SIZE - At a little over 580,000 people, Seattle is the largest city in the Northwest. While Seattle has all the attractions you would expect from a major city, it is often described as a "city of neighborhoods" - which gives the city a suprisingly small town feel. Neighborhoods throughout the city each have a distinct personality, with their own local traditions, celebrations, artists and events.

NATURE - With the Cascade Mountains and Lake Washington on one side of town and the Olympic Mountains and Elliott Bay on the other, almost any drive through the city is met with breathtaking views. There are over 400 parks within the city. Skiing, hiking, climbing, white water rafting, camping and more are all just a short drive away. In Seattle, "getting back to nature" is just a part of daily life.

CULTURE - It's the city that introduced the world to grunge, the 747, Amazon.com and made "latte" a household word. Seattle has something to interest everyone; professional sports teams, art musuems, music and world class cuisine and shopping. Seattle is also home to renowned universities, nationally recognized medical research facilities and hospitals.

CLIMATE - Seattle gets its reputation for rain because winters are often overcast. But the marine climate usually creates "drizzle" rather than hard rain; average rainfall in Seattle is less than New York City or Miami. The trade-off for winter drizzle is a mild-climate with comfortable temperatures year round. Spring through late-fall is usually clear, vibrantly green and gorgeous.