Top 10 Best Towns to Live in Washington

Direct Answer

The Best Overall town to live in Washington for 2027 is Sammamish, a top-rated Eastside suburb where a median home price near $1.5 million, some of the highest-performing public schools in the state, and very low crime make it the gold standard for families with the means.

The Best Value pick is Camas, in the southwest near the Oregon border, where a median home price around $650,000, excellent schools, and no Oregon-style sales tax — paired with income-tax-free Washington and shopping access across the river — deliver the best quality of life per dollar.

This ranking is built for families, professionals, and remote workers across the Seattle metro Eastside, Puget Sound islands, and the I-5 corridor. Every pick below uses real, publicly reported data from the Census, Zillow, and school-rating sources.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each town against what Washington movers actually prioritize, using published data from Niche, the U.S. Census, Zillow, Realtor.com, BestPlaces, and GreatSchools. The weighting:

• Affordability and home value — 25%
• Schools — 20%
• Safety — 20%
• Jobs and commute — 15%
• Amenities and lifestyle — 10%
• Community feel — 10%

In a high-cost state, value matters as much as raw quality. A town with elite schools but a brutal commute, or low crime but no jobs nearby, slips down. The winners balance all six.

1. Sammamish 🏆 BEST OVERALL

County: King | Median home: $1,500,000 | Best for: Tech families who want top schools and the safest streets

Sammamish sits on a plateau between Lake Sammamish and the Cascade foothills, with a population around 67,000 and a median home price near $1.5 million. It consistently ranks among the best places to live in America thanks to the Lake Washington and Issaquah school districts, which post some of the highest test scores and graduation rates in the state.

Crime is exceptionally low, the town is wrapped in parks and trails, and tech salaries from nearby Microsoft and Amazon campuses sustain the housing market. Commutes to Redmond run about 20–25 minutes. It is expensive, but for families chasing schools and safety, nothing in Washington tops it.

Pros:

• Top-ranked Lake Washington and Issaquah public schools
• Among the lowest crime rates of any Washington city
• Extensive parks, trails, and lake access
• Short commute to Microsoft and Eastside tech jobs

Cons:

• Median home price near $1.5 million is among the highest in the state
• Limited nightlife and walkable downtown

Verdict: The premium family pick — unmatched schools and safety if your budget can reach it.

2. Mercer Island

County: King | Median home: $2,000,000 | Best for: Affluent families who want a central island address with elite schools

Mercer Island sits in the middle of Lake Washington with I-90 connecting it directly to both Seattle and Bellevue, giving a population near 25,000 the rare combination of island calm and a 15-minute commute in either direction. The median home price tops $2 million, the highest on this list, reflecting top-tier Mercer Island School District results, very low crime, and a tight, leafy community.

Light-rail service now connects the island, easing the commute further. It is the most exclusive address here, best suited to high earners who want schools, safety, and central access without leaving the water.

Pros:

• Central location with 15-minute access to Seattle and Bellevue
• Top-rated Mercer Island School District
• Very low crime and a tight-knit community
• New light-rail station improves commuting

Cons:

• Highest median home price on the list at $2 million-plus
• Limited housing inventory and turnover

Verdict: The most exclusive pick — central, safe, and elite-schooled, but only for the largest budgets.

3. Issaquah

County: King | Median home: $900,000 | Best for: Outdoorsy families who want strong schools near the mountains

Issaquah nestles against the Issaquah Alps and Cougar Mountain, giving a population near 40,000 trailhead access right from town alongside a genuinely walkable historic downtown. The median home price near $900,000 undercuts Sammamish and Mercer Island while sharing the same excellent Issaquah School District.

Crime is low, the Costco headquarters and Eastside tech keep jobs close, and the Pickering Barn and downtown shops give it real character. Commutes to Bellevue run about 20–30 minutes. For families who want top schools plus immediate outdoor access at a relative discount, Issaquah is hard to beat.

Pros:

• Trailhead access to the Issaquah Alps from town
• Shares the top-rated Issaquah School District
• Walkable historic downtown and farmers market
• Lower home prices than Sammamish or Mercer Island

Cons:

• I-90 commute traffic can be heavy
• Newer developments feel less established

Verdict: A superb outdoorsy alternative — Eastside schools and mountain access for less than the top two.

4. Bellevue

County: King | Median home: $1,300,000 | Best for: Professionals who want a true urban Eastside with jobs and amenities

Bellevue is the Eastside's downtown, with a population near 150,000, a skyline of corporate towers, and a median home price around $1.3 million. It hosts major Amazon, Microsoft, and tech offices, the upscale Bellevue Square shopping district, and light rail connecting to Seattle.

