Seattle

Seattle has long been considered one of the jewels of North America. Nestled between the glistening waters of Puget Sound and the snow-capped Cascade Mountains, Seattle (population 578,700 in 2006) offers an ideal blend of a thriving economy, recreational opportunities and cultural amenities.

Businesspeople know the Seattle area as the home of Microsoft, Boeing and other major companies. Seattle also is ideally situated for shipping and passenger transportation. Seattle-Tacoma (SeaTac) International Airport and the Port of Seattle rank among the country's largest facilities in passengers and cargo. Major railroad lines and interstate freeways head north, south and east from Seattle.

With Seattle's consistent top rankings in national studies of educational attainment, employers benefit from a highly educated workforce. Educational options abound for K-12 and post-secondary students. The University of Washington and many other public and private institutions are based in Seattle, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.

Seattle offers numerous parks, plus trails for walking and bicycling. Mt. Rainier attracts thousands of hikers and climbers annually, while other sites in the Cascade Mountains are ideal for skiers and snowboarders. If you prefer water in its liquid form, Seattle's marinas serve thousands of saltwater boaters while others flock to nearby lakes for fishing and water-skiing. Golfers have an abundant number of options within a quick drive.

Seattle is home to a number of professional sports teams, including the Seattle Mariners (Major League Baseball), Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Sonics (NBA) and Seattle Storm (WNBA). It also attracts top entertainers and offers world-class museums and art galleries. And all are complemented by some of the best restaurants in the world.

Quick Links:

Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
City of Seattle
University of Washington
Seattle School District