SEATTLE

BEST CITY FOR EMPTY-NESTERS

Population: 3,144,715
Cost-of-Living Index: 108 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 33.7%
Bohemian Indicator: 141
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 13.9%

Wet happens in Rain City, but you can cure cabin fever by biking the Burke-Gilman Trail, hiking the Cascade foothills and boating on Lake Union. The indoors action lies downtown, in the raffish bars, cozy bookstores, hip restaurants and funky coffee shops.

For a full explanation of our criteria click here.