15 Reasons Why My Heart Will Always Be In Washington

There's no place in the world quite like Washington. If you've ever moved away for a while or even just left for vacation, you probably know how easy it is to miss all of the things that make this diverse state so amazing. No matter where you are, or where you end up living, here are 15 (of countless) reasons why the Pacific Northwest will always feel like home.

1. We have the most beautiful mountains to explore everywhere.

Luckily, Washington is anything but flat and boring, and we have plenty of scenic trails and peaks to discover all throughout the state. Spend a day by the Olympics or the Cascades and you'll find the adventures here are just about endless.

2. Washington's coastline is uniquely beautiful.

You can find dazzling beaches all over the country, but there's something truly magical about the rugged Pacific shoreline here in Washington. The tree-covered sea stacks, tide pools, driftwood and rocky beaches make it a paradise unlike anywhere else in the world.

3. We have some of the most diverse scenery in the country.

If you drive across the state you'll be able to find almost every kind of terrain. We have nearly everything you can think of: desert, ocean, rivers, mountains, forests, rainforests, plains, islands, volcanoes, glaciers - and they're all absolutely stunning.

4. We get all four seasons...and they're each more gorgeous than the last.

Some places don't really get to experience the fall, while others don't see much of a winter. Here in the Northwest, we're able to experience all four seasons individually, and they bring us beautiful scenery all year round.

5. The selection of wine, coffee, and beer just isn't the same anywhere else.

You can still find some good brews and wines outside of Washington, but you probably won't have nearly as many options to choose from. With 890+ wineries, 281+ breweries, and countless cafes, our huge selection here offers a little something for everyone.

6. We take care of our environment.

It's reassuring to know we live in an area that's so sustainable. Recycling, composting and renewable energy are only a few of the ways we give back to the wonderful environment surrounding us. Besides, those bottles can easily be re-used and filled up with more wine.

7. The view of Mount Rainier in the sky is matchless.

There aren't many more mesmerizing sights in Washington than when the mountain's out. The highest peak against the sky almost looks like it's straight off a canvas.

8. There's always a place to be out by the water.

Washington is a complete paradise for boaters, fishers, or people who love to go kayaking or canoeing. Whether it's on Puget Sound or one of our other hundreds of rivers, lakes or streams, we're at no shortage of places to relax by the water.

9. And there's nothing like the views on our ferry rides.

No matter which route you catch, our ferry system - the largest in the country - offers a delightfully scenic trip. Whether you get a good view from the window or head out to the deck, the vistas of the water (and the Olympic mountains) are definitely unbeatable - especially during the evening.

10. People here are more accepting and compassionate.

Okay, not everyone you meet, but most people around Washington are much more laid back than in most other places (like NYC). We're generally known to be more liberal and passionate, especially when it comes to our adorable pets. You can find notably more dog-friendly options around the state than most other places across the country.

11. There's a lot of opportunity here.

Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond are a giant hub when it comes to job opportunities. Whether you're looking to build your own business, or a career with a world-class company like Boeing, Microsoft or Amazon, Washington is the perfect place to grow.

12. Our food is some of the freshest, and the most delicious.

Washington's various climates are perfect for farming all kinds of fresh foods. We top the nation in a number of different exports, from apples to pears and grapes. And between all of our waterways, lakes and rivers, our locally caught seafood is some of the most appetizing in the country, too.

13. We get to experience some of the most magical sunsets every single night.

Watching the sunset in the Pacific Northwest is second to none. Whether you catch it over the water or the mountains, the vibrant skies here before twilight top off our already picture-perfect scenery.

14. The Evergreen landscapes...everywhere.

Although it's more lush on the west side of the Cascades and on the peninsula, we still have lovely vibrant green scenery all throughout Washington. They don't call us the Evergreen state for nothing.

15. The scenery anywhere else just doesn't compare.

You can find fabulous landscapes in every state, but none are quite as enchanting as the ones here in Washington. Between our majestic mountains, waterfalls, diverse landscapes and beautiful alpine scenery, there really isn't a more perfect place to call home.

There's truly no place like the Pacific Northwest. Could you imagine living anywhere else?