Living in Washington

A refreshing change of scenery is easy to achieve in Washington. The magnificent Cascade Mountains that divide the state have a dramatic effect on climate: West of the mountains is a temperate zone with gentle rains that keep forests green and rivers clean; the east side is sunnier and drier with more distinct seasons. All of which makes change-of-scenery road trips amazingly simple, and scenic.

Centralia, population 15,000, is the largest community in the sprawling rural region of southwest Washington. It is the hub of a pastoral paradise, with verdant pastures for horses and cows, timberland in the foothills and several superb salmon rivers meandering their way to the coast. Centrally located 90 minutes from Seattle, Portland, the Pacific Ocean, and the Cascade Mountains, Centralia offers convenience no matter what your interests are.

Chewelah is a growing tourist destination located about 50 miles north of Spokane on the state's east side. The city's 2,300 residents are known for being friendly and welcoming. Chewelah's charms include renowned 49° North ski resort, a challenging 27-hole golf course among the pines, and of course, easy access to spectacular hiking trails, rivers and lakes.

Colville is located in the northeast corner of the state, about 25 miles from Canada and 35 from Idaho. It is spectacular country, with vast mixed conifer forests, rugged river breaks and the mighty Selkirk Mountains rising to the east. With a population of 5,000, there's a lot of quiet and space for everyone, and yet, big-city shopping, entertainment and other amenities are just 70 miles south in Spokane.

Everett is 25 miles north of Seattle on the edge of Puget Sound, the magnificent body of island-scattered saltwater that dips into Washington's coast. Ferries and fishing boats ply the Sound, while the peaks of the Olympic and Cascade Mountains serve as statuesque beacons. Residents of this city of 102,000 are among the few who can snow ski in the morning, play golf in the afternoon and set sail by evening.

Olympia, the state capital, sits on the southern tip of Puget Sound in southwest Washington. Olympians enjoy a mild maritime climate and easy access to mountains, the ocean, lush forests and ample arts and culture. With a population of 44,000, Olympia retains a smaller-town feel, with friendly neighborhoods, lots of parks and green space, and well-attended community events.

Spokane is the medical, business, transportation and educational hub from central Washington to central Montana and Canada to Oregon. With a metro population of almost 500,000, Spokane could be just another big city. But with the scenic Spokane River running through it, Mt. Spokane beckoning in the distance, and ample forested green spaces, it's a big city dwarfed by much bigger Mother Nature.

Vancouver is the largest community in southwest Washington and sits just across the mighty Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. With Providence Medical Group clinics now in Vancouver proper and its semi-rural suburbs Battle Ground and Camas, living and practicing on the Washington side is finally possible. From its historic downtown and lovely waterfront properties to numerous parks and a highly regarded school system, this popular suburb of Portland has much to offer.

Walla Walla is a growing city of 30,000 in the sunny southeast part of the state. Near the picturesque Blue Mountains and the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers, Walla Walla has big water, big mountains and big blue skies. Its ideal grape-growing climate is turning the area into a major destination for wine connoisseurs. Walla Walla has excellent schools at all levels, including Whitman College, one of the top liberal arts programs in the nation VIEW WALLA WALLA SLIDESHOW >


Links for more about the Evergreen State
Washington
Centralia
Chewelah
Colville
Everett
Olympia
Spokane
Vancouver
Walla Walla

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