Depending on where you live and the people you meet, you may or may not consider Washington a friendly state. And while everyone’s experience is different, it tends to rank fairly well for its friendliness in polls. But where, you might wonder, will you find the friendliest town in the Evergreen State? Or the best places to live in Washington? That award goes to Sammamish, Washington!

If you aren’t exactly sure where Sammamish is, you’re not alone.

Thales / Flickr It’s located in King County, east of Seattle. The little city is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east.

While it has a population of 65,000 people, Sammamish definitely has a small town vibe.

Sammamish Chamber / Facebook The Sammamish Town Center is known as Sammamish’s “living room,” and the retail and future living space is the closest thing you’ll find to an urban feel.

The Sammamish Farmers Market runs from May - September, gathering every Wednesday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Sammamish Chamber / Facebook Given its close proximity to so many agricultural communities, it’s no wonder that this market is a fantastic one.

The city is mostly residential, and there are nine beautiful parks surrounding it.

Kurt Clark / Flickr Perhaps people here are friendly because life is so quiet and peaceful. The fact that it is Washington’s richest city likely doesn’t hurt either. It’s easy to be friendly when you aren’t stressed about making ends meet.

Of course, it could be the breathtaking beauty of the lake that makes Sammamish such a beloved spot.

Bill Devlin / Flickr It’s hard to be anything but happy and kind when this is in your backyard.

Whatever the reasons may be, it appears you can count on a friendly greeting when you visit Sammamish.

Gene Bisbee / Flickr It was voted the friendliest small metro area by Forbes readers in 2017, and that reputation has remained as the city has continued to grow.

What do you think the friendliest town in Washington is? Looking for more charming small towns in Washington? The Evergreen State is full of them!

Thales / Flickr

It’s located in King County, east of Seattle. The little city is bordered by Lake Sammamish to the west and the Snoqualmie Valley to the east.

Sammamish Chamber / Facebook

The Sammamish Town Center is known as Sammamish’s “living room,” and the retail and future living space is the closest thing you’ll find to an urban feel.

Given its close proximity to so many agricultural communities, it’s no wonder that this market is a fantastic one.

Kurt Clark / Flickr

Perhaps people here are friendly because life is so quiet and peaceful. The fact that it is Washington’s richest city likely doesn’t hurt either. It’s easy to be friendly when you aren’t stressed about making ends meet.

Bill Devlin / Flickr

It’s hard to be anything but happy and kind when this is in your backyard.

Gene Bisbee / Flickr

It was voted the friendliest small metro area by Forbes readers in 2017, and that reputation has remained as the city has continued to grow.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Sammamish, WA, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Small Towns in Washington January 22, 2023 Sarah M. What are some other friendly small towns in Washington? In addition to the beguiling little town of Sammamish, here are some other warm and welcoming small towns in Washington:

Orting. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier lies one of the oldest towns in Washington. It doesn’t get more hometown than Orting. With one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the fall, and the annual Daffodil Festival and parade in the spring, Orting is all about community. And did we mention those stunning Mt. Rainier views? Roslyn. The tiny coal-mining town of Roslyn is located 80 miles east of Seattle and is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. You might recognize Roslyn as the filming location for the 1990s television series, “Northern Exposure”, but it’s the quaint shops and friendly people that draw visitors to this small town. Ellensburg. Ellensburg is known as the most centrally located city in the state of Washington. Visitors are drawn to the area for its quaint and historic downtown and the yearly Ellensburg Rodeo considered one of the best rodeos in North America. But did you know that the third rarest gem in the world, the Ellensburg Blue, can only be found in this small-town region? Friday Harbor. Lauded as one of the most picturesque towns in the US, Washington’s Friday Harbor is a vision. The town is located on San Juan Island, one of the most naturally stunning places in the country. Friday Harbor is a quintessential PNW seaside town, with winsome boats, lighthouses, and docks dotting its shores. Sailing and kayaking are popular pastimes here, and visitors will delight in whale watching along the Pacific shores, too. In town, an abundance of delightful shops and restaurants await, offering visitors a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Leavenworth. You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. While outdoor options abound in this part of the country, Leavenworth really is a cultural hub for those looking for the perfect apres ski experience. Here you’ll find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more; but don’t discount Leavenworth in the warmer months, as the town has access to incredible rafting, river tubing, and hiking.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Small Towns in Washington

January 22, 2023

Sarah M.

