Conjuring a picture of life on the West Coast Living will most likely bring to mind sunny skies and blue ocean waves. While the beach is certainly a perk, there are so many other things that make the area enchanting. You might be looking at Oakland houses for sale or a condo in Calabasas.
There’s something for everyone looking to settle in the west, whether you want a cultural hub or a place to rest and know your neighbors.
Anchorage, Alaska
Yes, this may feel like the complete opposite of what you’d envision west coast living to be, but it’s truly one of the best places to live for people who love nature and could do with 24 hours of sunlight in the summer.
Anchorage is surrounded by state and national parks, and is made up of diverse native heritages that are celebrated through many places to experience and learn about them. There is an excellent school system in the city, a diversity of cultural things to do, and the city has no sales tax or state income tax.
San Clemente, California
If you’re looking for a beach town, this is it. It sits halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, a small city with the perks of a big one. It’s a quiet and relaxing place with stunning West Coast Living views. It offers a sense of security within the community, which is tight knit. The unemployment rate here is lower than the national average, and many local businesses pepper the city in its thriving economy.
Eugene, Oregon
Home to the University of Oregon, this is a charming college town. The arts and culture scene is vibrant with places like the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and European Art Collection.
Often referred to as the Emerald City, you can enjoy Eugene’s lush landscape by visiting places like Willamette National Forest and the Fern Ridge Reservoir.
There’s also a wide variety of jobs here, from teaching in academic institutions to being a part of the lumber industry. There is also a fantastic brewery scene with micropubs, breweries, and tap rooms abound to both visit and work at.
Tri-Cities, Washington
The Tri-Cities are three closely linked cities at the confluence of the Yakima, Snake, and Columbia Rivers in the Columbia Basin of Eastern Washington. They consist of the areas of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.
The area has ample job opportunities, a hub for scientific research with a huge farming base and an expanding wine-making industry. There’s something to do outdoors throughout the whole year, from biking and hiking to golfing and skiing.The food scene is delicious and noted – six local restaurants were featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in 2019.
Imperial, California
Imperial is a small, diverse town with a homey feel in West Coast Living. The local industry is based on agriculture, and it’s considered one of the safest town in the state. This is a great place to settle if you’re looking for a relaxing home base with a slow pace of life.