When you think of Washington, you normally think of Seattle, rain, and beautiful mountains.
What you don’t normally think about are the potential stink holes that are around the mountains.
So we dug in and did the dirty work for you to figure out where the worst places to live are in the Evergreen State.
The following are the worst, not so evergreen places in Washington:
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table
Where are these places, you wonder? And before you get all riled up and say we’re picking on small towns in Washington, that’s not the case.
We understand there’s a lot of good in every place. For example, the best place to live in Washington is Mercer Island.
However, according to data (which doesn’t measure things like beauty and ‘friendly people’), the state has far better options for making a place home. And the worst place to live in Washington? The worst place to live in Washington is Union Gap.
Read below to see how we crunched the numbers and how your city fared in 2024.
If you’re looking for something more national, check out the worst cities in America or the worst states in America.
For more Washington reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Washington
- Cheapest Places To Live In Washington
- Most Dangerous Cities In Washington
The 10 Worst Places To Live In Washington For 2024
/10
Population: 6,512
Average Home Price: $232,660
Median Income: $55,667
Unemployment Rate: 11.3%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0825
More on Union Gap: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Sitting along I-82 in the south-central part of the state, Union Gap sits near the Yakima Indian Reservation. This makes it a key travel stopover, as well as a local cultural center, with attractions like the Central Washington Agricultural Museum.
Unfortunately, Union Gap is also the site of crippling poverty. About a quarter of the town’s 6,512 residents get by below the poverty line. As you might guess, this limited tax base also impacts civil services. Crime runs almost 300% above the national averages and the local schools can’t score better than a 6/10 on Great Schools.
/10
Population: 21,569
Average Home Price: $535,251
Median Income: $76,331
Unemployment Rate: 6.2%
Crime Per Capita: 0.2067
More on Tukwila: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
A sluggish economy and high housing costs haunt this southern suburb of Seattle. Despite the nearby city (a 15-minute drive takes you to the heart of the action), opportunities remain spotty in Tukwila. As a result, the unemployment rate sits at 6.2%.
This lack of jobs hasn’t stopped financial pressures from Seattle from impacting real estate prices. The median home price in Tukwila comes to $535,251, a difficult mortgage to cover when the median income runs a level of $76,331.
Still, Tukwila has a lot to offer. Check out the Museum of Flight to get a hint at the attractions in town.
/10
Population: 16,329
Average Home Price: $296,313
Median Income: $49,134
Unemployment Rate: 8.9%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0419
More on Sunnyside: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Sunnyside, a city in Yakima County, Washington, ranks as the number 5 worst place to live in the state. While there are aspects that can be improved upon, it’s important to approach the topic neutrally and focus on the facts. Sunnyside has unfortunately earned a reputation for its high crime rate, making it one of the most dangerous places to live in Washington. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 0.0018 per capita, with property crime reaching 0.044 per capita. These statistics raise concerns about safety and contribute to its poor ranking among other cities in the state.
Location-wise, Sunnyside finds itself approximately 180 miles away from major cities such as Seattle, Spokane, and Portland. This distance may limit opportunities for residents seeking better employment prospects or access to amenities found in larger metropolitan areas. While Sunnyside does face challenges, it’s crucial to highlight that with concerted efforts and community initiatives, improvements can be made to enhance safety and overall quality of life for its residents.
/10
Population: 10,484
Average Home Price: $406,252
Median Income: $57,907
Unemployment Rate: 5.2%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0423
More on Shelton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Built along Oakland Bay in the northwest portion of the state, Shelton sits on the same interconnected waterway as Tacoma and Seattle. However, the geography of the area leaves the town somewhat isolated, with an hour and a half drive necessary to travel to state’s biggest metropolis.
The result? An economically limited community located in an otherwise picturesque part of the region. Sure, a quick ride will get you to the Olympic National Forest. That makes for a nice day trip…but day-to-day life stays a struggle.
As proof, just look at the poverty rate. Stats show that 26.5% of the town’s 10,484 residents scrape by below the poverty line. Safety, education, and affordability present problems as well.
