As greatest cities to stay in Washington state takes heart stage, this opening passage beckons readers right into a world crafted with good information, making certain a studying expertise that’s each absorbing and distinctly authentic. Washington state is a well-liked vacation spot for these searching for a terrific high quality of life, with its beautiful pure magnificence, gentle local weather, and thriving financial system. Listed below are among the prime cities within the state that supply a balanced way of life, from out of doors fans to households and professionals.
Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and Vancouver are among the main cities in Washington state which might be recognized for his or her distinctive traits, cultural points of interest, and out of doors actions. Every metropolis has its personal allure, from the colourful artwork scene in Seattle to the beautiful pure fantastic thing about the Olympic Nationwide Park close to Port Angeles.
Finest Cities to Stay in Washington State Overview

Washington State is famend for its beautiful pure magnificence, thriving financial system, and excessive lifestyle. The state boasts a various vary of landscapes, from the snow-capped Cascade Vary to the scenic shoreline of Puget Sound. With a robust tech trade, considerable pure assets, and a rising arts and tradition scene, Washington State provides a novel mix of city and out of doors dwelling.
Local weather and Geography
Washington State’s local weather and geography range relying on the area. The western a part of the state has a gentle oceanic local weather, with temperatures starting from the mid-30s to mid-60s (2-18°C) all year long. The jap a part of the state has a dry Continental local weather, with chilly winters and scorching summers. The state’s geography is characterised by mountains, forests, rivers, and coastlines, offering a various vary of outside leisure actions and beautiful pure surroundings.
Financial system and Job Market
Washington State has a thriving financial system, pushed by a robust tech trade, together with main firms like Amazon and Microsoft. The state can be a major producer of agriculture, together with apples, blueberries, and hops. The tourism trade is one other main contributor to the state’s financial system, with points of interest just like the House Needle and Pike Place Market in Seattle. The state’s job market is diversified, with alternatives in numerous sectors, together with healthcare, schooling, and manufacturing.
Price of Residing
Washington State has a comparatively excessive price of dwelling, notably in city areas like Seattle. The state’s housing market is extremely aggressive, with costs starting from $500,000 to over $1 million for a single-family house. Nevertheless, the state’s total price of dwelling is offset by excessive median incomes and a robust job market. A typical family in Washington State spends round $5,000-6,000 monthly on primary dwelling bills, together with housing, meals, transportation, and utilities.
Pure Magnificence and Outside Recreation
Washington State is thought for its beautiful pure magnificence, with quite a few nationwide parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. Outside fans can get pleasure from a variety of actions, together with mountaineering, tenting, kayaking, snowboarding, and browsing. The state’s scenic shoreline provides breathtaking views, whereas its mountains and forests present infinite alternatives for exploration and discovery.
Demographics and Schooling
Washington State has a various inhabitants, with a mixture of city and rural communities. The state’s largest cities, together with Seattle and Tacoma, have a comparatively excessive focus of younger professionals and households. Schooling is extremely valued within the state, with top-ranked universities just like the College of Washington and Washington State College. The state’s schooling system is well-regarded, with high-performing faculties and a robust emphasis on STEM schooling.
Sustainability and Environmental Issues
Washington State is dedicated to sustainability and environmental safety. The state has carried out numerous initiatives to cut back greenhouse gasoline emissions, enhance renewable vitality manufacturing, and defend its pure assets. Residents and companies can make the most of numerous incentives and assets to advertise sustainable practices and scale back their environmental footprint.
Key Elements When Selecting a Metropolis in Washington State

When deciding the place to stay in Washington State, there are a number of key components to think about that may considerably impression a resident’s high quality of life and well-being.
College Districts as a Essential Issue
An excellent college district is an important side of a metropolis’s enchantment. Washington State boasts among the top-ranked faculties, however the high quality can range relying on the situation. Cities with wonderful college districts, similar to Bellevue and Issaquah, entice households with kids. However, cities like Aberdeen and Hoquiam battle to supply enough instructional choices, making it difficult for households with school-aged kids. Because of this, it’s important to analysis the native college district earlier than making a choice.
- A well-regarded college district can result in elevated property values and a stronger sense of group.
- A district with low commencement charges and poor instructor high quality can negatively impression a resident’s high quality of life.
