Where Are Homebuyers Moving in Washington State?

If you’re planning to buy a home in Washington State, you’re not alone — and you’re probably using a mortgage between $300,000 and $1,000,000.

That loan range now represents the largest share of homebuyers across Washington, from first-time buyers to relocations and move-up homeowners. But where people are buying has shifted significantly in the past few years.

Below are the top Washington cities attracting homebuyers and what mortgage financing typically looks like in each market.

Top Washington Cities Homebuyers Are Moving To

Seattle

• Typical Home Prices: $750K–$850K
• Common Loan Amounts: $500K–$900K
• Who’s Buying: Tech professionals, relocations, condo buyers, downsizers

Seattle continues to attract buyers relocating for tech and urban living and remains a top destination despite affordability challenges. Buyers often focus on condos, townhomes, or smaller single-family homes and rely on strong income qualification, conventional loans, and strategic rate options.

Mortgage options for buyers in Seattle.

Bellevue

• Typical Home Prices: $1.2M+
• Common Loan Amounts: $700K–$1M+
• Who’s Buying: High-income tech, executives, dual-income households

Bellevue attracts buyers who prioritize schools, proximity to major employers, and long-term value. Many buyers here compare jumbo vs. high-balance conventional loans carefully.

Mortgage guidance for Bellevue homebuyers.

Redmond

• Typical Home Prices: $950K–$1.1M
• Common Loan Amounts: $650K–$950K
• Who’s Buying: Tech relocations, move-up buyers

Redmond continues to benefit from tech employment and relocation activity. Buyers often want help optimizing down payment strategy, equity rollover, and financing with a departing residence.

Mortgage options for Redmond homebuyers

Tacoma

• Typical Home Prices: $475K–$575K
• Common Loan Amounts: $350K–$500K
• Who’s Buying: First-time buyers, Seattle transplants, military

Tacoma remains one of the strongest value markets in the Puget Sound region. Many buyers here use 5–10% down conventional loans and ask about payment buydowns.

Home loan options for buyers in Tacoma.

Vancouver

• Typical Home Prices: $450K–$550K
• Common Loan Amounts: $350K–$500K
• Who’s Buying: Portland commuters, tax-conscious buyers

Vancouver continues to grow as buyers seek Washington residency while working in Oregon. Mortgage planning here often includes income structure, commuting considerations, and affordability planning.

Mortgage options for home buyers in Vancouver

Bothell

• Typical Home Prices: $750K–$900K
• Common Loan Amounts: $500K–$750K
• Who’s Buying: Eastside spillover, growing families

Bothell appeals to buyers priced out of Bellevue or Redmond but who still want access to Eastside employment and schools.

Mortgage options for home buyers in Bothell

Maple Valley

• Typical Home Prices: $650K–$800K
• Common Loan Amounts: $450K–$650K
• Who’s Buying: Move-up buyers, remote workers

Buyers moving to Maple Valley often want space, newer construction, and predictable payments.

Mortgage tips for people thinking about buying in Maple Valley

Gig Harbor

• Typical Home Prices: $700K–$850K
• Common Loan Amounts: $500K–$700K
• Who’s Buying: Lifestyle buyers, retirees, Tacoma commuters

Gig Harbor attracts buyers focused on lifestyle and long-term ownership, often with larger down payments or equity from prior homes.

Mortgage guidance for homebuyers considering Gig Harbor.

Federal Way

Federal Way continues to attract buyers looking for more affordability than Seattle while maintaining access to both Seattle and Tacoma. It appeals to first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and commuters who want flexible price points across a variety of neighborhoods.

• Typical home prices: ~$450,000–$650,000
• Common mortgage amounts: ~$350,000–$550,000
• Buyer profile: First-time buyers, move-up buyers, commuters

Mortgage guide for homebuyers in Federal Way

Lacey (Olympia Area)

• Typical Home Prices: $425K–$500K
• Common Loan Amounts: $300K–$450K
• Who’s Buying: State employees, military, first-time buyers

This market is ideal for buyers using entry-level conventional loans or first-time buyer programs.

Home loan options for buyers in the Lacey – Olympia area.

Spokane & Spokane Valley

• Typical Home Prices: $375K–$475K
• Common Loan Amounts: $300K–$400K
• Who’s Buying: Western WA relocations, affordability seekers

Spokane continues to draw buyers who want lower payments and long-term value, often relocating from higher-cost markets.

Mortgage guide for homebuyers in Spokane Valley

What This Means for Homebuyers

If you’re using a $300K–$1M mortgage, the most important factors aren’t just the rate — they’re:

• Mortgage programs
• Loan structure (conventional, high-balance, jumbo)
• Down payment strategy
• Monthly payment planning
• Speed, communication, and underwriting reliability

Working with a mortgage advisor who understands local markets and buyer trends can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re planning to buy anywhere in Washington State, I’m happy to help you compare options and create a mortgage strategy that fits your goals. Let’s talk!