/10
Population: 12,661
Average Home Price: $362,495
Median Income: $59,405
Unemployment Rate: 6.0%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0510
More on Kelso: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Located in Cowlitz County, Kelso is unfortunately ranked as one of the worst places to live in Washington for 2023. While the city boasts a population of 12,661, its high crime rate and safety concerns contribute to its unfavorable reputation. In particular, Kelso experiences a significant number of property crimes, with 594 incidents reported in recent years. Additionally, the violent crime rate stands at 0.004107100544980649 per capita, further highlighting the safety concerns for residents. However, it’s important to note that with dedicated efforts and community involvement, Kelso has the potential to improve and create a safer environment for its residents. By addressing these challenges head-on, Kelso can work towards becoming a more secure and vibrant community within the state of Washington.
/10
Population: 18,234
Average Home Price: $370,647
Median Income: $50,422
Unemployment Rate: 6.4%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0569
More on Centralia: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Centralia was the site of an infamous massacre in 1919 and now it has massacred the competition when it comes to being the worst place to live in Washington.
The mix of extremely high unemployment and crime is a winning combination to end up high on our list of worst places to live. Centralia resides in the worst 10% of both categories.
On the plus side, those who do a job have a relatively short commute to work as the median commute time for people in Centralia is the top 20% of places in Washington.
/10
Population: 16,969
Average Home Price: $260,991
Median Income: $50,008
Unemployment Rate: 6.3%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0471
More on Aberdeen: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Aberdeen served as the birthplace of tragic rock star Kurt Cobain. Now that you know that bit of trivia, is it surprising that the place gets a little depressing?
Dependant on the timber and fishing industries, this coastal town in the northwest part of the state supports a lackluster economy. An elevated unemployment rate and a sluggish median income leaves nearly a quarter of the population below the poverty line. There are also issues related to high crime rates and underperforming schools.
Still, not everything in town calls for a Nirvana soundtrack. There are lots of parks, lovely waterfront scenary, and the Aberdeen Art Center. And, yes, you can head over to the Kurt Cobain Under the Bridge Memorial.
/10
Population: 30,927
Average Home Price: $538,091
Median Income: $79,433
Unemployment Rate: 7.4%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0570
More on Seatac: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
SeaTac, located in King County, Washington, has unfortunately earned a spot on the list of the worst places to live in the state. One of the main reasons for this ranking is the city’s concerning crime statistics. With a high violent crime rate and a staggering property crime rate, SeaTac has become known as one of the most dangerous places to live in Washington.
Despite these challenges, there is hope for improvement. By addressing the underlying factors contributing to crime and focusing on community safety initiatives, SeaTac has the potential to create a more secure environment for its residents. It’s important to note that SeaTac’s location within the Seattle metropolitan area offers opportunities for growth and development. With concerted efforts to enhance safety measures and address social issues, SeaTac can work towards becoming a better place to live for its population of 30,927 residents.
/10
Population: 8,820
Average Home Price: $254,836
Median Income: $64,327
Unemployment Rate: 8.1%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0822
More on Toppenish: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
/10
Population: 7,512
Average Home Price: $456,110
Median Income: $61,378
Unemployment Rate: 9.8%
Crime Per Capita: 0.0748
More on Chehalis: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Real Estate
Chehalis started life as a railroad town. Now, it straddles I-5, on the road between Portland, Oregon, and the state capital of Olympia. That makes it a good spot to pump some gas and maybe grab a little fast food on your way out of town. But you might not want to stay very long.
The problem? Well, the economy in Chehalis leaves a lot to be desired, with an unemployment rate of 9.8%. At the same time, the crime rate tracks at more than double the U.S. standard.
There are some things to do in Chehalis. Head over to the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum to get a glimpse of those original railroad days.
Methodology: How we determined the worst places to live in Washington for 2024
To figure out the worst places to live in Washington, we used Saturday Night Science to idenift what kinds of things people like and then decide what cities have the least amount of those things.
We don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that people like the following things:
- Good education
- Lots of jobs
- Low crime
- Low poverty
- Nice homes
- High incomes
- High population density (Lots of things to do)
- Short work commutes
- Health insurance
The data comes from the Census’s most recent American Community Survey and the FBI Uniform Crime Report.
We broke crime down into violent crime and property crime to give violent crime a more significant weight. If you did a simple calculation of all crimes per capita, property crimes are typically 7x more common and bias that ranking.
Furthermore, only cities with at least 5,000 people were considered — leaving 121 cities.
We then ranked each city from 1 to 121 for all the criteria, with a #1 ranking being the worst for the particular criteria.
Next, we averaged the rankings into one “Worst Place To Live Score.”
