Joe Mabel under a  CC 2.0  license.

Courtesy of Joe Mabel under a CC 2.0 license.

UPDATE: Check out our new 2023 Best Cities to Live in the U.S. list.

liv score
610
How We Calculate Our Data
Civics 67
Demographics 49
Economy 44
Education 68
Health 74
Housing 53
Infrastructure 81

#86. Pullman, WA

Life in Pullman is good for both the body and mind, and that’s why it made our list of the Top 100 Best Places to Live. Scoring high in the areas of health, education and infrastructure, locals can count on getting and staying fit while expanding their education.

With most necessities within a short walking and biking distance, there’s little need for a car in this top-rated college town. So if being active in the outdoors and working in the health and education industries fits with your dream lifestyle, this small Washington city might be perfect for you.

Local Obsession: WSU’s football team: Go Cougs!

Climate Described in 6 Words Or Less: Short, sweet summers; bitter, cold winters.

Top Industries and Employers: The top industries in Pullman are education and health care. The top employers are Washington State University and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories.

Local Dream Job: Who wouldn’t want to be a professor at one of Washington’s top universities?

Favorite Weekend Activity: Catching a game at Martin Stadium or checking out the local art galleries.

After-Work Meetup Spot: Rico’s Public House hosts the town’s longest running open mic and features live music.

Best Brewery/Local Beer: Paradise Creek Brewery serves standard pub fare and upscale dinner entrees like grilled, wild-caught salmon.

Beloved Bookstore: Brused Books (named after the owner Bruce Calkins)

Free Way to Have Fun: Bike from Pullman to Moscow, ID, on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail.

Truly Hidden Gem: Kamiak Butte. This national landmark has five miles of forested hiking trails to explore. It’s rarely crowded, so you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery and views without interruption.

– Annette Benedetti

Read More:

8 Reasons to Move to Washington

Moving to Washington? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

8 Things to You Must Do in Washington

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