Moving to Coastal Cities in Washington State: Living by the Ocean
Washington State is a unique region that offers a great place to live thanks to its diverse nature and many opportunities for work and recreation. One of the main advantages of this state is its coastal area with access to the Pacific Ocean, where there are picturesque cities that are ideal for living by the water. In this article, we’ll highlight the best coastal cities in Washington, such as Ocean Shores and Westport, and explain why moving to these areas can be a great choice.
Benefits of living in coastal cities
Living on the oceanfront in Washington State offers many benefits:
- Beautiful scenery and nature: Washington’s coastal cities offer ocean views, clean beaches, and proximity to nature preserves. It’s easy to find a secluded spot for solitude or outdoor activities.
- Calm and relaxed lifestyle: Coastal towns are known for their relaxed lifestyles, which attracts people seeking peace and harmony with nature.
- Outdoor activities: Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities including fishing, surfing, yachting and nature walks.
- Moderate climate: The moderate maritime climate of the coastal towns makes them attractive for year-round living. The lack of extreme temperatures and mild winters create comfortable living conditions.
Life in Washington State’s coastal cities is different from the pace of metropolitan areas, with a relaxed atmosphere, close interaction with nature, and a developed community. Residents of these cities lead a diverse lifestyle, combining work with recreation and community involvement.
What residents of coastal towns do
- Tourism and hospitality
In coastal towns, tourism is a key source of income. Residents work in hotels, restaurants, cafes, manage and maintain tourist facilities, organize excursions and recreational activities. Numerous festivals, fairs and cultural events attract tourists, which creates a steady stream of visitors and jobs.
- Fishing and Marine Industries
Fishing is an important part of the economy of many coastal cities. Locals are involved in commercial fishing, fish and seafood processing, and work in businesses related to marine logistics and shipbuilding. This is the case in towns such as Westport and Ilawco, where fishing has traditionally played a key role in the local economy.
- Crafts and arts
Many coastal towns such as Port Townsend and Langley attract artists, craftspeople and creative people. Residents create and sell art, jewelry, pottery, and other handmade items. Local markets and galleries often serve as venues for these goods.
- Working remotely
Thanks to advances in technology and high-speed internet, many residents of coastal cities are working remotely. In places like Annacortis and Blaine, many professionals in IT, design, marketing, and other fields are choosing to work remotely, combining professional work with living in a scenic area.
- Education and Community Services
Schools, colleges, medical facilities, and public services also provide jobs for local residents. Teachers, health care providers, social workers, and local government employees are an integral part of the community.
- Agriculture and farming
In some coastal towns, such as Coupeville on Whidbey Island, residents are involved in agriculture and farming. Growing vegetables, fruits, and raising livestock are an important part of the local economy, and farmers’ markets are popular places to buy fresh produce.
Living in Washington State’s coastal towns offers a unique combination of tranquility and natural beauty with access to a variety of work and outdoor opportunities. Whether working in tourism, fishing, the arts, or working remotely, residents of these cities enjoy a high quality of life in harmony with nature.
Washington State Coastal Cities
Washington is known for its coastal towns that combine scenic landscapes, relaxed lifestyles, and access to nature. Here are a few of them:
1.Ocean Shores
- Location: Ocean Shores is located on a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean in Grays Harbor County. This town is a popular place to vacation and live due to its sandy beaches and gorgeous views.
- Features:The town is known for its wide beaches, ideal for walking, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Yachting and kayaking are also developed in Ocean Shores, thanks to its many canals and lakes.
- Climate: Moderate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Rainfall is a frequent occurrence, but this only adds to the charm of the local nature.
Ocean Shores is a small coastal town located on the west coast of Washington State, in Grays Harbor County. This town, with a population of about 6,000, is a popular resort known for its expansive sandy beaches, scenic views of the Pacific Ocean, and extensive outdoor recreational opportunities.
Ocean Shores is located on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Grays Harbor Inland Reservoir on the other. Sandy beaches stretch for miles, attracting tourists and locals alike with their wide open spaces and amazing sunsets. Gentle dunes, forested areas and numerous lakes make this area especially attractive to nature lovers.
The city is surrounded by many natural attractions. Along the coast are numerous state parks and preserves, such as Ocean City State Park and Damon Point. These parks provide excellent conditions for hiking, bird watching, picnicking, and camping.
