The 6 Most Expensive Mountain Towns in Washington to Buy a Second Home

Mountain towns in Washington range from popular and amenity-rich to remote and off-the-grid. But they all have one thing in common – spectacular views and endless outdoor recreation. The most expensive towns often feature plenty of activities, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. They are also typically located within proximity to larger cities, offering small-town residents more convenience and a wider selection of amenities. Check out the six most expensive mountain towns in Washington to buy a second home and discover why they are so popular.

1. Issaquah

Located in King County, Washington, Issaquah is a city bordered by the Issaquah Alps to the south and the Sammamish Plateau to the north. Issaquah features a population of nearly 40,000 and is one of the best suburbs in Washington. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area and features an urban-suburban feel. The city is popular among families and young professionals due to its excellent public schools, amenities, outdoor activities, and low crime rates. However, Issaquah has a high cost of living, a median home value of $745,000, and a median rent cost of nearly $2,300. The city is close to Seattle, and residents make an average household income of $133,000.

2. North Bend

North Bend is another city in King County in the suburbs of Seattle. It has a population of only 7,695 and is a popular bedroom community in Washington’s largest metropolitan area. North Bend has a sparse suburban and small-town feel popular among families. This suburb is popular for its excellent schools, family amenities, outdoor recreation, and health-focused community. But its crime rate is higher, and it has a high cost of living. The median home value in North Bend is $693,000, and the average monthly rent cost is $1,780. Residents of the community have a median household income of $123,000.

3. Snoqualmie

Located near Snoqualmie Falls in King County, Snoqualmie is a rural community and one of the best places to live in Washington. It is also one of the best suburbs to buy a house in the Seattle area and is popular among families for its highly rated public schools, outdoor activities, amenities, and decent job market. However, Snoqualmie has a high cost of living, with a median home value of $681,000 and an average rent price of $2,429. The average household income is $171,000.

4. Leavenworth

Situated in the Cascade Mountains, the Bavarian-styled village of Leavenworth is a popular place to visit in Washington due to its charming alpine buildings and German restaurants. It is also one of the best places to live in the state and features an urban-suburban mix. Many retirees live in this mountain town, but it’s also great for families due to its great public schools, amenities, recreation, and commute times. Leavenworth has a high cost of living, featuring a median home value of $414,000. Despite its higher home values, residents of Leavenworth take home an average of $60,000 per year, which is lower than the national average.

5. Roslyn

The small town of Roslyn is in Kittitas County in the Cascade Mountains, about 80 miles east of Seattle. It has a small population of around 900 and was once a coal mining town in the 1800s. Today, it’s a rural area popular among families and retirees. Roslyn features above-average schools, abundant outdoor recreation, and a close-knit community. When compared to other towns its size, Roslyn has a very high cost of living, with the median home value around $370,000 and the average rent price just below $2,000. Roslyn residents only make an average of $64,000 annually, lower than the national average.

6. Ellensburg

Ellensburg is a mountain town in Kittitas County, just east of the Cascade Range, where it’s known for its rodeo and Wild West traditions. Ellensburg has an urban-suburban feel and is home to many young professionals. Residents benefit from great schools, outdoor recreation, excellent weather, and a decent job market. However, the city has a higher crime rate and a high cost of living. The median home value in Ellensburg is $261,000, while the median household income is only $47,000, much lower than the national average.

Summary of the Most Expensive Mountain Towns in Washington to Buy a Second Home

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