Seattle is the largest city in Washington State and the Pacific Northwest. It’s become a popular destination for hip young professionals and families who want an innovative environment with beautiful scenery, great job opportunities, and a unique culture. However, many people want to experience the amazing benefits Seattle offers but don’t want to move to the city itself due to the home prices, crime rates, or general preferences.
Luckily, there are many other fantastic cities and towns within a short distance that offer distinct advantages and easy access to Seattle. For families planning a visit or an extended stay in the area, Casai features a range of family-friendly rental options in Seattle, making it easier to explore nearby communities while enjoying the comforts of home. So, if you’re considering a move to the Coffee Capital of the World, here is a complete list of all the top cities near Seattle, Washington.
Largest Cities Near Seattle Washington
Seattle is within the Puget Sound Region of Kings County, Washington. Its population is 737,015, and the entire metro area is home to around 4 million residents, making it the 15th largest MSA in the United States. There are dozens of other smaller cities close to Seattle, ranging from small towns to bustling urban centers. So, if Seattle isn’t the right choice for you, there are plenty of other options close by. Here are a few notable Washington cities near Seattle within a 35-mile radius and with a population over 80,000.
Tacoma – 34 miles from Seattle
- Population: 219,346
- County: Pierce
- Median home price: $450,000
- Crime rate: 6,351 crimes per 100,000 residents
Tacoma is a port city in Pierce County and the second largest in the Puget Sound area after Seattle. Tacoma is one of the more affordable cities near Seattle, with a median home price that’s 29% lower than the statewide average. It’s also known for its arts scene and unique attractions like the Museum of Glass and the Tacoma Art Museum.
Many residents love living in Tacoma because it offers the perfect blend of gorgeous natural landscapes, urban amenities, and small-town charm. As a result, it’s one of the best cities near Seattle for families and young professionals on a budget.
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Bellevue – 10 miles from Seattle
- Population: 151,854
- County: King
- Median home price: $1,364,500
- Crime rate: 3,123 crimes per 100,000 residents
Located just 10 miles away across Lake Washington, Bellevue is the nearest city to Seattle geographically. It’s the third largest city in the Seattle MSA and the fifth largest in Washington state. Often considered a satellite city of Seattle, Bellevue is an affluent suburb home to some of the world’s largest tech companies. It’s frequently ranked among the best places to start a business in the US, and Jeff Bezos famously founded Amazon in Bellevue.
Living in Bellevue offers excellent schools, a booming economy, and upscale shopping and dining options. With a median home price of over $1.3 million, it’s one of the more expensive cities near Seattle to live in. But those who can afford it will enjoy a high quality of life.
Everett – 28 miles from Seattle
- Population: 110,629
- County: Snohomish
- Median home price: $550,000
- Crime rate: 3,587 crimes per 100,000 residents
Everett is the county seat of Snohomish County and the seventh-largest city in Washington by population. Connected to Seattle by I-5, Everett is a popular bedroom community offering diversity and outdoor adventure. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 63.7% white (59% non-Hispanic), 16.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10% Asian, 6.5% Black, and 10.5% two or more races.
Popular attractions include the Everett Arboretum and Gardens and Schack Art Center. Everett has something for everyone, including families, retirees, and young professionals in search of reasonable home prices and a manageable city near Seattle, Washington.
Renton – 12 miles from Seattle
- Population: 106,785
- County: King
- Median home price: $672,500
- Crime rate: 4,560 crimes per 100,000 residents
Located just 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, Renton is a close suburb with just over 100,000 people. Known for being the home of Boeing Commercial Airplanes division, Renton is where 747 jets are fully assembled. It’s also home to several notable hospitals and healthcare companies, including Kaiser Permanente, Providence Health & Service, and UW Medicine.
Aside from a strong economy, Renton is full of interesting local attractions like the Renton Civic Theater and Henry Moses Aquatic Center. So, if you’re looking for lively cities near Seattle, WA, with an easy commute into downtown, Renton is a fantastic option.
Federal Way – 24 miles from Seattle
- Population: 101,030
- County: King
- Median home price: $585,000
- Crime rate: 2,973 crimes per 100,000 residents
Federal Way is the 5th largest city in King County and the 10th most populous in Washington State. It’s about halfway between Seattle and Tacoma and offers a similar vibe with its unique attractions and culture. With a median home price of $585,000, it’s one of the more affordable cities close to Seattle, Washington, and offers an easy commute to downtown.
Federal Way is also home to the Wild Waves, the largest water amusement park in the Pacific Northwest with over 44 rides and a 70-acre campus, and the nationally acclaimed Pacific Bonsai Museum. It’s one of the best cities near Seattle to visit if you’re in search of outdoor adventure or family-friendly fun.
Kirkland – 20 miles from Seattle
- Population: 92,175
- County: King
- Median home price: $1,100,000
- Crime rate: 2,243 crimes per 100,000 residents
Situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington, Kirkland is a Seattle suburb with the sixth largest population in King County and 12 largest in the US. It’s famous for its picturesque waterfront area, which is full of art galleries, sculptures, public beaches, restaurants, and boutiques. Living in Kirkland offers breathtaking views of the lake, prime real estate, and easy access to Seattle. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, swimming, and birdwatching at Juanita Bay or Bridle Trails.
It’s also one of the safest cities near Seattle, with a crime rate that is 25% lower than the statewide average. With a median home value of $1.1 million, it’s certainly not one of the cheapest cities near Seattle. But it does offer plenty of advantages and amenities if you have the budget.
