GET TO KNOW THE AREA
University of Washington Emergency Medicine Residents come from all over the country, much like the rest of Seattle.
As a city of transplants, Seattle ranks No.3 in the "geographic diversity index," just behind Las Vegas, NV, and Colorado Springs, CO.
According to Resonance Consultancy, Seattle ranked #8 on the list of the Top 10 Best Cities in America in 2023. Known for becoming a growing tech hub, Seattle was also ranked as the seventh-best biking city in America, to go along with its top 10 Walk Score.
Parks and Recreation
The Trust for Public Land also ranked Seattle #8 out of 10 for the 2023 ParkScore
index. The TPL index is a national comparison of park systems across the 100 most populated cities in the United States. Published annually, the index measures park systems according to five categories: access, investment, amenities, acreage, and equity.
Seattle scored 98 out of 100 points when it comes to access, meaning 99% of its population lives close to a park.
Seattle is also home to several beaches, between the Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The Seattle Times notes there are about 200 miles of fresh and saltwater shoreline.
In just a 45-minute drive from Seattle, you can escape the city and be surrounded by mountains and wildflowers. There are hundreds of scenic trails and wonderful sights at the bidding, including Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Baker.
The saying, "If it's raining in Seattle, it's snowing in the mountains" can be heard frequently in the winter as people head to the slopes. This saying underscores the sheer abundance of winter activities that can be found within two hours of the city--downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snow-shoeing, and ice climbing.
There is also no shortage of hiking opportunities near the city of Seattle. TheTravel.com lists the Top 10 Best Hikes You Can Do Near Seattle. The list includes:
- Discovery Park Loop
- Lake 22 Trail
- Deception Pass State Park Bridge And Beach Trail
- Myrtle Falls Viewpoint
- Snoqualmie Falls Trail
- Poo Poo Point Trail
- Mount Baker Summit
- Wallace Falls Woody Trail
- Mailbox Peak Trail Loop
- Heybrook Lookout
Washington is home to several national parks and state parks. From snowy, volcanic peaks and waterfalls, there is something for every lover of the outdoors.
Seattle has been home to many influential rock artists, including Jimi Hendrix (pictured here), Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. More recent exports include Death Cab for Cutie and Macklemore. There are many venues showcasing local bands and numerous music festivals throughout the year.
The Seattle Center was originally built for the 1962 World's Fair. A few of the original attractions remain, including the Seattle monorail and the Space Needle, which was the tallest building west of the Mississippi River at the time. The Experience Music Project (EMP) was built in 2000 and is a museum to showcase popular culture.
Seattle Waterfront--a span of parks, piers, ferry, and ship terminals--faces Elliott Bay and Puget Sound, both of which support port facilities and direct access to the Pacific Ocean. [The Port of Seattle plays a key role in bringing international trade, transportation, and travel to the Pacific Northwest.] Seattle parks, the Seattle Aquarium, and the new Seattle Great Wheel are Seattle Waterfront attractions.
Seattle is also home to the Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, OL Reign, and Seattle Storm.
Take a day trip to Bainbridge Island or Bremerton by hopping on a Washington State ferry from Seattle's Waterfront. The San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island (and the city of Victoria, B.C.), and other locations are easily accessible via local ferries as well.
The Pike Place Market is one of the oldest continuously operated
public farmer's markets in the country and remains one of Seattle’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a place of business for many small farmers, craftspeople, and merchants. It comprises multiple floors with vendors for fresh seafood, produce, and crafts. Visit the Market to experience the famous "fish throwing.”
Gasworks Park is one of over 400 parks located in Seattle. Located on the northern shore of Lake Union, it surrounds the remnants of the only remaining coal gasification plant in the United States. It is a very popular July 4th fireworks viewing spot.
Seattle is home to a diverse population of over 750,000 people, making it the largest city in the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle metropolitan area has a population of over 3.5 million. Seattle is home to Boeing, Microsoft, Amazon, Costco, Nordstrom, and Starbucks, and is one of the fastest-growing major cities in the US.
The international district is a great place to score some great food, including the world's largest bowl of pho. The streetcar allows for easy access to the international district, and there are frequent food festivals during the summer months.