Schools in the Bellevue School District rate among the best in the state, and crime is low for a city this size. It is the most urban, amenity-rich option here — walkable in its core, with parks, dining, and culture — making it ideal for professionals who want a city without crossing the lake to Seattle.

Pros:

• Major tech employers and jobs within the city
• Top-rated Bellevue School District
• Walkable downtown with light rail to Seattle
• Extensive parks, shopping, and dining

Cons:

• High home prices and dense traffic
• Less of a small-town feel than other picks

Verdict: The urban Eastside pick — best for professionals who want jobs, transit, and amenities at the doorstep.

5. Kirkland

County: King | Median home: $1,100,000 | Best for: Lakefront lovers who want a walkable downtown and strong schools

Kirkland wraps around the eastern shore of Lake Washington, giving a population near 95,000 one of the most appealing waterfronts in the metro — a walkable downtown of restaurants, galleries, and parks right on the lake. The median home price near $1.1 million buys access to the well-regarded Lake Washington School District, low crime, and a short hop to Redmond and Bellevue tech jobs.

Marina Park and the lakefront trail anchor weekend life. Kirkland blends an active, social downtown with family-friendly neighborhoods, making it one of the most balanced Eastside choices.

Pros:

• Walkable lakefront downtown with dining and parks
• Strong Lake Washington School District
• Short commute to Redmond and Bellevue tech
• Active social scene and waterfront recreation

Cons:

• Waterfront-proximate homes carry steep premiums
• Summer downtown parking is tight

Verdict: The waterfront-lifestyle pick — a lively, walkable lakefront with strong schools and jobs nearby.

6. Bainbridge Island 💎 BEST VALUE

County: Kitsap | Median home: $1,000,000 | Best for: Commuters who want island living and a ferry ride to downtown Seattle

Bainbridge Island offers a rare proposition: a 35-minute ferry ride drops you in downtown Seattle without a car, letting a population near 25,000 trade Eastside traffic for forested island calm. The median home price near $1 million undercuts comparable King County suburbs while delivering the Bainbridge Island School District, one of the highest-rated in the state, very low crime, a charming Winslow downtown, and miles of shoreline and trails.

For a Seattle commuter who values quality of life per dollar — schools, safety, scenery, and a car-free commute — the island is the best balance on this list.

Pros:

• Car-free 35-minute ferry commute to downtown Seattle
• Top-rated Bainbridge Island School District
• Lower home prices than comparable Eastside suburbs
• Walkable Winslow downtown plus forests and shoreline

Cons:

• Commute depends on the ferry schedule
• Fewer big-box stores and chain amenities

Verdict: The value champion — elite schools, low crime, and island living for less than the Eastside, with a scenic car-free commute.

7. Redmond

County: King | Median home: $1,200,000 | Best for: Tech workers who want the shortest possible commute

Redmond is the home of Microsoft and a major Nintendo and tech hub, giving a population near 80,000 the shortest commutes of anyone on this list — many residents bike or walk to campus. The median home price near $1.2 million buys the strong Lake Washington School District, low crime, and an increasingly urban downtown now served by light rail.

The Sammamish River Trail and Marymoor Park anchor recreation. For dual-tech-income families who want to erase the commute entirely, Redmond's job proximity is unmatched in the region.

Pros:

• Shortest commute to Microsoft and major tech campuses
• Strong Lake Washington School District
• New light-rail service to Seattle and Bellevue
• Marymoor Park and extensive trail network

Cons:

• Home prices track the high Eastside market
• Downtown still maturing as a destination

Verdict: The commute-killer pick — unbeatable if you work in Eastside tech and want to live next to the office.

8. Camas

County: Clark | Median home: $650,000 | Best for: Families who want top schools at the lowest price on this list

Camas sits in southwest Washington across the Columbia from Portland, giving a population near 28,000 access to Oregon's job market and shopping while enjoying Washington's lack of a state income tax. The median home price near $650,000 is the lowest among the strong-school towns here, and the Camas School District is one of the highest-rated in the state.

The historic downtown, Lacamas Lake, and surrounding forest give it a small-town, outdoorsy feel. Commutes to Portland or Vancouver run 20–30 minutes. For families chasing elite schools without a million-dollar mortgage, Camas is the smartest buy in Washington.