Finally, we ranked every city on the “Worst Place To Live Score,” with the lowest score being the worst city in Washington — Union Gap. Read on for a detailed look at the ten worst cities in Washington. This article is an opinion based on facts meant as infotainment. We updated this article for 2024. This list is our tenth time ranking the worst places to live in Washington.
Summary: Wrapping Up The Worst In Washington
If you’re looking at areas in Washington with the worst economic situations, where there’s higher than average crime and little to do, this is an accurate list.
And in the end, Union Gap ranks as the worst city to live in Washington for 2024.
The worst cities in Washington are .
If you’re curious enough, here are the best cities to live in Washington:
- Lake Forest Park (Pop. 13,462)
- Sammamish (Pop. 66,586)
- Mercer Island (Pop. 25,464)
For more Washington reading, check out:
Worst Places To Live In Washington
| Rank | City | Population | Unemployment Rate | Home Price | Median Income | Crime Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Union Gap | 6,512 | 11.3% | $232,660 | $55,667 | 0.0825 |
| 2 | Tukwila | 21,569 | 6.2% | $535,251 | $76,331 | 0.2067 |
| 3 | Sunnyside | 16,329 | 8.9% | $296,313 | $49,134 | 0.0419 |
| 4 | Shelton | 10,484 | 5.2% | $406,252 | $57,907 | 0.0423 |
| 5 | Kelso | 12,661 | 6.0% | $362,495 | $59,405 | 0.0510 |
| 6 | Centralia | 18,234 | 6.4% | $370,647 | $50,422 | 0.0569 |
| 7 | Aberdeen | 16,969 | 6.3% | $260,991 | $50,008 | 0.0471 |
| 8 | SeaTac | 30,927 | 7.4% | $538,091 | $79,433 | 0.0570 |
| 9 | Toppenish | 8,820 | 8.1% | $254,836 | $64,327 | 0.0822 |
| 10 | Chehalis | 7,512 | 9.8% | $456,110 | $61,378 | 0.0748 |
| 11 | Fife | 10,887 | 3.8% | $530,444 | $84,538 | 0.1372 |
| 12 | Kent | 135,169 | 7.6% | $603,965 | $86,966 | 0.0589 |
| 13 | Airway Heights | 10,570 | 9.6% | $360,338 | $57,857 | 0.0447 |
| 14 | Lakewood | 63,142 | 5.2% | $476,344 | $65,531 | 0.0604 |
| 15 | Sedro-Woolley | 12,470 | 4.6% | $438,316 | $72,281 | 0.1282 |
| 16 | Burlington | 9,361 | 5.4% | $494,110 | $68,737 | 0.1282 |
| 17 | Auburn | 85,623 | 4.7% | $570,116 | $87,406 | 0.0555 |
| 18 | Yakima | 96,764 | 8.1% | $334,812 | $55,734 | 0.0374 |
| 19 | Grandview | 10,922 | 4.3% | $307,807 | $61,635 | 0.0382 |
| 20 | Moses Lake | 25,155 | 5.1% | $348,550 | $66,218 | 0.0609 |
| 21 | Federal Way | 99,614 | 5.5% | $558,348 | $80,360 | 0.0565 |
| 22 | Bremerton | 43,983 | 5.5% | $451,154 | $68,556 | 0.0470 |
| 23 | Pasco | 77,274 | 5.8% | $402,116 | $75,316 | 0.0325 |
| 24 | Sumner | 10,589 | 4.4% | $540,052 | $83,285 | 0.0607 |
| 25 | Tacoma | 219,234 | 5.4% | $463,801 | $79,085 | 0.1014 |
| 26 | Othello | 8,582 | 8.7% | $319,802 | $63,824 | 0.0315 |
| 27 | Clarkston | 7,222 | 9.9% | $300,957 | $48,587 | 0.0534 |
| 28 | Prosser | 6,138 | 10.5% | $368,237 | $64,622 | 0.0236 |
| 29 | Woodland | 6,463 | 6.8% | $547,514 | $78,870 | 0.0337 |
| 30 | Puyallup | 42,610 | 6.3% | $540,014 | $90,592 | 0.0764 |
| 31 | Everett | 110,847 | 5.8% | $618,504 | $77,806 | 0.0479 |
| 32 | Port Orchard | 15,820 | 4.8% | $506,119 | $82,650 | 0.0649 |
| 33 | Connell | 5,175 | 11.5% | $310,957 | $61,000 | 0.0100 |
