I have had the pleasure of reading many different articles, posts, and so on about why "whatever" state is the best state ever. Personally, I could find something to love about every state in America. But, I am here to tell you that Washington state rules.
1. Natural Beauty.
When someone says "Washington", the first image that comes to your head is probably either endless pine trees or some picture of Seattle's skyline right out of Grey's. Well, as you may have guessed, the whole state is not just a spot of land with endless trees or one city, but of multiple landscapes; desert, coastline, mountain, forest, plains, you name it. Every kind of natural beauty is here in this state, and they are all 10/10 when it comes to beauty. It is the hiker's dream, the fisherman's paradise, the tree-huggers home, the hunter's wonder, and so much more. If you don't like to stare at walls within your home 24/7, then WA state is for you.
2. Cherries, Raspberries, Apples, Pears and Grapes galore.
OMG produce. You can't pass through a town that isn't known for producing some kind of food staple. From the Walla Walla onion (side note, amazing wine too), to the self-proclaimed Apple Capitol of the world. Wenatchee, Washington is the top producer of many of the fruits every American has come to love. Summer is a Cobbler makers nirvana. Literally, you can walk along a road and pick wild growing blackberries by the bunches. They are the weeds of Washington. Thanks, Mother Nature. xoxo.
3. SO much more than Seattle.
Ask pretty much anyone who doesn't live in the Pacific Northwest if they would want to live in Washington and you'll get this response... "I don't know, it is really pretty, but it rains there all the time." Don't believe the hype. Near the coast, it definitely rains more frequently than if you lived in say, the Mohave desert. Seattle has a lot of gloomy days, but you have to take into account that A: that's why it is so beautiful. Green things need water. And B: Seattle is NOT Washington state. In fact, while it is 'the city" there is a whole lot more to the state than silly old Seattle. Don't get me wrong. It has everything when it comes to modern conveniences, top doctors, shops, restaurants, and hallelujah, Whole Foods Market. But if you want constant sunshine, white water rafting, and deer season, it is here, just travel east. Kayaking with some Orcas is your dream? Go north. Snowboarding with your pals? We have some awesome mountain ranges with equally awesome Ski Resorts.
4. Floating Bridges.
Maybe this one is just for me but I learned that four of the five longest floating bridges in the country are in Washington. If you haven't driven on one, you are missing out.
5. Foster creative development
Washington state grows some of the most creative artists and most brilliant engineers, developers and designers. This state actualy seems to care about your desire to make something great. Take it as a plus or minus but I know I love living where creativity can grow and be appreciated.
So in closing, if you don't like opening your front door to see beauty in its most raw form, playing outside in the sunshine (or rain), nor marveling at the wonders of human creation on a daily basis, then Washington state is probably not your state. There is nothing wrong with that. I say, find your perfect and never look back. In the mean time, I'll be out cherry picking ;)