Pros:

• Lowest home price among the top-school towns at $650,000
• Top-rated Camas School District
• Washington has no state income tax; Oregon jobs and shopping are minutes away
• Lacamas Lake, trails, and a historic downtown

Cons:

• Cross-river commute to Portland can be congested
• Farther from Seattle's tech core

Verdict: The affordable-excellence pick — Washington's best schools-per-dollar value outside the Seattle metro.

9. Gig Harbor

County: Pierce | Median home: $700,000 | Best for: Retirees and families who want a maritime small town near Tacoma

Gig Harbor is a picturesque maritime town on Puget Sound, just across the Narrows Bridge from Tacoma, with a population near 12,000 and a median home price around $700,000. Its walkable working harbor lined with restaurants and shops gives it genuine charm, the Peninsula School District rates well, and crime is low.

Commutes to Tacoma run about 20 minutes, with Seattle reachable in roughly an hour. The slower, scenic pace and strong sense of community make it a favorite for retirees and families who want Puget Sound beauty without Eastside prices.

Pros:

• Charming walkable working harbor with dining and shops
• Strong Peninsula School District and low crime
• Lower home prices than King County suburbs
• 20 minutes to Tacoma across the Narrows Bridge

Cons:

• Limited large-employer job base in town
• Bridge tolls add to commuting cost

Verdict: The maritime small-town pick — scenic, friendly, and more affordable than the Seattle suburbs.

10. Snoqualmie

County: King | Median home: $900,000 | Best for: Families who want mountain access and newer homes near tech

Snoqualmie sits at the foot of the Cascades, famous for Snoqualmie Falls, with a population near 14,000 and a median home price near $900,000. The master-planned Snoqualmie Ridge community offers newer homes, the well-regarded Snoqualmie Valley School District, very low crime, and quick access to ski resorts and hiking at nearby Snoqualmie Pass.

Commutes to Bellevue run about 30–35 minutes via I-90. For families who want recreation at the doorstep, new construction, and a tight community within reach of Eastside jobs, Snoqualmie rounds out the list strongly.

Pros:

• Mountain and ski access at Snoqualmie Pass minutes away
• Newer master-planned homes on Snoqualmie Ridge
• Strong Snoqualmie Valley School District and low crime
• Snoqualmie Falls and extensive trails nearby

Cons:

• I-90 commute lengthens during ski season and traffic
• Farther from the Eastside tech core than other picks

Verdict: The mountain-family pick — newer homes and outdoor access within commuting range of Eastside jobs.

Which Town Is Right for You?

What to Look For When Choosing a Town in Washington

• School district, not just city name — Washington's best towns ride on districts like Lake Washington, Issaquah, Bellevue, Camas, and Bainbridge. Verify the specific district and school boundaries before buying.
• Commute reality, not map distance — I-90 and 520 traffic, ferry schedules, and Narrows Bridge tolls can turn a short distance into a long day. Test the drive at rush hour.
• No state income tax — but watch other costs — Washington has no income tax, which boosts take-home pay, but high sales and property taxes and steep home prices offset it. Run the full math.
• Value versus prestige — Towns like Camas, Bainbridge, and Gig Harbor deliver elite schools and safety for far less than Mercer Island or Sammamish. Don't overpay for a marquee name.
• Outdoor access — Proximity to the Cascades, Puget Sound, or the lakes is a defining Washington amenity; Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and Bainbridge build it into daily life.

What matters less than marketing implies: a single "best place to live" headline, glossy new-construction marketing, and a city's overall name recognition. The real drivers of value are the assigned school, the true commute, and the gap between price and quality of life.

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.

Bottom Line

For 2027, Sammamish is our Best Overall town to live in Washington — elite Eastside schools, exceptionally low crime, and short tech commutes, for those whose budget can reach near $1.5 million. Camas is our Best Value, delivering one of the state's top school districts and a median home price near $650,000, the best schools-per-dollar buy in Washington.

If you want a car-free ferry commute, an urban Eastside, or mountain access instead, use the decision tree above to route yourself to Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, or Snoqualmie. Buy on the assigned school, the true commute, and value — not the marquee name — and you will be happy in the Evergreen State for years.

Sources

• Niche — Best Places to Live in Washington
• U.S. Census Bureau — data.census.gov
• Zillow — Washington home value and price data
• Realtor.com — Washington median listing prices
• BestPlaces — Washington cost of living
• GreatSchools — Washington school district ratings
• Money / Livability — Best Places to Live
• Washington State OSPI — school report cards
• Washington State Ferries — Bainbridge route
• King County — community and economic data

*best towns to live in Washington review — where to live, rankings, home prices, schools, commutes, and a review of the best places to live in Washington state.*