I'm originally from the Seattle area and I cannot speak more highly of it. I've been living in Kentucky for just a little over a year now and I cannot wait to move back to my beloved Washington (which will probably happen within a year or two). It truly does rain a lot there and the skies are often gloomy, it really can drive some people crazy (not me ). For instance, I had an aunt who was absolutely miserable living in western Washington. She finally moved to the Las Vegas desert and is happy as a clam. Cost of living is rather expensive up there as well. I was paying more for a two bedroom/one story apartment there than I pay for my two bedroom/two story townhouse here in Kentucky. However, wages are usually higher in the northwest so it equals out somewhat. I've traveled quite a bit in the US (to Alaska, up and down the west coast, many national parks, etc), but I have NEVER found a place more gorgeous than Washington. The Cascade and Olympic Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Puget Sound, Seattle... it doesn't get any better! (Great, now I'm getting home sick). It is a very dog-friendly city and has numerous gorgeous and HUGE dog parks. Western Washington is truly a gem

A couple other places I've visited and loved are Cincinnati, OH and Nashville, TN. I've never lived in either city, but have visited both quite often. I think I'm drawn to Cinci because it often reminds me of Seattle. Nashville is just plain fun!