| 34 | Port Angeles | 20,007 | 5.7% | $428,897 | $60,212 | 0.0452 |
| 35 | Ephrata | 8,419 | 4.7% | $304,972 | $57,958 | 0.0535 |
| 36 | Des Moines | 32,667 | 8.2% | $564,875 | $81,362 | 0.0378 |
| 37 | Mount Vernon | 35,120 | 6.3% | $538,340 | $69,227 | 0.0325 |
| 38 | Vancouver | 190,700 | 5.6% | $487,468 | $73,626 | 0.0630 |
| 39 | Longview | 37,722 | 4.5% | $368,668 | $57,920 | 0.0484 |
| 40 | Sultan | 5,462 | 5.4% | $523,936 | $79,084 | 0.0165 |
| 41 | Kennewick | 83,823 | 4.5% | $408,524 | $70,429 | 0.0521 |
| 42 | Lynnwood | 39,867 | 4.1% | $722,260 | $72,241 | 0.0669 |
| 43 | Burien | 51,505 | 4.8% | $605,886 | $84,583 | 0.0449 |
| 44 | Walla Walla | 33,842 | 6.1% | $398,968 | $58,179 | 0.0344 |
| 45 | Hoquiam | 8,742 | 10.0% | $237,408 | $47,614 | 0.0247 |
| 46 | Spokane | 227,922 | 6.2% | $374,653 | $63,316 | 0.0645 |
| 47 | Milton | 8,543 | 6.2% | $535,284 | $90,372 | 0.0467 |
| 48 | Cheney | 12,848 | 13.0% | $410,663 | $45,419 | 0.0208 |
| 49 | Spokane Valley | 103,761 | 5.8% | $390,629 | $66,483 | 0.0458 |
| 50 | Sequim | 8,073 | 5.9% | $554,317 | $48,015 | 0.0409 |
| 51 | Yelm | 10,438 | 4.7% | $449,840 | $88,818 | 0.0316 |
| 52 | Blaine | 5,865 | 9.7% | $511,525 | $78,633 | 0.0234 |
| 53 | Ocean Shores | 6,838 | 5.3% | $354,909 | $54,435 | 0.0139 |
| 54 | Olympia | 55,151 | 6.9% | $506,104 | $73,851 | 0.0482 |
| 55 | Renton | 105,355 | 4.2% | $700,607 | $92,292 | 0.0491 |
| 56 | Quincy | 7,754 | 2.3% | $422,190 | $69,628 | 0.0289 |
| 57 | Ellensburg | 19,003 | 9.0% | $453,476 | $53,730 | 0.0307 |
| 58 | DuPont | 9,955 | 4.7% | $564,984 | $106,695 | 0.1372 |
| 59 | Snohomish | 10,133 | 7.2% | $872,921 | $81,731 | 0.0292 |
| 60 | Bellingham | 91,353 | 4.8% | $630,615 | $64,026 | 0.0705 |
| 61 | Arlington | 20,263 | 3.8% | $601,820 | $89,587 | 0.0316 |
| 62 | Monroe | 19,632 | 4.3% | $660,014 | $99,713 | 0.0307 |
| 63 | Richland | 60,867 | 5.1% | $450,032 | $89,283 | 0.0417 |
| 64 | Lacey | 56,263 | 5.4% | $469,149 | $79,874 | 0.0358 |
| 65 | Selah | 8,203 | 4.2% | $411,893 | $66,843 | 0.0234 |
| 66 | Pacific | 7,097 | 3.1% | $521,184 | $98,148 | 0.0306 |
| 67 | Washougal | 16,828 | 8.1% | $584,262 | $97,295 | 0.0209 |
| 68 | Tumwater | 25,617 | 5.7% | $479,190 | $84,177 | 0.0367 |
| 69 | Covington | 20,814 | 3.4% | $614,981 | $123,065 | 0.0442 |
| 70 | Ferndale | 15,130 | 3.3% | $582,368 | $82,466 | 0.0311 |
| 71 | East Wenatchee | 14,065 | 4.3% | $473,254 | $78,312 | 0.0223 |
| 72 | Gig Harbor | 11,917 | 1.8% | $758,110 | $103,688 | 0.0651 |
| 73 | Port Townsend | 10,161 | 13.7% | $616,806 | $59,193 | 0.0161 |
| 74 | Seattle | 734,603 | 4.2% | $827,235 | $116,068 | 0.0652 |
| 75 | Wenatchee | 35,365 | 3.2% | $460,521 | $66,143 | 0.0302 |
| 76 | North Bend | 7,549 | 2.0% | $908,488 | $171,078 | 0.0461 |
| 77 | Battle Ground | 20,888 | 4.3% | $574,680 | $94,360 | 0.0175 |
| 78 | Marysville | 70,847 | 4.2% | $570,905 | $98,288 | 0.0201 |
| 79 | Buckley | 5,191 | 2.8% | $594,115 | $120,707 | 0.0160 |
| 80 | Poulsbo | 11,824 | 4.2% | $619,283 | $89,393 | 0.0406 |
| 81 | Ridgefield | 11,486 | 6.8% | $645,057 | $107,308 | 0.0157 |
| 82 | Bonney Lake | 22,590 | 2.8% | $637,988 | $123,462 | 0.0337 |
