NY
Peculiarities
America's most populous state. Large economic, tourist and industrial region. It has the highest taxation in the country. The state has the second largest immigrant population. There are many ethnic quarters: Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Polish, Italian, Indian. The most famous Russian-speaking area is Brighton Beach.
Housing
New York and other cities in the state are considered the best for real estate investment. The average property price in 2021 is from $500,000. A one-room apartment will cost on average $2,000.
Job
There is an excellent opportunity to find a job and be in demand in the state. Many immigrants receive work visas. New York is a city of promise, movement and energy.
Best Cities to Live in America in 2021
Fort Collins, Colorado. Photo: marketwatch.com The whole world has changed due to the pandemic. And so do our requirements for place of residence. This year, one in five Americans is moving from big cities to “one-story America.”
When thinking about moving, people think about the following questions:
Where could we work remotely and pay less for housing?
Is it still worth clinging to big cities?
Does it make sense to sacrifice familiar amenities and features for the sake of safety?
Marketwatch analyzed more than 1,000 small and medium-sized cities based on factors such as safety, affordability, economic stability, proximity to nature, jobs, broadband access, growth opportunities and community activity.
Right now, millions of people are looking for a new place to live. If you are one of them, this list of the 20 best cities is for you.
Fort Collins, Colorado
Horsetooth Reservoir in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Fort Collins.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 170,243 people
Fort Collins, the largest city in northern Colorado and nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, is a vibrant, fast-growing city bursting with opportunity. Families with small children, creative people, outdoor enthusiasts and high-tech entrepreneurs will feel at home here.
In the city center there is a university - a center of innovation.
Overall, Fort Collins has a friendly and welcoming culture, with a history of many places, groups, and events to bring people together across a wide range of interests. In addition, the city is famous for its craft beer.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 119,980 people
Ann Arbor is perhaps best known for being home to the world-famous University of Michigan, but this city exudes incredible energy and is much more than just a college town.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 259,680 people
Madison is a city that defies definition. It is both a crazy sports and student community and a respectable seat of state government. This is a great place for millennials and recent graduates with a high employment rate. Madison is also considered one of the best cities in the country to live in retirement.
Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 66,215 people
The city's secret is out - Portland is on the rise thanks to its favorable business climate, incredibly high quality of life and the creativity of its residents.
Rochester, Minnesota
Population: 118,935 people
If you know Mayo Clinic, then you know Rochester. This southeastern Minnesota city is home to a world-renowned medical center and, unsurprisingly, offers a warm, friendly atmosphere for tourists and locals alike. Rochester boasts a thriving downtown, convenient transportation, and a stable economy.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 92,870 people
Asheville is known as the world's first Foodtopian Society and "Beer City USA," with more breweries per capita than any other city in the United States. The city is home to many iconic locations, including the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and numerous quaint and welcoming neighborhoods, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Overland Park, Kan.
Population: 195,494 people
Overland Park is not only the birthplace of actor Paul Rudd's imaginary best friend. This city looks really cool in every way.
Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo, North Dakota.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 124,662 people
Fargo is booming. This close-knit community in eastern North Dakota has it all—an affordable cost of living, a vibrant economy, and a warm, family atmosphere that permeates the entire town.
Durham, North Carolina
Population: 278,993 people
Durham is a cozy city with excellent opportunities for creativity and magnificent nature. Located in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, the nation's first public liberal arts college for African Americans, the city is the perfect blend of historic Southern charm (American Tobacco Co. is here, too!) and modern innovation.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Population: 183,793 people
Think South Dakota is boring? Think again. Sioux Falls is full of energy. The locals are really friendly and there is a lot to see and do. Sioux Falls has managed to retain its small-town charm while offering residents all the big-city amenities they could ever want. Low crime rates, a top-notch health care system, excellent educational institutions (including the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine), and a wonderful climate make it an ideal place to live.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus, Ohio.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 898,553 people
Sure, when you think of Columbus, Ohio State University and the eight-time national champion Buckeyes immediately come to mind, but there's so much more to this city than just college life, even that busy one.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Population: 289,102 people
Nebraska's ironic slogan reads: "Nebraska, to be honest, isn't for everyone." But the opposite is also true, especially when it comes to Lincoln. This progressive capital is home to the University of Nebraska, very friendly people and great opportunities. The unemployment rate here is incredibly low and overall it's a very affordable place to live with plenty of living space.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Population: 885,708 people
Charlotte is known as the Queen City and is a true gem of the South, thanks in large part to its history and cultural diversity. Business is booming here, with six Fortune 500 companies calling Charlotte home, including Bank of America and Lowe's. The city is also a major tourist destination and is home to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest international airport in the world.