Life in Ocean Shores is closely tied to tourism and outdoor recreation. Ocean Shores is home to many hotels, motels, guesthouses, and resorts that employ locals. Tourists come here to enjoy beach vacations, fishing, surfing and other outdoor activities. Local restaurants, cafes and gift stores are also important employers.
Due to its proximity to the ocean, fishing plays an important role in the local economy. Residents engage in both commercial and recreational fishing. The Ocean Shores harbor serves as a launching point for fishing tours and boat trips.
The city is home to many artists and artisans who create unique products that are sold in local stores and markets. There are regular art festivals and exhibitions that attract locals and tourists alike.
Like other coastal cities in Washington State, some Ocean Shores residents work remotely while enjoying the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Ocean Shores is known for its friendly community, relaxed atmosphere, and abundant outdoor activities. Local attractions include many parks, beaches, and bodies of water that offer fishing, kayaking, surfing, and other water sports.
The city is also known for its annual festivals and events, such as the Sand and Sawdust Festival and Winter Fanta-Sea, which attract visitors from around the state. Ocean Shores offers plenty of outdoor activities, including golf courses, biking and hiking trails, and wildlife viewing areas.
Ocean Shores is the perfect place for those seeking tranquility and proximity to nature, but don’t want to give up the conveniences of modern life. Beautiful beaches, ocean access, and a warm community make it an attractive permanent and vacation destination.
2.Westport
- Location: Westport is located on the south shore of Grays Harbor Bay and is a popular fishing and surfing destination.
- Special Features: Westport is famous for its deep sea fishing and surfing conditions. It hosts numerous fishing tournaments and festivals. The town also attracts tourists with its lighthouses and wildlife.
- Climate: Like Ocean Shores, the climate is temperate and maritime, making Westport a comfortable place to live year-round.
Westport is a small coastal urban community on the Pacific coast known for its fishing traditions, beaches, and tourist attraction. The city is located in Grays Harbor County, about 130 miles southwest of Seattle.
Westport was founded in 1857 and has a rich history associated with fishing and shipping. The city became an important commercial fishing center due to its convenient location on the Pacific Coast and access to Grays Harbor. For many decades, fishing was the primary source of income for local residents.
Today, Westport remains a small town of about 2,000 people. The town’s economy still relies heavily on fishing and tourism. Seasonal tourists come here to enjoy fishing, water sports, and natural beauty.
Westport is widely recognized as one of the largest fishing ports on the west coast of the United States. Local companies offer offshore fishing, with salmon and flounder fishing being particularly popular. The city also attracts surfers due to the high waves, especially at Westhaven State Park beach.
Besides fishing, Westport attracts tourists with its long sandy beaches, dunes, and picturesque scenery. Surfing, kayaking, whale watching, and other outdoor activities are available here.
There are cultural and natural attractions in the town:
- Westport Maritime Museum is a museum dedicated to the maritime history of the region. Here you can learn about fishing, shipbuilding, and lighthouse history.
- Grays Harbor Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse that is one of the tallest lighthouses on the west coast of the United States. It was built in 1898 and is open to the public.
- Westhaven State Park is a park that offers great opportunities for beach vacations, picnics and surfing.
Life in Westport is quiet and measured. The town attracts people seeking solitude and proximity to nature. Locals are proud of their fishing tradition and maintain a warm and friendly community. The town hosts a variety of local festivals and events that bring residents and tourists together.
Overall, Westport is a picturesque coastal destination ideal for those who love fishing, nature and a quiet life away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
3.Long Beach
- Location: Long Beach is located on the peninsula of the same name, on the border with the state of Oregon. The city is known for its long sandy beach, which is one of the longest in the United States.
- Features: Long Beach attracts tourists with its festivals such as the International Kite Festival. You can also enjoy nature preserves and whale sightings here.
- Climate: Mild maritime climate with comfortable temperatures throughout the year.
Long Beach is a popular resort destination on the southwest coast of Washington State, USA. This small town is located on a long sand spit that stretches along the Pacific Ocean, offering visitors unique natural scenery and a variety of recreational activities.
Long Beach is located on the spit of the same name, which is one of the longest continuous stretches of sandy beach in the world – about 28 miles long . The city is surrounded by both the Pacific Ocean to the west and scenic forests and lagoons to the east. This makes Long Beach a great place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The city of Long Beach was founded in the late 19th century and quickly became a popular resort due to its convenient location and long beaches. In the early 20th century, it attracted tourists with its railroad lines and hotels. Over the decades, Long Beach has evolved as a tourism center while maintaining its cultural and historical identity.
