offers a safe, family-friendly environment. The combination of top schools, low crime, and parks makes it a gold standard for safety, though the median home price near $1.5 million reflects that premium.
What is the most affordable town with top-rated schools?
Camas is the best value, with a median home price around $650,000, the lowest among strong-school towns. The Camas School District is one of the highest-rated in the state. Located near Portland, it offers access to Oregon jobs and shopping while enjoying Washington's lack of income tax.
Which town offers the best commute to Seattle?
Mercer Island offers a 15-minute drive or light rail to Seattle, making it the fastest commute. Bainbridge Island provides a scenic 35-minute ferry ride directly to downtown Seattle, car-free. Both are excellent for commuters, but Mercer Island has a higher median home price at $2 million.
What is the best town for outdoor enthusiasts?
Issaquah is ideal for outdoor lovers, with trailhead access to the Issaquah Alps and Cougar Mountain right from town. The median home price is around $900,000, and it shares the top-rated Issaquah School District. Commutes to Bellevue are 20-30 minutes, balancing nature and work.
Is there a good town for retirees in Washington?
Gig Harbor is a favorite for retirees, offering a charming maritime downtown, a strong Peninsula School District, and low crime. The median home price is around $700,000, and it's just 20 minutes to Tacoma. The slower pace and scenic harbor make it a peaceful place to retire.
Which town has the best schools in Washington?
Several towns have top-rated schools, including Sammamish, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, and Camas. These districts post some of the highest test scores and graduation rates in the state. The best school for your child depends on the specific district boundaries and your address.
What is the most exclusive town on the list?
Mercer Island is the most exclusive, with a median home price over $2 million, the highest on the list. It offers a central location with 15-minute access to Seattle and Bellevue, top-rated schools, and very low crime. The new light rail adds convenience, but housing inventory is limited.
FAQ
What is the best town to live in Washington overall?
Sammamish earns our top spot, combining the top-rated Lake Washington and Issaquah school districts, very low crime, parks and trails, and short Eastside tech commutes — though the median home price nears $1.5 million.
Which Washington town is the best value?
Camas is our Best Value pick, offering one of the state's highest-rated school districts and a median home price near $650,000 — the lowest among the strong-school towns here — plus income-tax-free Washington with Oregon jobs minutes away.
Which Washington town has the best schools?
Several rank near the top, including Sammamish, Mercer Island, Bellevue, Bainbridge Island, and Camas, all anchored by districts that post some of the highest test scores and graduation rates in the state.
Which town is best for commuting to Seattle?
Mercer Island offers a 15-minute drive and light rail, while Bainbridge Island provides a scenic, car-free 35-minute ferry ride directly into downtown Seattle.
Are there affordable towns near Seattle in Washington?
Gig Harbor (near Tacoma) and Camas (near Vancouver/Portland) offer median home prices in the $650,000–$700,000 range — well below the King County Eastside — with strong schools and low crime.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
No — Washington has no state income tax, which raises take-home pay, but residents should weigh high sales and property taxes and elevated home prices when comparing total costs.
What is the median home price in Sammamish?
The median home price in Sammamish is near $1.5 million, making it one of the most expensive towns in Washington. This premium buys access to top schools, low crime, and a short commute to Microsoft and Amazon.
How long is the ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to Seattle?
The ferry ride from Bainbridge Island to downtown Seattle takes about 35 minutes. This car-free commute is a major draw for residents, allowing them to avoid traffic and enjoy scenic views of Puget Sound.
What is the best town for families in Washington?
Sammamish is often considered the best for families due to its top-rated schools, very low crime, and abundant parks. However, Camas offers a more affordable option with excellent schools and a small-town feel, making it a strong contender.
Which town has the most walkable downtown?
Kirkland has a highly walkable lakefront downtown with restaurants, galleries, and parks. Issaquah also offers a historic walkable downtown with a farmers market. Both provide a vibrant community feel, though Kirkland's waterfront setting is particularly appealing.
Sources
- https://www.niche.com/places-to-live/s/washington/
- https://data.census.gov
- https://www.zillow.com/wa/home-values/
- https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Washington
- https://www.bestplaces.net/washington
- https://www.greatschools.org/washington/
- https://www.livability.com
- https://washingtonstatereportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us
- https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries
- https://kingcounty.gov
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