Bismarck, North Dakota
Population: 73,529 people
People flock to Bismarck, North Dakota's capital city, because of its reasonable cost of living and low unemployment rate. The city is expected to continue to grow and develop as more and more people choose to live in this vibrant community with friendly and hardworking residents.
Ames, Iowa
Ames, Iowa.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 66,258 people
Welcome to Ames, home of Iowa State University and truly friendly people and a quality of life you won't find anywhere else. This ambitious city in central Iowa is growing rapidly in size and number of job opportunities.
Albany, New York
Albany, New York.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 96,460 people
State capital. This is probably the easiest place to make a living. It's no coincidence that Albany's population increased by 17,000 people between 2010 and 2021. The metropolitan area is especially attractive to immigrants because of its close-knit communities, as well as a wide variety of good jobs that don't require a college degree.
Lawrence, Kansas
Population: 98,193 people
Lawrence is more than just a college town, although the University of Kansas does play an important role in local life. Lawrence is so much more. It offers a friendly Midwestern atmosphere and ample opportunities for family fun and work. The economy is strong and jobs are plentiful, from manufacturing to publishing.
Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 200,567 people
Nestled near the largest salt lake in the Western Hemisphere and surrounded by the Wasatch Mountains, Salt Lake City is made for postcards. And the local snow is so good that the Winter Olympic Games were held here in 2002. In addition to excellent skiing and recreational opportunities, Salt Lake City has a renowned brewery, many interesting museums to visit, and free tours of historic Mormon pioneer sites.
Corvallis, Oregon
Corvallis, Oregon.
Photo: marketwatch.com Population: 58,856 people
Home to Oregon State University, Corvallis is a thriving city with a large percentage of highly educated residents. There are traditionally many vacancies here in a variety of fields - from scientific research to healthcare. The quality of life is unparalleled thanks to Corvallis' proximity to nature, a relaxed atmosphere and many city initiatives for ongoing development. Plus, public transportation is free and commute times are usually short.
Iowa City, Iowa
Population: 75,130 people
Longtime the state capital and home to the University of Iowa, Iowa City is a fun, growing, and livable city. It has an energetic college town atmosphere mixed with a sophisticated food culture (there are many famous restaurants) and excellent bookstores.
North Carolina
Peculiarities
The state with the best preschool education. North Carolina is one of the top ten economically developed states in the United States. The city of Charlotte is the second largest banking center in the United States. There is a low unemployment rate here. This is an intellectual center for highly specialized specialists.
Housing
Large-scale business center with low cost of utilities. Living here is inexpensive; a private house can be bought for $200,000. There are Russian districts, clubs, schools.
Job
The financial sector, agriculture, tourism and industry are chosen for work. There is a demand for farm-grown, organic foods from North Carolina. Many film companies are located here, large-scale film festivals are held, attracting thousands of tourists. It was in North Carolina that the famous TV series “Homeland” was filmed, as well as the blockbusters “Iron Man 3” and “The Hunger Games”.
Fayetteville is a small city with big opportunities.
This is where branches of large companies such as Walmart and Tyson Foods are located. The city offers to join various public organizations, which helps to realize oneself at the social level. The city is surrounded by beautiful mountains and has many parks and pedestrian areas.
It is ideal for families and enjoys a comfortable climate with warm winters and cool summers. The population can be roughly divided into married couples and young people who study at fairly prestigious colleges and higher educational institutions. The unemployment rate in Fayetteville does not exceed 3%. You can rent a home for $750 a month, and the average salary is $45,000. Buying a house will cost 180 thousand dollars.
Texas
Peculiarities
Low Unemployment Technology Center. One of the cities has no income tax. Good and comfortable climate for living. Popular destination for immigration. An area with a high standard of living. More than 70,000 Russian speakers live here, most of them live in Austin.
Housing
The average resident can buy a home. Real estate in this region is the most affordable. The cost of housing varies - you can buy a budget house in the suburbs of big cities for $100,000.
Job
Texas ranks fourth in the country for the number of telecommuting employers. Representative offices of many IT companies are located here: eBay, Apple, PayPal, IBM and Dell. Oil industry professionals come to work because America's big oil companies are here.