- Some cities, similar to Seattle, have carried out revolutionary education schemes, making them extra enticing to households.
- Different cities, like Spokane, are working to enhance their college district by way of focused initiatives and group engagement.
Public Transportation: A Key Consider City Livability
Entry to dependable public transportation is important for residents who don’t personal automobiles or want a extra environmentally pleasant choice. Cities like Seattle and Tacoma have invested closely of their public transportation programs, providing a variety of bus and rail choices that join residents to employment, leisure, and providers. However, cities like Bellingham and Yakima have restricted public transportation choices, making it tough for residents to entry important providers with no automobile.
- A complete public transportation system can scale back congestion and air pollution in city areas.
- Restricted public transportation choices can result in reliance on private automobiles, contributing to visitors and air high quality points.
- Some cities, like Olympia, prioritize pedestrian-friendly and bike-friendly infrastructure, selling lively transportation choices.
- Cities with well-developed public transportation programs, similar to Seattle, have a tendency to draw a various vary of residents, together with college students and professionals.
Entry to Healthcare: A Life-Altering Issue
Entry to high quality healthcare is a essential think about a metropolis’s desirability. Washington State is house to a number of world-class medical facilities, together with these in Seattle and Spokane. Nevertheless, rural areas typically battle to supply enough healthcare providers, forcing residents to depend on distant medical services or on-line providers.
- A metropolis with a high-quality hospital and healthcare system can enhance residents’ total well being and well-being.
- Residents who depend on telemedicine providers could expertise diminished entry to specialists and in-person care.
- Cities with a robust community of group clinics, like Tacoma, typically function a significant security internet for low-income residents and uninsured people.
- The proximity of hospitals and medical services, like these in Ellensburg, can scale back emergency response occasions and enhance affected person outcomes.
Different Key Elements to Think about
Whereas college districts, public transportation, and entry to healthcare are essential components to think about when selecting a metropolis in Washington State, different components, similar to housing prices, crime charges, and financial stability, shouldn’t be missed.
- A well-balanced financial system, as seen in cities like Bellevue, can present residents with job stability and monetary safety.
- The proximity of a metropolis to parks, out of doors areas, and leisure actions, like these in Seattle, can enhance residents’ psychological and bodily well being.
- Cities with a various vary of cultural occasions, festivals, and points of interest, like Tacoma, have a tendency to draw residents who worth group and creativity.
- A metropolis’s walkability, bikeability, and connectivity to neighboring cities, like Seattle, can affect residents’ total high quality of life.
Metropolis Facilities and Points of interest in Washington State
Washington State is famend for its beautiful pure magnificence, vibrant cities, and wealthy cultural scene. Cities like Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane supply a various vary of points of interest, from world-class museums and galleries to out of doors leisure alternatives and native companies.
Museums, Galleries, and Efficiency Venues
Seattle, the most important metropolis in Washington State, boasts a powerful array of museums and galleries. The Seattle Artwork Museum includes a various assortment of over 25,000 artworks, whereas the Frye Artwork Museum showcases a variety of European and American artwork. The Henry Artwork Gallery, situated on the College of Washington campus, showcases cutting-edge up to date artwork. Moreover, Seattle is house to quite a few music venues, together with the long-lasting Moore Theatre and the Paramount Theatre.
Seattle has an abundance of outside leisure alternatives, with quite a few parks and waterfront areas to discover. Discovery Park, a 740-acre park, provides mountaineering trails, meadows, and beautiful views of the Olympic Mountains. The Waterfront, a newly revitalized space, options lovely views of Puget Sound, in addition to quite a lot of retailers and eating places.
Native Companies, Markets, and Procuring Districts
The Pike Place Market, one of many oldest and largest farmers’ markets in the US, is a must-visit vacation spot in Seattle. This bustling market provides all kinds of native produce, crafts, and specialty meals. Seattle additionally has a number of charming procuring districts, together with the historic Pioneer Sq. neighborhood and the stylish Belltown district. Each areas supply a variety of distinctive boutiques, galleries, and eating places.
Eating Scene and Nightlife
Seattle is house to a thriving meals scene, with a various vary of native delicacies and worldwide eating places. The town is especially well-known for its seafood, and guests can pattern the freshest catches at eating places like The Walrus and the Carpenter or Etta’s. For these with a candy tooth, Pike Place Market is house to famend bakeries like Piroshky Piroshky and the Authentic Starbucks.