Long Beach is a tourist center that offers a wide range of entertainment and activities:
- Beach Vacation: Long Beach attracts thousands of tourists every year. Here you can enjoy walks along the ocean, biking on specially designed paths, horseback riding, and of course, water sports.
- Annual Festivals: The town is known for its festivals, such as the International Kite Festival, which takes place every August and attracts participants from all over the world. Other events include the Sandcastle Festival and various culinary events.
- Kayaking and Fishing: The lagoons and rivers near Long Beach offer excellent kayaking and fishing opportunities, especially in places like the mouth of the Columbia River.
- State Parks: The closest park to town is Cape Disappointment State Park, which offers gorgeous ocean views, historic lighthouses, and plenty of trails for hiking.
- Shoreline Trail: Long Beach has an 8-mile oceanfront trail that is perfect for hiking or biking, offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
- World Kite Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of kites and their cultural significance. Here you can see unique exhibits and even try to create your own kite.
- Wooden Sculptures: The downtown area features unique wooden sculptures that reflect the maritime theme and history of the region.
Long Beach is a small but lively city that maintains its traditional atmosphere despite the growing tourism. Residents pride themselves on their friendliness and hospitality. The city also attracts those looking for a quiet, measured lifestyle connected to nature and the sea.
Overall, Long Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a combination of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural events. The city offers something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.
There are many more coastal towns in Washington State, each with its own unique charm and offering a variety of lodging and recreational opportunities. Here are a few more notable
Washington coastal towns:
1. Anacortes
- Location: The town is located on Fidalgo Island, north of Seattle. Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands and a popular destination for sailing and kayaking enthusiasts.
- Features: Annacortis is known for its nature preserves, such as Washington Park, and scenic mountain and ocean views. The city is also known for its cultural events and music festivals.
- Activities: Sailing, kayaking, fishing, hiking.
2. Blaine
- Location: Blaine is located on the Canadian border near the Puget Sound.
- Features: This small town is famous for its peace park and nature preserves. Blaine is also an important destination for international travel to Canada.
- Activities: Bird watching, hiking, fishing.
3. Port Townsend
- Location: Located on the Olympic Peninsula, west of Seattle, Port Townsend is one of the few well-preserved Victorian towns in the United States.
- Special Features: Port Townsend is known for its historic buildings, maritime museums, and art galleries. It is also a popular destination for film festivals and music events.
- Activities: Historical tours, boat trips, and art galleries.
4. Port Angeles
- Location: Port Angeles is located on the Olympic Peninsula, on the border with Canada.
- Features: The city serves as the gateway to Olympic National Park and is a popular destination for those seeking proximity to the mountains and the sea.
- Activities: Hiking, kayaking, visiting hot springs, fishing.
5. Puyallup
- Location: Puyallup is located at the southern end of the Puget Sound Bay, near Tacoma.
- Features: The city is known for its fairs and festivals, and is a popular place to live due to its proximity to major cities and easy access to natural attractions.
- Activities: Fairs, cultural events, and waterfront walks.
6. Coupeville
- Location: The city is located on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound.
- Special Features: Coupeville is one of the oldest towns in Washington State, known for its historic buildings and cozy atmosphere. It is a popular destination for history buffs and boaters.
- Activities: Historical tours, boat trips, art galleries.
7. Friday Harbor
- Location: The town is located on San Juan Island, which is part of the San Juan Archipelago.
- Features: Friday Harbor is the main center of the archipelago and is known for its whale watching opportunities as well as its cultural and artistic activities.
- Activities: Whale watching, kayaking, visiting museums and galleries.
These cities offer a variety of opportunities for coastal living and recreation, whether it’s an active lifestyle, cultural activities, or simply enjoying nature.
Why Washington State is an attractive place to relocate
Washington State offers a great quality of life because of its diversity, high standards of education and medicine, and unique nature. Coastal cities add a special atmosphere to the mix, combining comfort and privacy with access to nature’s bounty.
If you’re planning a move to one of Washington State’s coastal cities, our moving company is ready to take care of the process. We will help you organize your move, ensuring safety and comfort every step of the way.
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