Seattle is anything but ordinary. It's a place where bike messengers share elevators with world-renowned researchers. Where fishermen have lunch alongside top surgeons. It's a city where the extraordinary is commonplace and commonplace is anything but. And if you look closely, you just might discover that in Seattle there are amazing things happening all around you. Seattle is located in King County.

Seattle is surrounded by water and mountains, and the city's attraction lies in the stunning views seen from the many vantage points throughout it's several neighborhoods. The awesome height of Mount Rainier is truly appreciated when seen from within the city, as it puts skyscrapers to shame from 200 miles away. These are views which indicate Seattle's easy access to outdoor recreational activities throughout the year.

Seattle is one of the three "gateway" cities to the Pacific Northwest (the others being Vancouver in British Columbia and Portland in Oregon). It is a commercial, cultural and transportation hub for the region (although don't expect the level of energy of big cities like Chicago and San Francisco).

You will find plenty of lodging fitting every description including bed and breakfasts, neighborhood motels, suites, inns and downtown boutique and high-rise hotels. Seattle offers a full range of arts, cultural and sporting events and attractions, and an abundance of shops and restaurants. You will probably wish to sample these in an exploration of its downtown historic districtand surrounding neighborhoods.

From a jet engine to an espresso machine to grunge rock, Seattle's world-changing events have all had a distinct sound. But the symphony doesn't end there. Your visit to Seattle may bring you the sound of an orca blowing as it surfaces, the roar of the crowd at Safeco Field or the near silence of the Olympic rainforest. Come to Seattle and hear for yourself.

You can't go to Paris without stopping by the Eiffel Tower. And you can't visit Seattle without checking out the view from the world-famous Space Needle. Here's a handy "must do" list for first-time visitors and those who want to be sure they've done everything (it may take more than one trip).

A 41-second elevator ride takes you up 520 feet to the observation deck of the Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair. Enjoy a meal at SkyCity, the restaurant at the top that revolves 360° while you dine.

Seattle embraces diverse cultures and creative ideas, and offers you unlimited opportunities to experience art, heritage and culture, all in a setting of rare natural beauty. What will you find? A thriving music, dance and theatre scene. Vibrant galleries and one-of-a-kind museums. Native American, maritime and pioneer history. Strong and diverse ethnic heritage influences. Fun festivals for every interest.

With Mount Rainier keeping a constant vigil over the city, it's no wonder many Seattleites claim mountaineering as hobby #1. In spring and summer, locals and tourists bolt for the hills and the region's many hikes and climbs. If you've succumbed to the siren song of Rainier's 14,411-foot summit, get in touch with a professional guide service. Feeling a bit mellower? Head to a bookstore and pick up a local hiking guidebook; you'll find profiles of dozens of hikes nearby.

With the onset of the spring snowmelt, the area serves up prime-time whitewater rafting. Rafters flock to two rivers in particular: the forest-hemmed Skykomish and the wide-open, sun-drenched Wenatchee. Both offer rollicking fun for participants of all skill levels.

Seattle is a major port city for trans-Pacific and European trade. The Port of Seattle is the fifth largest container port in the United States and the 25th largest in the world. You can see heavily laden container ships with exotic ensigns making their way through Elliot Bay transporting some of the $36 billion worth of products that cross the Port's docks each year. A drive across the West Seattle Bridge places you above Elliott Bay's Harbor Island for an aerial view of all this shipping and transportation activity. 

Housing Cost

Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $478,100

Demographics

Population in July 2007: 594,210. Seattle covers 83.9 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 350 feet above sea level.

Area code: 206

Weather

Seattle, WA climate is mild during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 60's and cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 40's.

The warmest month of the year is August with an average maximum temperature of 74.90 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 36.00 degrees Fahrenheit.

Temperature variations between night and day tend to be fairly limited during summer with a difference that can reach 18 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

The annual average precipitation at Seattle is 38.25 Inches. Winter months tend to be wetter than summer months. The wettest month of the year is December with an average rainfall of 6.06 Inches.

Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com