The nightlife in Seattle is equally vibrant, with a variety of choices for each style. The Pioneer Sq. neighborhood is especially fashionable, with quite a lot of dance golf equipment, bars, and stay music venues. The Crocodile Cafe and the Paramount Theatre are each famend for internet hosting stay music performances.
Outside Leisure Alternatives
Tacoma, a neighboring metropolis to Seattle, provides a variety of outside leisure alternatives. The Tacoma Dome Park, a 1,000-acre park, options mountaineering trails, lakes, and beautiful views of the encompassing mountains. The close by Fort Nisqually Residing Historical past Museum provides a glimpse into the area’s wealthy Native American and pioneer historical past. For seaside lovers, the Puget Sound seashores, similar to Level Defiance Park, supply beautiful views and peaceable environment.
Spokane, in jap Washington, is thought for its scenic magnificence and out of doors recreation alternatives. The Riverside State Park includes a 3,000-acre protected space with mountaineering trails, lakes, and historic landmarks. The close by Idaho Panhandle Nationwide Forest provides world-class snowboarding, mountaineering, and fishing alternatives.
Demographics and Neighborhood in Washington State Cities
Washington State is thought for its vibrant communities, wealthy cultural heritage, and various demographics. From the bustling streets of Seattle to the charming small cities of Jap Washington, every metropolis has its personal distinctive character and allure. On this part, we’ll delve into the demographics and group elements of among the state’s main cities.
Age and Inhabitants Demographics
Washington State’s inhabitants demographics range throughout cities. Seattle, for instance, has a youthful inhabitants, with a median age of 37.4 years, whereas cities like Spokane and Tacoma have an older inhabitants, with medians of 41.4 and 41.1 years, respectively. Here is a breakdown of the median age and inhabitants demographics for among the state’s main cities:
- Seattle: Median age 37.4 years, 730,400 inhabitants
- Spokane: Median age 41.4 years, 220,300 inhabitants
- Tacoma: Median age 41.1 years, 216,300 inhabitants
- Vancouver: Median age 34.4 years, 193,800 inhabitants
The demographic variations amongst cities affect the forms of communities and providers obtainable. For instance, Seattle’s youthful inhabitants could result in the next demand for youth-focused applications and providers.
Range and Cultural Illustration
Washington State is a melting pot of cultures, with a wealthy historical past of immigration and group improvement. Every metropolis has its personal distinctive cultural cloth, formed by the range of its inhabitants. Here is a glimpse into the range and cultural illustration of among the state’s main cities:
| Metropolis | Racial Range | Ethnic Range | LGBTQ+ Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | 72.6% white, 18.5% Asian, 7.2% Hispanic | 24.4% Asian, 21.1% Hispanic |
|
| Spokane | 85.6% white, 4.5% Native American, 4.3% Hispanic | 3.3% Native American, 2.5% Hispanic | Spokane’s LGBTQ+ group is small however lively, with native organizations and occasions selling inclusivity and acceptance. |
| Tacoma | 59.2% white, 22.2% Hispanic, 10.4% Asian | 15.1% Hispanic, 8.5% Asian | Tacoma’s LGBTQ+ group is various and vibrant, with a robust presence of organizations and occasions celebrating id and variety. |
The range and cultural illustration of every metropolis affect the forms of group occasions, organizations, and providers obtainable. For instance, Seattle’s thriving LGBTQ+ group could result in the next demand for inclusive and welcoming public areas.
Sense of Neighborhood and Neighborhood Cohesion
The sense of group and neighborhood cohesion varies throughout cities, influenced by components like demographics, cultural variety, and group occasions. Here is a glimpse into the sense of group and neighborhood cohesion in among the state’s main cities:
- Seattle: Seattle’s neighborhoods are recognized for his or her vibrant group occasions, road festivals, and native companies. The town’s robust sense of group is mirrored in its quite a few group facilities, parks, and public areas.
- Spokane: Spokane’s neighborhoods have a robust sense of group, with native occasions and festivals celebrating the town’s cultural heritage. The town’s smaller dimension contributes to a extra close-knit group environment.
