SEATTLE

Seattle is nestled between the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Mountains to the west. The geography is hilly and ridged, carved out by glaciers descending from nearby Mount Rainier during the last ice age. Just beyond the Olympics lies the vast Pacific Ocean. To the north is the grand city of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. To the south, one can easily make a day trip to Portland, Oregon.

Performing arts in Seattle abound and provide year–round entertainment ranging from opera to stage to rock concerts. Major venues include the century–old Seattle Symphony Orchestra, located at the near–by Seattle Center park and complex; downtown Seattle houses the Seattle Symphony Orchestra; also at the Seattle Center one can attend the Pacific Northwest Ballet. In addition, there are several principal theatres, such as the Broadway–style 5th Avenue Theatre, the Seattle Theatre Group producing and hosting other major events at the restored Paramount theatre, and several playhouses including the A.C.T., the Intiman, and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. Overall, there are around 100 theatrical production companies to choose from.

Besides performing arts, Seattle boasts a number of professional sports franchises. Football – Seattle Seahawks – rates high among sports aficionados. You can watch the Mariners play baseball in their unique outdoor stadium with a retractable roof. Both of these stadiums are just south of the downtown core and, while watching the game, you can also take in views of the city from your seat. Other professional sports include the Seattle Thunderbirds – ice hockey, The Seattle Sounders FC – soccer, and the Seattle Storm – WNBA basketball. Unfortunately, Seattle recently lost its men's basketball team – the Seattle Supersonics. You can also attend other sports events, such as professional horse racing at Emerald Downs.

If you are an outdoor person, Seattle is definitely a first–rate location! Boating and fishing, mountain biking and hiking, skiing and snowboarding, or just taking a ride on one of the many ferry routes among and to the numerous islands. Even within the city, it's easy to go beachcombing or take neighborhood walks on the numerous pedestrian–friendly streets while perusing boutiques or pretty gardens and architecture. Seattle has several miles of waterfront parks and pathway where you can walk along bluffs, beaches, and forested areas. Further out, a two hour drive will take you to the Pacific Ocean beaches.

Everyone knows it rains in Seattle. But did you know that the climate is comfortably temperate with only about 35–40 inches of rain a year and over 200 days per year with no precipitation at all? Because Seattle adjoins Puget Sound, marine air keeps the summer temperature in the 70–80 degree range most of the time. Winter can be chilly, but normally not below freezing. Some of the most beautiful days you can experience are in late summer with clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and temperatures where it's hard to tell when you're passing from indoors to outdoors.

Seattle's cosmopolitan environment, proximity to nature, and economics make it one of the most desirable places to live in the United States.