Seattle Metro

Moving to Seattle Metropolitan Area, WA

An Overview of the Seattle Metropolitan Area, WA

With the three largest counties in Washington state and 56 cities, Seattle is one of the largest — and fastest-growing — metropolitan areas in the U.S. There are approximately 4.1 million people who call the area home, and the region’s economy is fueled by employers such as Microsoft, Amazon, REI, Nordstrom, Starbucks, and Costco. Whether you’re a nature lover who wants world-renowned scenic experiences with close access to city amenities or a professional looking for a balance of career growth and a vibrant arts, culture, and entertainment scene, the Seattle Metropolitan Area truly has something for everyone.

Counties in the Seattle Metropolitan Area

There are three counties in the Seattle Metropolitan Area:

• King County. With more than 2.2 million residents, King County is the most populous county in Washington. Some of its cities include Seattle (the county seat), Bellevue, Kent, and Redmond. 
• Pierce County. Pierce County has a population of around 905,000 making it the second-most populous county in Washington. Its major cities include Tacoma (the county seat), Puyallup, Sumner, and Bonney Lake.
• Snohomish County. Snohomish is the third-most populous county in Washington with over 825,000 residents. Everett is its county seat, and Mill Creek, Snohomish, Arlington, and Lynwood are other cities within its borders.

Cities and Suburbs in the Seattle Metropolitan Area

The five largest cities in the Seattle Metropolitan Area are:

• Seattle. Located in King County, Seattle is the largest city in Washington. It’s known for its thriving tech scene and iconic landmarks (including the Space Needle and Pike Place Market), but its mix of bustling urban culture and proximity to the mountains, woods, and Pacific make it one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
• Tacoma. Located in Pierce County, Tacoma is a gem of the Puget Sound region. Boasting a cost of living that’s significantly more affordable than nearby Seattle, the city is known for its great year-round weather, vibrant arts culture, and beautiful waterfront views. It’s 34 miles south of Seattle.  
• Bellevue. Located in King County, Bellevue is often overshadowed by nearby Seattle and Tacoma. But this city, whose name means “beautiful view” in French, offers great schools, amenities, entertainment, and farm-to-fork restaurants for people from all walks of life. It’s 10 miles from Seattle, on the other side of Lake Washington. 
• Kent. Located in King County, Kent is the six-largest city in Washington. It’s home to a large manufacturing and steel industry, though residents are drawn to its mountain views, wide variety of parks, and quieter pace of life. It’s 20 miles south of Seattle.
• Everett. Located in Snohomish County, Everett is an underrated city in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. Home to Boeing’s plane factory (the largest building in the world), it offers a small-town atmosphere with 22 miles of shoreline, dozens of parks, and a thriving downtown hub. It’s 28 miles north of Seattle.

Smaller nearby cities with plenty of arts, culture, and nature to offer include:

• Mill Creek. Located in Snohomish County, Mill Creek is an affluent 4.4-square-mile city known for its upscale dining, shopping, and family-friendly parks. It’s 22 miles northeast of Seattle.
• Redmond. Located in King County, Redmond is home to Microsoft and other tech giants, including Amazon, Nintendo, and SpaceX. It also features the longest floating bridge in the world. It’s 15 miles northeast of Seattle.
• Puyallup. Located in Pierce County, Puyallup is just a stone’s throw away from nearby Tacoma and some of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular natural scenery. More than a million flock to the city every year for the Washington State Fair. It’s 36 miles south of Seattle.

What Are the Best Things to Do in the Seattle Metropolitan Area?

In addition to the well-known Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Gum Wall, and Sky View Observatory, here are the best unique things to do in Seattle and the surrounding metropolitan area:

• The Museum of Flight — Seattle. With more than 500,000 visitors every year, the Museum of Flight is a must-see for locals and travelers alike. It’s the largest private air and space museum in the world, and hosts the world’s largest K-12 educational programs. 
• Point Defiance Park — Tacoma. Spend all day exploring more than 700 acres of woods, gardens, and waterfront trails — and be sure to leave time to visit the on-site zoo and aquarium.
• Lake Sammamish — Bellevue. Water skiers, boaters, and swimmers will always have recreational opportunities at Lake Sammamish, but the water’s surrounding parks and grassy areas make for scenic picnic areas, summer concert venues, and even campgrounds.
• Funko — Everett. This 6,000-square-foot pop culture collectibles haven is a visual and interactive feast, but its teeming shelves of bobbleheads make for unique and timeless gifts. 
• Washington State Fair — Puyallup. More than a million visitors flock to Puyallup every September for 17 days of livestock shows, art exhibits, rides, and concerts in what is one of the largest state fairs in the country.