- Tacoma: Tacoma’s neighborhoods are various and vibrant, with a robust sense of group mirrored in its native companies, group occasions, and public artwork installations.
The sense of group and neighborhood cohesion in every metropolis influences the forms of group applications and providers obtainable. For instance, Seattle’s robust sense of group could result in the next demand for community-led initiatives and public areas.
Civic Engagement and Volunteer Alternatives
Washington State’s main cities have various ranges of civic engagement and volunteer alternatives. Here is a breakdown of civic engagement and volunteer alternatives in among the state’s main cities:
| Metropolis | Civic Engagement | Volunteer Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Excessive civic engagement, with quite a few group organizations and initiatives | Considerable volunteer alternatives, together with environmental conservation, arts and tradition, and social providers |
| Spokane | Medium civic engagement, with some group organizations and initiatives | Some volunteer alternatives, together with environmental conservation and social providers |
| Tacoma | Excessive civic engagement, with quite a few group organizations and initiatives | Considerable volunteer alternatives, together with environmental conservation, arts and tradition, and social providers |
The extent of civic engagement and volunteer alternatives in every metropolis influences the forms of group applications and providers obtainable. For instance, Seattle’s excessive civic engagement and considerable volunteer alternatives could result in the next demand for community-led initiatives and public areas.
Finest Cities to Stay in Washington State for Households
With regards to elevating a household, Washington state provides a variety of wonderful choices. From the scenic fantastic thing about the Olympic Peninsula to the colourful metropolis lifetime of Seattle, there is a metropolis to go well with each household’s wants and preferences. On this part, we’ll discover one of the best cities to stay in Washington state for households, highlighting the options and facilities that make each a terrific place to name house.
Prime Cities for Households with Younger Youngsters
The next cities are good for households with younger kids, providing a variety of parks, playgrounds, and academic establishments.
- Bainbridge Island: This charming island group is thought for its picturesque parks, playgrounds, and out of doors leisure alternatives. The Bainbridge Island College District is extremely rated, with many faculties incomes prime scores for educational achievement.
- Bellevue: Positioned simply exterior of Seattle, Bellevue is a well-liked selection for households. The town options quite a few parks, playgrounds, and group facilities, in addition to top-ranked faculties and a thriving arts scene.
- Issaquah: This scenic metropolis is nestled within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and provides a variety of outside actions, together with mountaineering and mountain biking. The Issaquah College District is extremely regarded, with many faculties incomes prime scores for educational achievement.
Prime Cities for Households with Youngsters
For households with youngsters, the next cities supply a variety of extracurricular actions and group occasions to maintain them engaged and entertained.
- Bellingham: Positioned within the northwestern a part of the state, Bellingham is a vibrant school city with a robust sense of group. The town options quite a few parks, playgrounds, and out of doors leisure alternatives, in addition to a thriving arts scene and a variety of extracurricular actions for teenagers.
- Enumclaw: This scenic metropolis is situated within the foothills of the Cascade Mountains and provides a variety of outside actions, together with mountaineering and mountain biking. The Enumclaw College District is extremely regarded, with many faculties incomes prime scores for educational achievement.
- Shoreline: Positioned simply exterior of Seattle, Shoreline is a well-liked selection for households with teenagers. The town options quite a few parks, playgrounds, and group facilities, in addition to top-ranked faculties and a thriving arts scene.
Secure and Walkable Neighborhoods for Households
With regards to security and walkability, the next neighborhoods are extremely rated for households.
- Bainbridge Island’s Winslow neighborhood: This charming neighborhood is situated within the coronary heart of Bainbridge Island and includes a vary of outlets, eating places, and group occasions. The neighborhood is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly, making it simple to get round with no automobile.
- Bellevue’s Lake Washington neighborhood: This scenic neighborhood is situated on the shores of Lake Washington and options quite a few parks, playgrounds, and out of doors leisure alternatives. The neighborhood is extremely walkable and includes a vary of outlets and eating places.
- Issaquah’s Downtown neighborhood: This vibrant neighborhood is situated within the coronary heart of Issaquah and includes a vary of outlets, eating places, and group occasions. The neighborhood is well-lit and pedestrian-friendly, making it simple to get round with no automobile.