Seattle is the most popular city for permanent residence in America
Americans adore Seattle for its climate and natural conditions. It rarely rains here, there are many mountains and large bodies of water. Almost 725 thousand people live in the metropolis, but the rhythm of life is calm. Temperatures throughout the year range from +5°C to +18°C. Seattle has many parks and places for active pastime.
However, Seattle is considered quite expensive. With average earnings of $59,000, housing costs in suburban areas exceed $1,000. Due to the popularity of the city, there is a high level of real estate prices here, which have already exceeded the mark of 350 thousand USD per house. The unemployment rate does not yet exceed 5%.
Massachusetts
Peculiarities
The popular American holiday Thanksgiving Day originated in Massachusetts. Unofficially, it is called the Bay State. Boston is one of the oldest and richest cities in the United States. There are more than 70 universities and colleges here, including the famous Harvard University. Lovers of vintage cars come to Brooklyn; the oldest museum in the United States is located here. Advantages include information technology, healthcare and higher education. Massachusetts was named the best state to live in 2018-2019.
Housing
The state ranked third in quality of life and fourth in safety. There is inexpensive and affordable housing here.
Job
The annual income per person in the state is more than $50,000. Mainly represented are financial institutions, high-tech, knowledge-intensive industries. General Motors has an automobile assembly plant in Framingham.
Best US Cities to Live in
Austin, Texas
The “Live Music Capital of the World” often finds itself on lists of the best places to live in the US, and for good reason. Austin has a lower unemployment rate than the national average (6.3% compared to the 8.3% US average), no state income tax, eight colleges and universities, and plenty of open space surrounding the city. Home to more than 830,000 people.
Austin has 228 days of sunshine per year, with temperatures rarely falling below the average low of 4゜C in January. The median home price of $196,000 means the average resident (age 34.1) has a good chance of owning a home. In addition, job seekers have a good chance of finding work close to home or the opportunity to work remotely/from home. Austin ranks fourth in the country for the number of employers offering remote work.
The population density is 1,207 people per square kilometer, and 83.4% of residents have a high school diploma or higher education.
Omaha, Nebraska
With an unemployment rate of 4.7%, this city of 430,000 has won job creation during the economic downturn. In addition, Omaha has other aspects that make it an attractive place to live: the average income per person is $53,000 per year, and 12 colleges and universities make this city especially attractive to young people. Omaha is a relatively inexpensive place to live, as the median home price is just $129,200, while the median rent is $716 per month. The cost of living in Omaha is 11% lower than the national average.
Residents of Omaha enjoy 214 days of sunshine per year, clean air and an extensive medical system that provides 329 doctors for every 100,000 residents. The city has a thriving cultural scene, with art galleries, restaurants and nightlife attracting a younger demographic and making Omaha an attractive place to live.
Boulder, Colorado
Located adjacent to the majestic Rocky Mountains a few miles northwest of the city of Denver, Boulder is an ideal choice for nature lovers. Boulder is close to a world-class ski resort, popular recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, and excellent restaurants, museums, and public libraries.
The city has just over 100,000 residents with an average income of $65,000 per year, with the majority of people employed in professional, scientific and technical industries. However, not everyone can afford to buy a home in Boulder, which has a median price of $410,200. The average cost of living is 39.40% higher than the national average. The city's population mainly consists of young people, with an average age of 30 years. Boulder is ranked the seventh greenest city in the country.
Boise, Idaho
A city of 214,000 people, with a median household income of $50,961, Boise has lower taxes than the national average and a stable economy. With 206 days of sunshine per year and access to outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, biking, and boating, the city offers outdoor activities similar to Boulder and is more affordable. The average home price is about $191,500.
An added bonus is that Boise residents have done a great job of reducing crime over the past 12 years, despite staggering population growth.
San Francisco, California
Of course, San Francisco is overpopulated. More than 820,000 people call this city home, and another 715,0000 live in the Bay Area. With plenty of public transportation, moderate weather, world-class museums and restaurants, and 20 higher education institutions, San Francisco is a great place to live. At last count, the city has twice as many single residents as married ones.
The $75,000 per year median income is high in the country, but keep in mind that this is a very expensive city. The average home price is over $650,000, sales tax is 8.5% and income tax is 9.3%. Living in San Francisco can cost a pretty penny, but if you can afford it, the city by the bay truly is the crown jewel of the United States.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Home to the headquarters of Bank of America, Duke Energy, Lowe's and Family Dollar, Charlotte has grown from a bedroom town into a strong corporate and financial center. Charlotte is home to 800,000 people (1.6 million with outlying areas). It's not surprising that this city is attracting more and more people: a relatively low property tax rate, low utility rates, an average home price of $190,000, a professional basketball and football team, 218 days of sunshine and only 10 cm of snow per year.
