The State of Washington is one of the most interesting places to invest in real estate. We are going to tell you the 5 best places for acquiring a house for rent or living in 2026.
In recent years, the prices of properties in Washington are skyrocketing. This trend is likely to continue, at least in the next few years, because of the expected growth in job opportunities. That means now is the time to buy or rent!
This list can be useful for both people who want to buy a home to live in and people who are considering a buy-to-rent property. While those goals can overlap, they are not exactly the same. An owner-occupant may focus more on day-to-day livability, while a buy-to-rent investor may pay closer attention to rental appeal and income potential. Keeping that distinction in mind can help you use the rankings in the way that best matches your purpose.
This ranking is intended as a general overview of five Washington cities that stand out for home buying or rental interest. The order reflects a broad comparison of home values, rent levels, and overall appeal for people considering a property in these markets. Because buyers and investors may have different goals, the list should be viewed as a starting point for further evaluation rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Seattle is the largest city in both the state of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. With a booming population of 724,305, Seattle is one of the fastest-growing major city in the United States.
The city offers a fast paced environment with a unique and vibrant local culture. If you’re looking for the perfect place to call home in the pacific northwest, Seattle is the place you are looking for.
With a median value of $865,000 and an average rent of $2,290, Seattle takes the number one spot on our list!
Seattle ranks first on this list because it combines major-city scale with strong rental pricing and broad lifestyle appeal. For someone buying to live in the property, the city offers a dynamic environment and established demand. For someone considering a rental property, the average rent shown here is one reason Seattle stands out as a market to evaluate closely.
Bellevue is located across Lake Washington from Seattle. It has been characterized as an edge city, a suburb, boomburb, or satellite city.
According to a new Niche report, Bellevue is ranked as one of the top 10 best places to live in the US.
With a median value of $1,500,000 and an average rent of $2,558, Bellevue occupies our second place ranking up as one of the best places to live in America.
Bellevue earns its place near the top because it pairs very high home values with strong rent levels and a reputation as a desirable place to live. That can make it relevant for buyers seeking long-term residential appeal as well as for those comparing higher-end rental markets. Its position just behind Seattle reflects its strength as both a lifestyle market and an investment consideration.
Several companies in the high-tech industry are based in Redmond. The largest employer in the city is Microsoft Corporation with over 40,000 employees.
With a median value of $1,400,000 and a rent value of $2,536, Redmond occupies our third place as an equally great place to live or rent.
Redmond stands out because of its connection to the technology sector and its balance of high property values with strong rent figures. That combination can appeal to buyers who want to live near major employment centers and to investors who are comparing rental demand drivers. Its ranking suggests a market with both residential desirability and rental relevance.
Kirkland is a suburb east of Seattle in King County, is the sixth largest city in the county, and the thirteenth largest in the state. It features great schools and a mix of suburban and urban areas.
With a median value of $1,400,000 and a value of rent of $2,600, Kirkland is positioned in fourth place.
Kirkland makes this list because it offers a mix of suburban and urban characteristics alongside strong rent and home value figures. For owner-occupants, features like schools and neighborhood balance may support its appeal. For buy-to-rent buyers, the rent level makes it a city worth comparing with other high-demand Eastside markets.
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city and the county seat of Pierce County. It serves as the center of business activity for the South Sound region.
With a median value of $485,000 and a rent average of $1,688, we think Tacoma is an affordable place for living or renting in Washington.
Tacoma stands apart from the other cities on this list because of its lower median home value and more affordable positioning. That may make it especially relevant for buyers looking for a lower entry point, whether for a primary residence or a rental property. Its inclusion highlights that investment appeal is not only about the highest prices, but also about accessibility and market role.
These five cities can be compared by looking at two simple factors already shown in the list: median home value and average rent. Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland represent higher-priced markets with comparatively strong rent levels, while Tacoma stands out as the more affordable option. For an owner-occupant, the comparison may center on where the purchase price aligns with lifestyle goals. For an investor, the same comparison may help frame how acquisition cost and rental pricing differ from one city to another.
Do you agree with our list? Now that you know the best places for investing in a house for owning or renting, are you ready for taking the next step?
At Sammamish Mortgage, we have professionals ready to help you decide what is best for you in the process of acquiring a new mortgage and setting foot on the path for buying your new home. It’s very simple – just go to SammamishMortgage.com and use our Advance Rate Quote tool.
Start by checking rates on the RQT, then simply initiate the Loan Application process. We hope you enjoyed our video – don’t forget to subscribe!
Since 1992, we have been helping borrowers all across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Califfornia and Colorado with several mortgage products, and we’d love to help you too. Get in touch with us today or go online and get an instant rate quote. Please reach out to us if you are ready to get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, and Tacoma are strong places to consider for real estate investment in Washington in 2026.
Seattle stands out for its large population, strong job market, and high rental demand, making it attractive for both homeowners and investors.
Bellevue can be a strong rental market because it is close to Seattle, has a desirable location, and is widely regarded as a high-quality place to live.
Redmond attracts technology professionals because major tech companies, including Microsoft, have a significant presence there.
Kirkland offers a mix of suburban and urban living, strong schools, and proximity to Seattle, which supports housing demand.
Tacoma is presented as a more affordable option than the other cities listed, with lower home values and rent levels.
Buying may be worth considering if long-term job growth and housing demand continue, especially in markets with strong local economies.
Review local job growth, home prices, rent levels, neighborhood demand, commute access, and the type of property that fits your goals.
High home prices can raise the cost of entry, so it is important to compare expected rent, financing costs, and long-term appreciation potential.
Tacoma may fit investors looking for lower entry costs compared with Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland.
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