Extracurricular Actions and Neighborhood Occasions for Households
The next cities supply a variety of extracurricular actions and group occasions for households.
- Bellingham’s Downtown Arts Stroll: This month-to-month occasion includes a vary of music, dance, and visible arts performances. The occasion is free and open to the general public and is a good way for households to spend a Saturday afternoon.
- Enumclaw’s Enumclaw Farmers Market: This weekly market includes a vary of native produce, baked items, and handmade crafts. The market is a good place for households to fulfill native farmers and artisans and to choose up recent produce for the week.
- Shoreline’s Shoreline Summer time Live performance Collection: This free out of doors live performance sequence includes a vary of native and regional bands performing in a scenic park setting. The live shows are a good way for households to get pleasure from stay music and spend a summer season night collectively.
Finest Cities to Stay in Washington State for Outside Fanatics
Washington State is a paradise for out of doors fans, with its beautiful pure landscapes, huge wilderness areas, and considerable leisure alternatives. From mountaineering and snowboarding to kayaking and mountaineering, the state provides a various vary of outside actions that cater to all pursuits and talent ranges. On this part, we’ll discover the highest cities in Washington State which might be good for out of doors fans, that includes cities with proximity to nationwide parks, forests, and lakes, in addition to entry to out of doors gear shops, tools leases, and journey tour operators.
Prime Cities for Outside Fanatics
Washington State has quite a few cities that are perfect for out of doors fans. Listed below are among the prime cities that supply quick access to leisure areas and a variety of outside actions. Let’s take a look at among the hottest choices.
Seattle
Seattle is a hub for out of doors fans, with quick access to a number of close by mountains, forests, and waterways. The town is surrounded by the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains, providing infinite alternatives for crusing, browsing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. Some fashionable out of doors locations close to Seattle embody:
- The Olympic Nationwide Park: With its pristine seashores, historic forests, and snow-capped mountains, Olympic Nationwide Park is a haven for out of doors fans. The park provides a variety of trails for mountaineering and backpacking, in addition to alternatives for tenting and wildlife watching.
- The Mount Rainier Nationwide Park: Positioned only a few hours from Seattle, Mount Rainier Nationwide Park is thought for its beautiful glaciers, alpine lakes, and various wildlife. The park provides mountaineering trails for all talent ranges, in addition to alternatives for climbing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Spokane
Spokane is one other fashionable vacation spot for out of doors fans, with its surrounding mountains, lakes, and forests providing infinite alternatives for mountaineering, tenting, snowboarding, and water sports activities. The town itself has a wealthy out of doors tradition, with quite a few parks and trails for strolling, biking, and exploring.
- The Spokane River: The Spokane River flows by way of the guts of the town, providing alternatives for kayaking, fishing, and boating. The river can be house to quite a lot of fish species, together with salmon and steelhead.
- The Mount Spokane State Park: Positioned simply 15 miles north of Spokane, Mount Spokane State Park provides mountaineering trails for all talent ranges, in addition to alternatives for tenting, snowboarding, and wildlife watching.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is an enthralling Bavarian-themed city within the Cascade Mountains, providing quick access to snowboarding, mountaineering, and different out of doors actions. The city itself has a wealthy cultural heritage, with quite a few festivals and occasions all year long.
- The Leavenworth Ski Hill: The Leavenworth Ski Hill is a well-liked vacation spot for skiers and snowboarders, providing a variety of trails for all talent ranges. The hill additionally has a snowplay space for youths and a bar for adults.
- The Wenatchee Nationwide Forest: The Wenatchee Nationwide Forest surrounds Leavenworth, providing infinite alternatives for mountaineering, backpacking, and exploring.
Olympia
Olympia is one other nice vacation spot for out of doors fans, with its surrounding shoreline, forests, and mountains providing alternatives for mountaineering, tenting, fishing, and boating. The town itself has a wealthy out of doors tradition, with quite a few parks and trails for strolling, biking, and exploring.
- The Tumwater Falls Park: The Tumwater Falls Park is a well-liked vacation spot for mountaineering and chicken watching, with its lush forests and picturesque waterfall.
- The Percival Touchdown Park: The Percival Touchdown Park is a scenic waterfront park with kayak leases and a seafood restaurant. The park additionally hosts occasions and festivals all year long.