The city has grown an astounding 22.1% since the early 2000s, and yet Charlotte residents are sticking to their roots and Southern charm.
Kansas City, Missouri
Google is bringing ultra-high-speed Internet to the entire city - isn't that reason enough to move to Kansas City?
Kansas City's population of 450,000 earns a modest $44,436 in annual income. However, the cost of living is quite low: the income tax rate is only 6%, while the sales tax is 7.73%. Homes average $162,000, while the average rental price is just $725. Food costs are below the US average.
Although the average age of the population is relatively young at 36.2 years, Kansas City has earned a ranking as the ninth best city in the United States for retirees due to its low cost and fairly warm weather. And for entertainment, the city has two professional sports teams - the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals - who often play games at the sports complex on the outskirts of the city.
Portland, Oregon
Ranked second best city for food enthusiasts and second in the country for fit people. Portland has become a mecca for lovers of restaurants and an active lifestyle. With a population of 550,000 living within an hour's drive of the beach and an hour's drive of the mountains, Portland is becoming a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, with 25 hectares of parkland for every 1,000 residents.
The average income of $56,000 is subject to a hefty 9% income tax, but the city does not charge a sales tax. While the public transport system is a model for the rest of the country, if you live in a city, you can easily get by without a car. The weather in Portland won't be to everyone's liking, with 106 cm of precipitation per year and cloudy days.
San Diego, California
San Diego is rated as one of the best cities for weather in the country. Climate is an important factor when relocating for many, so much so that more than 1.2 million residents call this oceanfront city home. Of course, two professional sports teams, 200 museums, world-class restaurants and bars, easy access to the ocean and mountain sports are important factors in your decision.
The average annual income of a San Diego resident is about $62,000, but real estate prices and taxes are higher than the US average. The average home price is about $392,000, sales tax is 7.75%, income tax is 9.3%. However, San Diego has 266 sunny days a year with daytime temperatures averaging around 21゜C and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Of course, the price of accommodation can be high, but if you can afford it, then why not.
Raleigh, North Carolina
It’s not for nothing that the Bloomberg news agency named Raleigh the best place to live in the United States, because it is the largest city in the Research Triangle (consists of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill). There are plenty of skilled jobs, a lower unemployment rate than the national average, and a median income of $53,370. The area is home to three renowned universities: North Carolina State University, Duke, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Raleigh has a lot to offer, both for students and professionals. If you enjoy living in an area that experiences the seasons: summer, fall, winter, spring, but want to avoid extreme temperature swings, you really can't do a better place than Raleigh, North Carolina.
Minnesota
Peculiarities
This is an industrial state where the headquarters of leading Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing corporations are located. Minnesota is the largest iron ore region in the country. The region is famous for its lakes and a large number of nature reserves. Tourism is one of the important sectors in the state. Shopping lovers will be interested in the Mall of America, one of the largest shopping centers in the world. It is located near the state capital, in the suburb of Bloomington.
Housing
Residential real estate located in condominiums is in greatest demand among Russians in Minnesota. Condo units sell out quickly to rent out and generate additional income. Housing can cost from $800 per month.
Job
The state has one of the strongest labor markets and low unemployment rates. Biotechnology companies and medicine are well developed. Companies in the state are leaders in the production and use of alternative, environmentally friendly energy sources.
Washington is a friendly city
In Washington, people spend time with friends. There is a cafe. Restaurants, clubs, but still it is customary to share leisure time with people from your environment in someone’s home. However, you have to pay a lot for comfort. On average, the cost of renting a home is $1,500 per month, and to purchase it you will have to pay about 400 thousand USD for a small house.
The city's unemployment rate is low, less than 4%, and the average salary exceeds $55,000. The atmosphere of a comfortable city for living is complemented by the weather. Winters are very mild and warm, with virtually no precipitation, and in summer the temperature does not exceed +25°C.
Michigan
Peculiarities
Great Lakes State and Automotive Capital of the World. One of the largest financial centers in the USA. Representative offices of many banks, insurance companies, investment funds and other similar organizations are located here.
Housing
Affordable housing is a big benefit of living in Michigan. Here you can earn good money and rent an apartment or quickly save up for a house. Low interest rates on real estate.
