Are you planning a move to Washington State but unsure if it’s the right decision? This scenic state in the Pacific Northwest offers some incredible advantages to its residents, from beautiful scenery to a variety of activities. If you’re wondering if Washington is a good state to live in, here’s what you need to know:
Income taxes are an unavoidable expense for nearly everyone. For individuals in some states, the tax bracket can be as high as 37 percent. With rising costs of living and inflation, paying the lion’s share of your money toward taxes can hurt your finances.
That’s one expense you can avoid when living in Washington State, where residents are not liable to pay any personal or corporate income tax. Washington is one of only nine states in the US where you have this option, meaning you have more cash in hand to spend elsewhere.
Finding great houses in Washington State is not a challenge. There are several great cities and neighborhoods where you can have it all, and there are plenty of options to choose from depending on what you prefer. For instance, if you prefer quiet and want to be away from the bustling crowds, you can consider living in a variety of small farming towns. Like the beach? There is a rainbow of beach town choices. If beaches don’t appeal to you but you want to live close to rivers or lakes, just about anywhere in western Washington might be the choice for you.
Moreover, there are plenty of home loan options to make the purchase easy. Even if you don’t have a very high credit score, you can still be eligible to apply for a mortgage. Take, for example, Solarity Credit Union, which offers a bouquet of home loan options, including adjustable-rate mortgages, no-down-payment mortgages, and bridge loans to finance both primary and secondary homes.
And that’s not all. Washington offers different homebuyer programs that make it easy for first-time buyers to get easier access. The state-backed Home Advantage Program provides 4 percent of the purchase price as a down payment to qualifying buyers. Homeowners who have owned houses in the past but currently don’t and attend homebuyer education courses are also eligible to receive assistance under the program.
For low- and moderate-income individuals who are first-time homebuyers, the House Key Opportunity Program is another option. Under this program, assistance with the down payment is provided when borrowers complete a homebuyer education course and approach a state-approved lender.
Over time, the state has emerged as a major hub for technology and new-age businesses. Several top companies, especially in the tech industry, have a presence in Washington. Cities such as Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma have numerous openings in a variety of sectors, including e-commerce, real estate, machine learning, and consumer transportation.
Seattle has consistently made the list of the best cities in the US for getting a job in tech, but that’s not all. The opportunities for roles such as market research analysts and marketing specialists, lawyers, and operations managers are expected to increase in the next few years, making Washington an ideal choice for many professionals. Historically, the growth of the job market in this state has been higher than the national average, and experts believe the upward trend to continue.
The right government policies have a significant impact on your quality of life. This is another area where living in Washington can be beneficial.
For example, if you suffer from a serious health condition that doesn’t allow you to work, if there is a family member who needs round-the-clock support, if you need time to bond with your new baby, or if you need to spend time with a member of your family who is preparing for military service overseas, you can apply for paid time off thanks to the Paid Family and Medical Leave benefit.
Here’s a bird’s eye view of what awaits you in Washington’s major cities:
If you still have any doubts and are wondering if Washington is a good state to live in, hopefully, the reasons shared above will help you reach a decision. It boasts several world-class cities that offer enviable job and housing opportunities. You can also count on receiving appropriate financial assistance for buying your home in the state.
No matter why you are considering a move to Washington, the joy of residing in the Evergreen State and reveling in a good quality of life makes a strong case.