| 83 | Mountlake Terrace | 21,350 | 4.1% | $634,570 | $96,104 | 0.0303 |
| 84 | Lynden | 15,723 | 4.5% | $574,354 | $86,175 | 0.0228 |
| 85 | Anacortes | 17,667 | 4.2% | $694,105 | $86,911 | 0.0344 |
| 86 | Edgewood | 12,397 | 0.9% | $673,664 | $115,325 | 0.0368 |
| 87 | Stanwood | 8,051 | 1.5% | $657,147 | $85,357 | 0.0161 |
| 88 | College Place | 9,796 | 5.6% | $391,166 | $60,417 | 0.0233 |
| 89 | West Richland | 16,547 | 3.9% | $484,391 | $118,093 | 0.0130 |
| 90 | Liberty Lake | 12,026 | 4.7% | $558,815 | $101,936 | 0.0226 |
| 91 | Lake Stevens | 38,816 | 5.1% | $656,462 | $111,821 | 0.0110 |
| 92 | Oak Harbor | 24,458 | 6.9% | $484,194 | $68,039 | 0.0096 |
| 93 | Orting | 8,898 | 3.9% | $531,870 | $114,458 | 0.0138 |
| 94 | Woodinville | 13,301 | 3.8% | $1,223,130 | $142,500 | 0.0416 |
| 95 | Edmonds | 42,705 | 4.1% | $846,640 | $110,057 | 0.0286 |
| 96 | Shoreline | 58,673 | 4.4% | $761,022 | $106,184 | 0.0304 |
| 97 | University Place | 34,696 | 3.7% | $621,099 | $89,658 | 0.0320 |
| 98 | Fircrest | 7,098 | 8.1% | $587,271 | $99,032 | 0.0232 |
| 99 | Pullman | 31,972 | 7.8% | $421,064 | $41,479 | 0.0106 |
| 100 | Enumclaw | 12,630 | 4.2% | $605,326 | $110,789 | 0.0215 |
We just moved to Bremerton about a year ago and absolutely love it! There are gorgeous family friendly refurbished parks, the downtown has already had the sidewalks widened, more streets are becoming pedestrian friendly, and there are beautiful homes that are very affordable when compared to King County and Tacoma.
I will admit, I would like to see more little shops and restaurants fill the storefronts, but it’s only a matter of time. I think that Bremerton gets a bad rap for how it looked a decade ago, but it is lovely now and getting better every month.
I agree with you I have lived in Bremerton for about 18 years, I love it ..I agree we need to have more business here but too you have to remember we are a navy town so people come and go causing our economy to change alot..
This article should be titled “10 Worst Places to Live in Western Washington”. I know of some absolutely horrible places on the east side that are a lot worse than several of the towns on this list.
Most of the towns in this top 10 list were built on ailing industries, like lumber and shipping. They continue to be the homes of hard-working people who struggle daily in the wake of a changing economy and a coarsening society.
The numbers are the numbers, and they unfortunately don’t tell the whole story. But when you say things ” And remember, don’t blame the messenger,” followed by some of the F’d up things you wrote for “entertainment purposes only,” it seems disingenuous.
Boy this must say alot about me when I have lived in #1,#2 and # 4 on this list Its not any thing to get upset about, we still live in a great state and area, so take it as something to improve on maybe they’ll add its citizen’s care about its homeless or those who are less fortionate then themselves, they will rate each of these cities higher then many others because under the situations that are before each of us, helps us learn compassion for others do you agree?