Job
The main focus of the economy and jobs in Michigan will be the automotive industry. Detroit is home to the headquarters of American automobile manufacturers: General Motors, Ford Motor Company and Chrysler. The state also has the largest number of ports.
North Dakota
Peculiarities
One of the most multinational states, where ethnic Germans, Norwegians, French, Irish, Swedes, Russians, English, and Indians live. North Dakota is home to a large number of theaters, art museums, and music venues
Housing
Low government taxes and affordable housing opportunities.
Job
The average income per person is $47,000. The main area of work is agricultural products. The state grows curly flax, wheat, sunflower, and rye. North Dakota is home to the two largest air bases of the US Air Force. The head office of the famous Bobcat Company, which manufactures agricultural and construction equipment, is located here. In recent years, large IT companies, such as Microsoft, have opened divisions in North Dakota.
Alaska
Peculiarities
The northernmost and largest state in the United States, the tourist center of America. People come to the state for adventure, extreme sports, and contact with nature. The advantages for an immigrant are a high standard of living, excellent social support, and decent wages. They highlight quality education and healthcare.
Housing
Alaska is one of the most tax-friendly states. It is the only state with neither a sales tax nor an income tax. There is an opportunity to profitably purchase housing.
Job
The most profitable companies for employment are those in the oil industry and the fishing industry. The average salary here is up to $15 per hour.
California
Peculiarities
The state of endless beaches, Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and the richest in America. The capital of California is Sacramento, although the most popular cities are San Francisco and Los Angeles. The best shopping here is in glamorous Beverly Hills. The most prestigious brands are concentrated, and many stores are periodically closed to serve only one client. California has a well-developed tourism industry, many opportunities for family recreation and entertainment, and a favorable climate. There are more than 150,000 Russian speakers in Los Angeles.
Housing
Housing prices in California are high - starting from $550,000. But you can find an inexpensive rental apartment. A special feature of the state is the possibility of providing housing from the employer. The average price for renting a home in California is $2,500 per month.
Job
Specialists in the field of IT, technology, economics and physics also come to the state to do business. The average income per person is $80,000.
Where to immigrate to the USA? Comfortable Pacific coast
The western region covers almost half of the country. It is conventionally divided into two regions - the West Coast of the United States and the Mountain States. Let's talk about the Pacific Coast, where the states of California, Oregon and Washington are located. This is where migrants strive to get: a developed economy, a pleasant climate, world-famous tourist centers, kind people - even Americans agree that the west coast is the best coast. Pacific Ocean, rain forests, Rocky Mountains, plains, Death Valley - this region is famous for its geographic diversity. And the states located on this coast have been voting for Democrats in presidential elections for more than twenty years, and in everything else they also behave democratically: in particular, they treat immigrants well.
Everyone who comes to the USA is looking for their place in the sun, but it so happens that California has the most sun. And not only the sun: the warm ocean (after all, the Pacific is really warmer than the Atlantic), deserts, mountains and redwood forests, and the heat here is easier to bear than in Florida due to the dry air.
California was made a dream by Hollywood films that idealized Los Angeles and San Francisco. Therefore, people from all over the world want to come here, but mainly Latin Americans come - they are simply closest to them. They are used to migrants here, so you can always find compatriots and like-minded people, and any culture is treated adequately and tolerantly here.
If you judge the state as a whole, without considering individual cities, the most uncomfortable county is the San Francisco Bay Area. The city itself does not have the most pleasant climate and high prices, and only programmers live in the Bay Area, and if you do not consider yourself an IT specialist, finding a job there will be quite difficult. Farther north, for example, in Sacramento, prices are lower, but it is colder there. The ocean begins to warm south of Santa Barbara. Of course, in the south of the state, in Los Angeles, San Diego and the surrounding area, there are more Mexicans, but there are also more chances to find a job and not pay your entire salary on rent.
To be fair, it should be noted that many Californians and visitors have recently increasingly sought to leave the state. Irritation from overcrowding in large cities, high prices and other subjective disadvantages (dirty streets and roads, old houses) is gradually replacing the euphoria from the wonderful climate and variety of fruits. Therefore, there is an outflow of people to neighboring states, mainly to Texas. Representatives of the middle and low class are leaving, who are primarily dissatisfied with housing prices.