Auburn – 30 miles from Seattle
- Population: 87,256
- County: King
- Median home price: $510,000
- Crime rate: 4,537 crimes per 100,000 residents
Auburn is a Seattle suburb with the 14th largest population in the state of Washington. Known as the gateway to Mount Rainier, Auburn is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts with no shortage of hiking and biking trails, golf courses, and fishing lakes. Residents will find plenty of shopping at the Outlet Collection Seattle and other entertainment options at Emerald Downs Racetrack or Rail Hopin Brewing CO.
It’s a gorgeous, booming city with a diversified economy and good schools. So, anyone looking for a small city near Seattle with affordable real estate and an abundance of recreational options will love living in Auburn.
Other Cities Near Seattle Washington
The Seattle metro and Puget Sound area is full of smaller cities and towns that offer unique attractions and a calm pace of life. Each of the following cities and towns is within a 65-mile radius of Seattle and features a population between 80,000 and 20,000.
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Olympia is the state capital and most populous city in Thurston County, offering stable job opportunities and a thriving arts community. Tumwater is a small city in the Olympia metro area known for being the oldest permanent settlement on Puget Sound. Redmond is a medium-sized city just east of Seattle that is known for being the home of major tech companies like Microsoft and Nintendo. Puyallup is another popular community outside of Tacoma with a great local food scene and bustling downtown. Here is a full list of small cities near Seattle, Washington.
| City | County | Population | Distance from Seattle |
| Redmond | Kings | 73,256 | 15 miles |
| Lakewood | Pierce | 63,612 | 40 miles |
| Shoreline | King | 58,608 | 12 miles |
| Olympia | Thurston | 55,605 | 61 miles |
| Lacey | Thurston | 53,526 | 58 miles |
| Burien | King | 52,066 | 11 miles |
| Bothell | Snohomish | 48,161 | 20 miles |
| Bremerton | Kitsap | 43,505 | 65 miles |
| Puyallup | Pierce | 42,973 | 36 miles |
| Edmonds | Snohomish | 42,853 | 17 miles |
| Lynnwood | Snohomish | 38,568 | 16 miles |
| University Place | Pierce | 34,866 | 40 miles |
| Des Moines | King | 32,888 | 15 miles |
| Mercer Island | King | 25,748 | 7 miles |
| Tumwater | Thurston | 25,350 | 62 miles |
| Kenmore | King | 23,914 | 14 miles |
| Tukwila | King | 21,798 | 12 miles |
| Mountlake Terrace | Snohomish | 21,286 | 14 miles |
| Mill Creek | Snohomish | 20,926 | 24 miles |
Map of Cities Near Seattle and Surrounding Area
Small Cities and Towns Near Seattle, WA
For those in search of something even more manageable, there are many small cities and towns near Seattle, WA. The following communities are all within a 50-mile radius of Seattle and have a population between 20,000 and 1,200 people.
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White Center is a popular bedroom community at the northern tip of Lake Washington. Steilacoom is another peaceful town in Pierce County with stunning views and a small-town ambiance. Here is a full list of small cities and towns near Seattle, WA.
| City | County | Population | Distance from Seattle |
| Bryn Mawr-Skyway | King | 17,397 | 11 miles |
| White Center | King | 16,631 | 9 miles |
| Lake Forest Park | King | 13,630 | 15 miles |
| Newcastle | King | 13,017 | 12 miles |
| Enumclaw | King | 12,543 | 43 miles |
| Edgewood | Pierce | 12,327 | 27 miles |
| Sumner | Pierce | 10,621 | 33 miles |
| Milton | King & Pierce | 8,697 | 28 miles |
| Firecrest | Pierce | 7,156 | 36 miles |
| Steilacoom | Pierce | 6,727 | 44 miles |
| Esperance | Snohomish | 4,268 | 15 miles |
| Clyde Hill | King | 3,126 | 8 miles |
| Medina | King | 2,915 | 9 miles |
| Yarrow Point | King | 1,134 | 8 miles |
Major Cities Near Seattle, WA
Seattle is very close to the Canadian border and less than 150 miles from the British Columbia cities of Vancouver and Victoria. It’s also under 300 miles from other major urban centers in the Pacific West, such as Spokane and Portland. Plus, Seattle is just under 500 miles from Boise, Idaho. Here is a full list of all the major cities near Seattle, WA.
| City | Population | Distance from Seattle |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham, WA | 91,483 | 89 miles |
| Victoria, BC | 91,867 | 162 miles |
| Vancouver, BC | 662,248 | 142 miles |
| Portland, OR | 652,503 | 174 miles |
| Spokane, WA | 228,978 | 280 miles |
| Salem, OR | 175,472 | 220 miles |
| Yakima, WA | 96,968 | 142 miles |
| Eugene, OR | 176,654 | 283 miles |
| Boise, ID | 235,684 | 494 miles |
What is the Closest City to Seattle?
Mercer Island is technically the closest city geographically, but Bellevue is the closest large city.
What Major Cities are Near Seattle?
Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett and Federal Way are all cities in the Seattle metro area with a population over 100,000.
What Cities are 30 minutes from Seattle?
Mercer Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Renton, Federal Way and Redmond are all under 30 minutes from downtown Seattle by car.
Thinking of relocating to the Seattle area? Trust the top Seattle movers at All Ready Moving and Storage to make your upcoming move smooth and efficient. Call (360) 507-2447 today for a free moving quote.