Geez calm down everyone! In case some of you missed the quote at the end of the article here it is. “This list is a scientific analysis based on real data and is completely unbiased. Snarkiness incorporated for entertainment purposes only. Hold on to your pants”
I enjoyed this article while relaxing at home here in Tacoma #12 on the list, the city everyone loves to hate.
I agree with Longview. The worst of Washington. Should be #1. Meth capital of the state. A hockey team has more teeth than that whole city.
Just moved to Bainbridge Island last year and we think it’s fabulous! Weak reasons for BI to appear on this list! And I’ll take 35 minute ferry ride any day instead of sitting in my car in traffic! That 35 minutes; read the paper, check emails, and a fabulous Happy Hour on the ride home! Are you kidding me!!! Who made up this list? BTW, there’s plenty to do on the island! Hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, shopping, boating, golf, tennis, should I go on?
Funny you should mention Skipper and Gilligan for Bainbridge Island. Russell Johnson, who played the Professor on Gilligan’s Island, resided there for decades and seemed to like it. Obviously, he thought it befitted him.
A nice example of interweb bullsh*t . Have the writers ever visited any of these towns? I have, and there’s some damn fine areas on this pathetic list. Statistics can be manipulated to prove whatever point the writer wants to make.
I had to laugh when I saw population density was a positive on this list. I’d rather live in a cave than a city. Though, you can add Centralia’s taser-happy, killing-cats-with-hammers, union-protected cop to the list of reasons not to live there.
Where’s Chehalis?
Can’t imagine it didn’t make the bottom 100?
I’m guessing that Chahalis’ population is under 10,000. The list was incorporated from cities with over 10,000 people.
This clearly removes any credibility from this writer. Yeah, look at those views from PA and Bainbridge, not to mention Bremerton. How about an article that is truly helpful and not idiotic? Of note, PA is consistently ranked in the best places to live in the country by legitimate pubs.
Your metrics for determining the worst places to live is completely broken. Firstly, anyone that lives in Washington – as I do – knows instinctively that Yakima should be on the top of this list. Also, White Center and Sea Tac not being in the top ten is very curious. Those are the places where people are mugged and shot on a fairly regular basis. And Bainbridge Island? Are you crazy? Almost everyone on Bainbridge Island works in Downtown Seattle. It’s a 30 minute ferry ride. And it’s a 30 second drive across the bridge to the rest of Kitsap. There are so many pieces of evidence that would suggest that this list is insane but the final piece that I would like to enter as evidence: Kingsgate is at the BOTTOM of the list! Kingsgate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Case closed.
Now that I think about it, White Center & South Park should absolutely be on this list. When you drive through White Center, you can see bullet holes on the walls.
Tukwila has the worst traffic.
I own a home in Centralia. The crime rate is dead on. I have had my wheelbarrow and baby stroller taken from my yard.I accidentally left the stroller outside but who steals a wheelbarrow. I also have had my car broken into and multiple tweakers knock on my door late at night. At least they give you the courtesy of being really loud by knocking hard and yelling to make sure your not home before they break in. I have yet to put up a fence.
But the good overrides that. The capitol is only a 25 minute drive away and if you hit 508 or highway 12 there are endless outdoor activities. If you live in town there is the Centralia college, post office, grocery store, and other shops within walking distance. I also enjoy living 20 minutes from the Lucky Eagle Casino. Wasting money on the slot machines is fun occasionally.
My town wasn’t even mentioned. What does that mean? [email protected]
Port Angeles has good points, but the Crime Rate is getting way out of hand! Heroin and Meth use is booming…seeming its quickly becoming the best business in town. On the up side…they are hiring for corrections officers for both adult and juvenile. Job security, right? :-/ It is a very picturesque city, if you can overlook the dirty needles…
Canada is just across the straight, with Hurricane ridge at our back door.
Unemployment is high, and this is supported with all of the free “help” we’re advertising for drug users and mentally unstable people. They are migrating here from the bigger cities. Population is growing, but it’s not with people who are contributing to the community…it’s with tweakers!!!
Well I live in University Place right between Tacoma and Lakewood, Parkland and while I have not been burglarized there are lots of homes around me according to spotcrime.com that have been burglarized. I think what should be measured here in Washington is the aggression level. I have never met so many angry people in my life. Unpleasant is the word for the locals around here. Aggression just the high-level and understand it with all the weed available what is the deal here. And I just have one more pet peeve leggings are not pants
^ what the OP said about the random aggression from strangers is true for this area. Whether they are driving recklessly or screaming at you in the supermarket, it is enough to make you want to drive 30 minutes away to shop when it isn’t urgent instead.