The state of Oregon is located north of California. It is colder than the Golden State, but warmer than Washington. There are fewer Latin Americans here than in the south, but more than in the north. In general, as the American comedian Jon Stewart said, Oregon is Canada for California, Mexico for Washington, and Portugal for Idaho. It is believed that Oregon has the greatest diversity of ecosystems: mountains, volcanoes, rain forests, coastlines, fertile valleys. Part of the state is volcanically and seismically active. Among the attractions is the pride of Oregonians, Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States, formed in the crater of a volcano.
There are quite a lot of Russians in Oregon, about 100 thousand in the Portland area alone. Interestingly, about 30 years ago, about six thousand Old Believers emigrated to Oregon, who live side by side with Americans and Mexicans, observing their ancient traditions. Of course, they don’t shun jeans either. “In general, Russians in Oregon live separately and almost never get out of their holes. “All the locals ask me how long I’ll be here, they mistake me for a tourist,” says Sasha Shashkova, who moved to Portland several years ago. “But they always communicate very kindly: Oregonians are mostly Democrats, and they try to treat emigrants as equals. There is no discrimination at work, and if there is, it is more often towards Mexicans than towards Russians or other migrants.”
Portland is a large metropolis, but its outskirts (Portland Area) are like a village. Naturally, not Russian, but American, with private houses and plaster gnomes on green lawns. Families like to settle in such places; life there is calm and the air is clean. Renting housing here is relatively cheap, the climate is relatively mild, and the infrastructure is relatively developed. All this is relative to other states, as comedian Stewart perfectly expressed.
You can work in Oregon, for example, in a high-tech company or in one of the headquarters of market giants such as Columbia Sportswear or Nike. But a significant area is occupied by fertile plains, where local farmers grow vegetables and fruits. Portland is notable for the fact that low-paid jobs (taxi driver, waiter, handyman) are filled by local residents who compete with migrants in this area. So it’s better to go to Oregon as a fully-formed specialist, without first expecting to get a job in the service sector.
The largest number of whites - more than 70% - is in the northernmost state of the American Pacific coast, Washington. This state is famous for its forests, which cover almost its entire area, and is even called “evergreen”. Its economy is built around this: the state is a leader in the timber industry. He also makes money from agriculture, railway and aviation industries. But don’t think that only loggers and foresters live in Washington: last year, Bloomberg Ranking researchers recognized the state as the most “innovative” (in terms of the number of scientists, productivity growth, number of technical enterprises and other criteria). In this ranking, he was even ahead of California, which took second place. By the way, Microsoft’s headquarters are located in Washington, so IT specialists are also valued here.
The largest city is Seattle; up to 60% of the state's population lives in its area. This is one of the safest cities in the country. Jobs for city residents are provided by the port, large corporations and medical institutions. And cultural and sports entertainment and a mild maritime climate attract emigrants even despite the high prices for rental housing. By the way, it is believed that, in relation to the local population, there are disproportionately many Russians and Ukrainians here: representatives of all three waves of Soviet emigration came here, and the flow resumed after the collapse of the USSR in the 90s. This is how a large Russian community was formed in the west of the state.
Who cares there
While almost everyone wants to go to the West Coast, it doesn't make sense for many. Look for an apartment or house on the West Coast if you are a programmer, IT specialist or a professional in some related field. In this case, you can earn enough to enjoy the local weather, food and sun without worry. If this is not for you, then you can settle in a small town and from there commute to work in big cities, or find a calling on a local farm.
Washington
Peculiarities
The capital of Washington is the city of Olympia, the largest cities are Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma. Washington's unofficial name is the "evergreen state" because there is a lot of greenery and trees. The birthplace of the grunge musical style and a special culture of coffee consumption. Many American coffee chains were founded in Seattle.
Housing
The lack of income and franchise taxes is a big plus of living in Washington. But real estate prices are high here. The average price of a home is from $379,000.
Des Moines is a quiet family town
The population of the city does not exceed 205 thousand people. There are many boutiques, restaurants, and cultural programs of various types. Residents of Des Moines often go hiking and generally prefer active recreation.
Des Moines is considered one of the most comfortable cities in terms of price and quality for permanent residence in the United States. Renting a home costs an average of $800; the cost of an ordinary house does not exceed $170,000. Average earnings per year are 47 thousand dollars. However, it is worth considering that many people living in the city are employed in technology companies, where the earnings are comparatively higher. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. Over the past 3 years, there has been an upward trend in prices for real estate located in the suburbs. The city's climate can be called as comfortable as possible: in winter in Des Moines the temperature drops to -5°C, and in summer it rises to +24°C. Snow falls quite often during the winter months.