What are some other friendly small towns in Washington? In addition to the beguiling little town of Sammamish, here are some other warm and welcoming small towns in Washington:

Orting. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier lies one of the oldest towns in Washington. It doesn’t get more hometown than Orting. With one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the fall, and the annual Daffodil Festival and parade in the spring, Orting is all about community. And did we mention those stunning Mt. Rainier views? Roslyn. The tiny coal-mining town of Roslyn is located 80 miles east of Seattle and is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. You might recognize Roslyn as the filming location for the 1990s television series, “Northern Exposure”, but it’s the quaint shops and friendly people that draw visitors to this small town. Ellensburg. Ellensburg is known as the most centrally located city in the state of Washington. Visitors are drawn to the area for its quaint and historic downtown and the yearly Ellensburg Rodeo considered one of the best rodeos in North America. But did you know that the third rarest gem in the world, the Ellensburg Blue, can only be found in this small-town region? Friday Harbor. Lauded as one of the most picturesque towns in the US, Washington’s Friday Harbor is a vision. The town is located on San Juan Island, one of the most naturally stunning places in the country. Friday Harbor is a quintessential PNW seaside town, with winsome boats, lighthouses, and docks dotting its shores. Sailing and kayaking are popular pastimes here, and visitors will delight in whale watching along the Pacific shores, too. In town, an abundance of delightful shops and restaurants await, offering visitors a true taste of the Pacific Northwest. Leavenworth. You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. While outdoor options abound in this part of the country, Leavenworth really is a cultural hub for those looking for the perfect apres ski experience. Here you’ll find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more; but don’t discount Leavenworth in the warmer months, as the town has access to incredible rafting, river tubing, and hiking.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

In addition to the beguiling little town of Sammamish, here are some other warm and welcoming small towns in Washington:

  • Orting. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier lies one of the oldest towns in Washington. It doesn’t get more hometown than Orting. With one of the largest pumpkin festivals in the fall, and the annual Daffodil Festival and parade in the spring, Orting is all about community. And did we mention those stunning Mt. Rainier views?
  • Roslyn. The tiny coal-mining town of Roslyn is located 80 miles east of Seattle and is the perfect place to get away for the weekend. You might recognize Roslyn as the filming location for the 1990s television series, “Northern Exposure”, but it’s the quaint shops and friendly people that draw visitors to this small town.
  • Ellensburg. Ellensburg is known as the most centrally located city in the state of Washington. Visitors are drawn to the area for its quaint and historic downtown and the yearly Ellensburg Rodeo considered one of the best rodeos in North America. But did you know that the third rarest gem in the world, the Ellensburg Blue, can only be found in this small-town region?
  • Friday Harbor. Lauded as one of the most picturesque towns in the US, Washington’s Friday Harbor is a vision. The town is located on San Juan Island, one of the most naturally stunning places in the country. Friday Harbor is a quintessential PNW seaside town, with winsome boats, lighthouses, and docks dotting its shores. Sailing and kayaking are popular pastimes here, and visitors will delight in whale watching along the Pacific shores, too. In town, an abundance of delightful shops and restaurants await, offering visitors a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.
  • Leavenworth. You’ll feel as though you’ve been whisked away to the German Alps when you visit Leavenworth, Washington, one of the most enchanting towns in the Pacific Northwest. While outdoor options abound in this part of the country, Leavenworth really is a cultural hub for those looking for the perfect apres ski experience. Here you’ll find German specialties, including sausages, schnitzel, sauerkraut, pastries, potato salad, and of course, plenty of beer. During the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing, ice climbing, sleigh rides, and more; but don’t discount Leavenworth in the warmer months, as the town has access to incredible rafting, river tubing, and hiking.