Tacoma, Finest cities to stay in washington state
Tacoma is a city heart with entry to close by mountains, forests, and waterways, providing alternatives for mountaineering, biking, snowboarding, and water sports activities. The town itself has a wealthy cultural heritage, with quite a few parks and trails for strolling, biking, and exploring.
- The Ptarmigan Creek Forest Path: The Ptarmigan Creek Forest Path is a well-liked vacation spot for mountaineering and biking, providing a variety of trails for all talent ranges.
- The Puget Sound: The Puget Sound is a serious physique of water that surrounds Tacoma, providing alternatives for kayaking, fishing, and boating.
These cities supply a variety of outside actions and experiences which might be good for fans of all talent ranges and pursuits. Whether or not you are a seasoned adventurer or simply trying to get exterior and luxuriate in nature, Washington State has one thing for everybody.
Outside Gear Shops and Gear Leases
The highest cities for out of doors fans in Washington State have quite a few out of doors gear shops and tools leases, making it simple to plan and put together on your adventures. Some fashionable choices embody:
Seattle
- The REI flagship retailer: The REI flagship retailer in Seattle is a out of doors fanatic’s paradise, providing a variety of apparatus and equipment for all actions.
- The Mountain Gear Recycled Climbing Gear: The Mountain Gear Recycled Climbing Gear retailer in Seattle provides a variety of used climbing gear and tools.
Spokane
- The REI Spokane retailer: The REI Spokane retailer is a good useful resource for out of doors fans, providing a variety of apparatus and equipment for mountaineering, tenting, snowboarding, and extra.
- The Spokane Kayak Firm: The Spokane Kayak Firm provides kayak leases and classes, in addition to out of doors gear and attire.
Leavenworth
- The Leavenworth Mountain Store: The Leavenworth Mountain Store provides a variety of outside gear and tools, together with climbing gear, tenting tools, and backcountry snowboarding gear.
- The Leavenworth Bike Leases: The Leavenworth Bike Leases provides a variety of motorbike leases and restore providers.
Olympia
- The Olympia Outfitters: The Olympia Outfitters provides a variety of outside gear and tools, together with mountaineering gear, tenting gear, and kayaking tools.
- The Olympia Kayak Firm: The Olympia Kayak Firm provides kayak leases and classes, in addition to out of doors gear and attire.
Tacoma, Finest cities to stay in washington state
- The Tacoma Mountain Gear: The Tacoma Mountain Gear provides a variety of outside gear and tools, together with climbing gear, tenting tools, and backcountry snowboarding gear.
- The Tacoma Bike Works: The Tacoma Bike Works provides a variety of motorbike leases and restore providers.
These out of doors gear shops and tools leases supply a variety of providers and merchandise for out of doors fans, making it simple to plan and put together on your adventures.
Final Conclusion: Finest Cities To Stay In Washington State

In conclusion, one of the best cities to stay in Washington state supply a variety of choices for individuals with completely different existence and preferences. From out of doors fans to households and professionals, there’s a metropolis that fits each want. By contemplating the important thing components similar to college districts, public transportation, and entry to healthcare, people could make an knowledgeable determination about one of the best metropolis to stay in Washington state.
We hope that this text has supplied you with worthwhile insights into one of the best cities to stay in Washington state. Whether or not you’re a potential resident or just fascinated about studying extra concerning the state, we invite you to discover additional and uncover the hidden gems that make Washington state a terrific place to stay.
Standard Questions
What’s the greatest metropolis to stay in Washington state for households?
Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland are among the prime cities in Washington state for households, with their wonderful college districts, loads of out of doors actions, and family-friendly facilities.
What’s the greatest metropolis to stay in Washington state for professionals?
Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond are among the prime cities in Washington state for professionals, with their thriving tech trade, job alternatives, and networking occasions.
What’s the greatest metropolis to stay in Washington state for out of doors fans?
Spokane and Yakima are among the prime cities in Washington state for out of doors fans, with their proximity to the Rocky Mountains, lakes, and forests.
What’s the greatest metropolis to stay in Washington state for retirees?
Tacoma and Bellingham are among the prime cities in Washington state for retirees, with their low price of dwelling, heat local weather, and entry to healthcare services.