Never would have guessed Port Angeles. I visit there every year for the crab festival. Now nearby Forks would make sense, since it’s a tiny, secluded town in the middle of the forest &, a 2 hour drive from the nearest town.
Buuut…I’ll admit that the last time I visited Port Angeles, a lot more business buildings were vacant, & while they have many hotels, the Olympic Lodge is the only 4 star hotel, & because of that, they’re often completely booked.
A few years ago, I would have put Federal Way on the list. The mall is on death’s door & there were so many shut down boarded up businesses on the main road that goes through town. After 10 years of driving down that street to & from work, I see the same vacant buildings, or specific buildings that never stay in business for more than a year before a new tennant moves in.
I would like to live in Washington State and I have to live near the Puget Sound near the water and health care. I live in Oahu and getting rock fever living on the Island and the cost of living and getting out of hand because of these politicians making it difficult to live on Oahu. You have to have money to live in Oahu. I use to live in E. Bremerton and Port Orchard when I was in the navy, and no way will I ever move back to that area. It use to be a place to live at, but today no way. It will take some serious googling and home work to decide what part of Washington to live at. I guess the best way is to take a vacation and rent a care and look around. I don’t trust realtors anymore and most of them are just like lawyers and just want your money and make a quick sale, with no morals of the soul. Aloha
You might want to fix the typos in the article, especially when referencing the lack of educated residents in each city.
Yep. Over crowding, the traffic snarls that go with it, maximum noise levels, day and night, 24/7 and sky high housing costs. Gee, what more could a person ask for in picking the perfect place to live?
Um, your ranking is not ‘science’. You could have at least quoted something like ppm’s of air pollutants to introduce some sort of science into your ranking.
I agree with your ranking of Aberdeen, I’ve lived in Aberdeen for about 66 years. Since high school in the 60s we’ve lost about 5,000 people and the economy is worse. Many homeless people are piling up their junk in front of businesses, the new mayor has raised taxes and now wants to accommodate these often dangerous people. It will only bring more bums into our area. The alleys are full of litter and drunks. The cost of services are going up and up, and there is nothing to do for entertainment. I’ve waited all my life for it to get better here but this place is 1 step forward and 3 steps back.
I own a home in Ocean Shores (plan to retire there sooner than later) and I own a home Seattle. I have no idea how Ocean Shores is on this list and Seattle isn’t! Look, I know there’s pretty buildings, lots of jobs and shinny things in Seattle but let’s face it…the place is HORRIBLE to live in. Not sure where to start but I’ll say that at least I can drive down Ocean Shores BL and not see any Homeless camps and garbage all over the place. Also I can walk outside at night in OS and not worry about being mugged, people are actually nice in OS where in Seattle they’re self-centerd, cold, and often very rude (ranked In The top 20 for rudest cities). Education…well the schools aren’t much better in Seattle, in fact they’re among the worst in the county. Oh, I can also look to not be taxed to hell and back in OS where in Seattle my taxes go up every year…and for what? Good thing about this list is it could help keep the Seattle elitist left wing snobs out of Ocean Shores, stay in your little “paradise” on Elliot Bay.
There’s a town on this list I was going to move to.
Now i’m going to reconsider.
I should have known better anyway.
I dont know how Bremerton did not make the list. It’s very expensive with taxes like Seattles, houses are way over priced, schools are crummy, dangerous roads, pot shop on every corner, crime, meth, needles in parks, nothing for kids to do, building more section 8, try to attract the homeless and low income but for working fool very expensive to live there . Actually all of Kitsap County is crap.
WOW!!! Talk about an entertaining half-hour….I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. We have our house up for sale in a lovely little town in central Washington and have found it to be brimmed full of wonderful, good, christian people. Some are on Welfare, many retired, some struggling with wayward children and drugs. But, it is a lovely place for us. However, I think we will be looking to move out of Washington….taxes and politics are destroying all the good that God has brought here….including some great people. Most of you were right….the negative that abounds, is suffocating the good. Latter-day prophecies fulfilled daily…. rae
I enjoyed the article. I’ve lived in western Washington all my life. Just don’t count on seeing the space needle in Lakewood wa. Lol.