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Overview
The State of Washington sits just across the British Columbia border at the northwestern edge of the U.S. mainland. It’s largely covered in mountain ranges as well as national parks and rainforests.
Most locals find the natural landscape the biggest perk. Other things that make Washington popular include high-quality schools, ample job opportunities, and diverse housing options for homebuyers. Read on to learn more!
Buying a House in Washington
It is easy to understand why a growing number of people relocate to this state. There are plenty of properties for sale on the real estate market at any given time. The affordable and diverse market is one of the main reasons why so many people find Washington worth calling home.
Generally speaking, the prices of homes are lower on the western side. While the eastern side features fewer residential communities, you are likely to find many single-family houses and open lots within your budget. Prices depend largely on the surrounding amenities and views.
Many first-time homebuyers search for homes in this state due to the assistance programs and straightforward real estate purchase process. There are various assistance programs offered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. These programs are aimed at helping low-income buyers who want to secure primary residences.
Popular Cities & Neighborhoods
Purchasing a property or home in Washington is a good decision whether you’re looking to take up residence in a new or well-established neighborhood. Choosing the right location and neighborhood is of crucial importance when buying a home.
That said, you need to have a clear idea of where you would like to purchase a property. Here are some popular neighborhoods in Washington:
- Clyde Hill – It’s located a few miles east of Seattle close to the Olympic Mountains as well as Lake Washington. You can find a lot of multimillion-dollar houses in this area.
- The city of Richland – It’s positioned in the southeastern portion of Washington State. You will come across numerous family-friendly communities with low-priced properties that sell under $200,000.
- Tacoma and Seattle are large cities that also have affordable homes. They comprise several neighborhoods that offer everything from public festivities to employment opportunities and top-notch higher education.
Rent to Own vs Buying
Rent-to-own is a popular deal in slow housing markets when landlords or homeowners have difficulty selling outright. On the other hand, traditional home purchasing contracts are more common in markets when it’s easy to sell out a property.
A rent-to-own home is a good option for people with a bad credit score that prevents them from qualifying for a mortgage. Unlike lease-purchase deals, it doesn’t involve purchasing the home at the end of the rental period. The tenant has the option to buy the house when the lease runs out.
The catch is that you’ll lose the portion of your monthly payments that are applied to the purchase price if you fail to buy the home at the end of the lease. So, even if you are not legally obligated to buy the home, it is in your best interest to do so. Keep this in mind when entering into a rent-to-own agreement.
Living Expenses in Washington
Living in Washington is enjoyable thanks to the numerous amenities even though almost all living expenses are above the national averages. In just about every area of the state, everything from transportation and groceries to goods and services costs the residents slightly more than the U.S. average.
Furthermore, the residents pay roughly 17% more for housing than people in other states. If the high housing prices are not a big concern for you, then you should consider buying a home in Washington State.
Conclusion
Washington is the perfect state for people who like to spend time outdoors. Many places in this gorgeous state offer breathtaking views of blue waters and mountain ranges. In addition to outdoor activities (like rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and biking), the locals also enjoy a variety of entertainment options in the large cities.
Seattle is no doubt the most popular city in Washington to live in. Before relocating to a city or town in Washington, remember that the cost of housing is considerably higher than the national average.
Reported Annual Crime In Washington
| Statistic | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Violent crime | 8,683 | 370,388 |
| Murder | 275 | 19,131 |
| Rape | 2,650 | 86,726 |
| Robbery | 5,164 | 152,431 |
| Assault | 5,854 | 277,038 |
| Property crime | 29,086 | 1,216,038 |
| Burglary | 17,331 | 468,957 |
| Theft | 26,048 | 1,063,593 |
| Motor vehicle | 11,066 | 301,970 |
| Arson | 832 | 32,898 |