WASHINGTON

A Hidden Gem

Contrary to popular belief, the Evergreen State isn’t always drenched in rain. Seattle receives about 37 inches of rain a year, compared to 46 inches in Raleigh, NC, and 43 inches in Washington, D.C. The Cascade Mountains bifurcate the state and make the eastern regions dry and plains-like, while the mountains themselves can get 200 inches of snow accumulation annually. This all makes for a wonderfully diverse environment, which you can enjoy at Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, or North Cascades National Park, although the whole state is awe-inspiring.

If you ever get bored of the views, you can visit one of the 1,000 or so local wineries; Washington’s wine region is about the same size as California’s Napa Valley.

You’ll be toasting the state’s very generous tax policy; there’s no income tax, and the state doesn’t tax social security, pension, or retirement accounts. Property is taxed at a rate of 0.98%, and the cost of living is above the national average, especially in Seattle and its immediate area. Olympia, Spokane, and Richland are all more economical options that still deliver on quality of life.