Seattle has grown from idyllic seaport into a booming tech hub in one generation. It serves as both the third largest port in North America as well as home to nationally known companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Expedia. As one of the fastest growing cities in the US, Seattle has an ever growing landscape of old and new, native Seattle-ites and global transplants. Known for a dizzly, but mild climate and proximity to mountains and National Parks Seattle is a contrast in gritty, seatown grunge ethos, hip coffee houses, and thriving geek cutlure. Living in downtown Seattle means you're right in the hustle and bustle - world-class convert venues and museums are one your doorstep, and you can walk or bus to work in minutes. 

What to expect: the streets of Seattle are packed with all sorts of people from cruise ship tourists and Amazonians, to coffee-toting hipsters and those down on their luck. 

What you'll love: Pike Place market can be your neighborhood grocery stop, and you can have your pick of events any weekend of the year. 

Unexpected appeal: underlying the booming tech scene is a thriving geek culture and a love of the outdoors. You don't have to look far for board game and Middle Earth trivia, not the nearest shuttle stop to the slopes.