7 Northwest Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According to Real Estate Agents
Written by
Laura Beck
Edited by
Levi Leidy
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There’s no denying it: The Northwest is a gem. With its breathtaking landscapes, booming tech industry and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that a lot of people want to move there. It’s also no surprise that people want to invest there!
But before you buy property without knowing the region, you should get an idea of the best places to put your money. GOBankingRates spoke with real estate professionals to uncover the most promising Northwest cities for property buyers in the next five years.
Kirkland, Washington
Jesse Sheldon, a real estate broker at RE/MAX Northwest, listed Kirkland as one of his top picks. “Picture this,” he said, “a vibrant waterfront, fancy restaurants and tech giants like Microsoft and Google just a stone’s throw away.” Kirkland’s home prices have gone up by nearly 20% in just two years, according to Zillow.
Sheldon added, “Sure, it might make your wallet wince a bit, but Kirkland’s a smart bet. You’ve got top-notch schools, a perfect mix of upscale living and outdoor adventures — and did I mention those tech jobs?”
Lake Stevens, Washington
If you’re after a quieter life but still want to be able to pop into Seattle for a weekend, Sheldon said Lake Stevens is a great investment opportunity. “It’s like the best of both worlds,” he shared. “You get that lakeside-living vibe, but you’re not cut off from the city action.”
The numbers back him up, too. Lake Stevens’ home values are growing fast – about 15% year-over-year according to Redfin – but it’s still a bargain compared to nearby cities. Plus, with new schools and roads in the works, Sheldon thinks it’s just the beginning for this beautiful town.
Anacortes, Washington
Ever dreamed of island-hopping without straying too far from the mainland? Sheldon said Anacortes is your answer. “It’s like the VIP entrance to the San Juan Islands,” he joked. “People are snapping up waterfront properties here like hotcakes.”
Sheldon’s got a hunch about Anacortes: “As more folks look for second homes or cozy retirement spots with killer views, Anacortes is going to be on everyone’s radar.”
Boise, Idaho
Both Marina Vaamonde, founder of HouseCashin.com, and Shannon Feick of ASAP Properties, are betting on Boise.
Vaamonde’s strategy isn’t complicated: “Follow the jobs, and you’ll find the renters.” She likes cities with booming economies, and Boise is on her list.
Feick agreed. “Boise’s got it all – a growing tech scene, outdoor adventures for days and you can still find affordable homes,” he said. “It’s a win-win for long-term investors.”
Spokane, Washington
Feick said Spokane is also on the rise. “Think of it as Seattle’s more affordable cousin,” he shared. “You’ve got city perks without the sky-high prices, and the job market’s on the up and up. It’s primed for growth.”
Bend, Oregon
Bend is another of Feick’s top picks. “It’s a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts and remote workers,” he said. “The job market’s growing, and people are falling over themselves to buy homes here, especially those who can work from anywhere.”
Moses Lake, Washington
Jerry O’Reilly from Cash Home Buyers Crew threw a curveball in with Moses Lake. “It might not be on everyone’s radar yet, but trust me, it’s going places,” he said.
O’Reilly paints a picture of potential. “You’ve got affordable housing, perfect weather without the scorching heat and more water than you know what to do with thanks to the Grand Coulee Dam. Oh, and did I mention the booming agricultural scene?”
Bonus Picks
Here are a few more Northwest cities the experts we spoke to were excited about:
- Gig Harbor, Washington (Sheldon’s pick for waterfront charm)
- Buckley, Washington (Sheldon said it’s ripe for development)
- Mount Vernon/Burlington, Washington (Sheldon’s bet for affordability)
- Idaho Falls, Idaho (Vaamonde’s seeing economic promise here)
- Olympia and Tacoma, Washington (Both on Vaamonde’s watch list)
- Missoula, Montana (Feick’s Montana favorite)
- Coeur d’Alene, Idaho (Feick said it’s catching big-city escapees’ eyes)
- Othello, Ritzville and Ephrata, Washington (O’Reilly’s picks for small-town potential)
- Ontario, Oregon (O’Reilly’s betting on its proximity to Boise)
At the end of the day, Vaamonde had some wise words for potential investors in the area. “The Northwest’s always going to draw people in with its killer outdoors and awesome weather. And hey, lower insurance and property taxes? That’s just icing on the cake for investors,” she said.
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