Known for its buzzing coffee culture and proud sports fan bases, Seattle, WA, is a large coastal city that’s home to 741,500 people. One of the great things about living in Seattle is that there’s really something for everyone here – whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, an outdoors enthusiast, or have another unique hobby.
Many who call Seattle home boast about the city’s mountain and ocean views, the rich arts and culture scene, and that you’ll find some of the most delicious food in the PNW here. But if you’re currently living in Seattle and have found yourself itching to try out a new city, you’re not alone – 18% of Seattle-area homebuyers are searching to live elsewhere in the country.
Check out the top 10 destinations that people leaving Seattle have searched to relocate to.
1) Los Angeles, CA
The top destination people moving out of Seattle are looking to relocate to is Los Angeles, CA. With a median home sale price of $975,000, this popular destination has caught the eye of 5,000 Seattle-based residents.
Home to 4 million residents, Los Angeles is the second-largest city in America and is one of the world’s most famous cities. LA is internationally known for its beautiful weather, for being the home of the rich and famous, and for areas like Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, and Rodeo Drive. However, the city is also known for its bad traffic and high housing costs.
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Apartments for rent in Los Angeles, CA
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2) Phoenix, AZ
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With 4,945 Seattle residents searching to move to Phoenix, AZ, this vibrant city is the second most popular area catching the eyes of Seattle residents. For homebuyers considering making the move, keep in mind that the median home sale price in Phoenix is $430,000.
Situated in the sun-scorched Sonoran Desert, the greater Phoenix area is one of the largest cities in the U.S. Phoenix proper is home to 1.7 million people and is known for its delicious food, nightlife, outdoor attractions, and more. No wonder many people are looking to call this lively city home.
Homes for sale in Phoenix, AZ
Apartments for rent in Phoenix, AZ
3) Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, WA is the third most popular area that people leaving Seattle are looking to move to. 3,739 Seattle homebuyers are looking to relocate to Bellingham, where the median sale price is $637,500.
Home to 91,000 people, Bellingham is a cozy community located in the beautiful northern part of Washington state. With a grand natural harbor able to dock large ocean vessels and its central location near the coast, Bellingham is a transportation hub connecting Seattle and Vancouver with the San Juan Islands and Alaska. This college town is also known for its abundance of nature and outdoor adventure, from the Salish Sea to Mt. Baker and North Cascades National Park.
Homes for sale in Bellingham, WA
Apartments for rent in Bellingham, WA
4) Portland, OR
Another popular destination for those looking to move out of Seattle is Portland, OR. 3,090 residents are searching to relocate here, where the median home sale price is $549,000.
Portland is a unique city that offers a creative and counter-culture atmosphere, as well as sustainable and innovative practices. There is an excellent public transit system, tax-free shopping, and numerous parks that offer a variety of cultural attractions. Portland is also home to many different genres of music, from indie standards to hip hop, as well as eccentric characters seen in the popular TV show “Portlandia.” In addition, there is a great craft brew scene with many different distilleries to choose from. It’s no wonder 650,500 residents call this vibrant city home, and more are considering living in Portland.
Homes for sale in Portland, OR
Apartments for rent in Portland, OR
5) Wenatchee, WA
If you’ve been thinking of moving out of Seattle for Wenatchee, WA, you aren’t the only one. In fact, Wenatchee is the fifth most searched-for destination by 2,004 people living in Seattle. If you’re planning to buy a home, take note that the median home sale price here is $462,500.
Home to 34,500 people, Wenatchee is a city located in Washington state with the Columbia River running through it. The Cascade foothills are visible in the background, and the city is known for its scenic views. Wenatchee is also home to charming neighborhoods, a vibrant art and culture scene, and experiences all four seasons.
Homes for sale in Wenatchee, WA
Apartments for rent in Wenatchee, WA
6) Spokane, WA
People are also considering moving out of Seattle for Spokane, WA, which has a median home sale price of $380,000, compared to $840,000 in Seattle. With 2,848 people searching to move here from Seattle, you definitely aren’t alone if this area has also caught your eye.
Spokane is known for its access to nature and its relaxed atmosphere. The city has a river running through downtown and is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and bike paths. Spokane is also home to a variety of restaurants, breweries, and wineries. While some parts of the city are bustling with activity, much of Spokane retains a small-town feel, which its 219,000 residents enjoy.
Homes for sale in Spokane, WA
Apartments for rent in Spokane, WA
7) Aberdeen, WA
Another city that people leaving Seattle are searching to move to is Aberdeen, WA. With a median home sale price of $275,000, 2,350 Seattle area homebuyers have considered making the move here.
With just 17,000 residents living in Aberdeen, it’s a small yet charming city in Washington’s Gray Harbor County. The city is known as the official gateway to Washington’s scenic Olympic Peninsula. Aberdeen is also known as the “Birthplace of Grunge” as its the hometown of rock music icon Kurt Cobain.
Homes for sale in Aberdeen, WA
Apartments for rent in Aberdeen, WA
8) San Jose, CA
For Seattle residents, another top destination they’re considering relocating to is San Jose, CA. 2,252 homebuyers currently living in Seattle searched to move here, where the median home sale price is $975,000.
San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley, the cultural and technological epicenter of Northern California, and is home to 1 million people. The city is surrounded by the beauty of Wine Country and has a sunny, mild climate. It’s also well known for its innovative community and deep roots in the agricultural industry.
Homes for sale in San Jose, CA
Apartments for rent in San Jose, CA
9) Ellensburg, WA
Ellensburg, WA is another location that Seattle area residents have shown interest in (2,092 people, to be exact). Homes here are selling for a median price of $435,000.
Just north of the Yakima Valley of Washington lies the rural western town of Ellensburg, home to 21,000 people. Full of historic, elegant 19th-century buildings, this charming town is known for the Ellensburg Rodeo, which is one of the top 10 in the U.S. The city is also home to Central Washington University, which gives the area a lively atmosphere with student events and cafes.
Homes for sale in Ellensburg, WA
Apartments for rent in Ellensburg, WA
10) Dallas, TX
Last, but certainly not least, is Dallas, TX. For those considering leaving Seattle, it’s important to consider that the median home sale price is $405,000. Not to mention that 2,004 Seattle residents are also looking to make the move here.
Sometimes called “the Big D,” Dallas is often deemed one of many great destinations to live in Texas. With the Dallas Zoo, concerts to see each week, and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder 1.34 million residents live in the city, and so many people are looking to move to the area.
Homes for sale in Dallas, TX
Apartments for rent in Dallas, TX
Methodology: Median home sale price from Redfin Housing Market data and migration figures from Seattle Migration & Relocation Trends, October 2022.
Learn more about Seattle:
12 Fun Seattle Facts: How Well Do You Know Your City?
What is Seattle Known For? 22 Ways to Get to Know The Emerald City
10 Affordable Seattle Suburbs to Consider Buying a Home In
14 Unique Things to do in Seattle That Every Seattleite Should Know About
9 Cities Near Seattle to Buy or Rent in this Year
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